Many business owners are amazed when they discover how huge the demand for painting services is. In the United States alone, painters generate a market worth more than $40 billion each year. There are more than 410,000 people employed in the painting industry around the country.
These numbers are a strong indicator of the value that we get out of quality painting services. However, companies might not have to spend so much on building paint contractors if paint jobs would last longer. Unfortunately, many exterior commercial building painting jobs end up losing their pristine appearance after only a short period of time.
The good news is that expert painters have spent a long time studying this problem. They have discovered many maintenance tips you can use to help your commercial building paint last as long as possible. So, what can you do to extend the lifespan of your commercial building paint?
Read on to learn all about the top maintenance tips that will make your paint last longer!
Invest in a Quality Coating System and Contractor
The longevity of your commercial building paint will depend to a large degree on the quality of the application job. That is one reason why it is so important to hire a quality exterior commercial painting contractor.
Some people are reluctant to do this because it can cost more than going with the most inexpensive option around. However, in the long run, investing in a quality commercial paint job will save you money.
Of course, you can also manage your commercial paint job on your own. If you do so, make sure to prepare your surfaces before you paint them. If the surfaces you are painting are not clean, then dust, debris, and other contaminates will interfere with the adhesion between the paint and the surface.
Once you are ready to paint, make sure to use a quality primer. Also, be sure to select the appropriate primer for the surface that you intend to paint. This will extend the life of the coating system by ensuring the raw surface is sealed. It will also give the finish coat a suitable surface to adhere to. The application of the correct primer will mitigate the risk of most common paint issues including peeling and blistering.
You will then want to follow up with using high-quality paint designed for the type of building being painted. Application of the finish coat per the manufacturer’s specification is key. This will produce a uniform finish that is protected from the elements.
Of course, it is often simpler to hire a quality commercial building paint contractor to take care of this for you. Once you have your paint job finished, you can use these tips to help it last as long as possible.
Keep Exterior Building Maintenance Paint on Hand
It is always prudent to have some of the paint from the most recent paint job on hand. Ideally an unopened container of the material that was used initially. This will help with color accuracy and make sure it is compatible with the product that was used originally. Paint should be stored at a consistent temperature above freezing at all times. Most modern paints have a shelf life of five years or more if stored correctly.
All coatings have a lifespan dictated by the environmental conditions present. Wind, water, and sun are usually the biggest culprits of the deterioration of a coating system. It is important that if you begin to see signs of wear they should be addressed immediately. By touching up these areas, you can mitigate the problem from spreading to a larger area and avoid having to repaint the entire structure.
Be Gentle When Cleaning
It is important to keep your paint job clean if you want it to always look its best. Coatings are designed with regular maintenance cleaning in mind. However, if you clean your painted surface the wrong way, it will not last as long.
You should make sure to avoid using harsh chemicals on your paint. Never use undiluted chemicals or solvents to clean the existing coating. Always follow the manufactures recommended dilution rates. In many cases, buildings that are regularly cleaned only need to be rinsed with water.
Many cleaning products that contain ammonia can damage the outermost layer of the paint leading to more issues down the road. Only use a product that is recommended for outdoor surface cleaning, ideally a non-toxic option.
Even if you use a gentle cleaning product, you can do a lot of damage to your paint if you use abrasive cleaning tools. Make sure to only use soft cloths like microfiber or cotton rags. If you come across stubborn dirt or stains, take your time and be gentle to avoid doing damage to the paint underneath.
Invest in Timely Exterior Maintenance
Due to the nature of exterior paint always being exposed to the environment, it will degrade at a faster rate than interior paint. However, wherever your paint starts to show signs of wear it is important to correct them immediately.
Southern exposures of buildings and anywhere there is a significant amount of water collection will always be the first to go. Make it a point of repairing it as fast as possible. The longer you let damage to your paint job go ignored, the more it will tend to spread.
Bringing in a painting contractor to address these areas annually or semiannually will help extend the life of your investment. It will also ensure that the touch-up paint is being applied correctly.
Follow the Best Coating System Lifespan Extension Tips
Many people invest a lot into their building’s painting project only to see it wear out much faster than expected. In the long run, this can be both inconvenient as well as expensive. However, learning about maintenance tips for your coating system can help it last as long as possible.
Remember, maintaining your commercial building’s paint is an investment that yields long-term benefits. It enhances your property’s curb appeal, protects against the elements, and extends the lifespan of your paint job.
Contact W.T Kenney today to learn more about our painting services and how we can assist you in maintaining your commercial building’s paint. Let us help you preserve the beauty and value of your property while exceeding your expectations. Together, we can make your vision a lasting reality.
