The prep work that goes into getting a commercial building ready to paint is one of the most important steps in a painting project. Poorly prepared surfaces will almost always lead to poor results. Even if the finish looks fine when the painting is done, it likely will not hold up well over time and will need to be repainted more often. To avoid these problems, start with the right steps in preparing surfaces for commercial painting.
Step 1: Choosing an Experienced and Professional Painting Contractor in AZ
There is much more to commercial painting in Arizona than putting down a drop cloth and firing up a paint sprayer. The work done to prepare your building’s interior and exterior surfaces will determine how well the job will hold up over time.
This is why you should work with an experienced commercial painting contractor in AZ who knows what it takes to get the job done right. Ghaster Paintings & Coatings has more than 50 years of commercial painting experience and has painted thousands of commercial properties in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.
Ghaster Painting & Coatings does not use subcontractors or daily hires for commercial and industrial painting jobs. All crew members are employees and are trained in commercial painting best practices and OSHA safety procedures.
We work across multiple industries, including:
- Commercial and residential high-rise buildings
- Retail facilities
- Restaurants
- Hotels and hospitality
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Aerospace facilities
Our expertise also extends to industrial surface preparation and painting works, ensuring every project is completed to the highest standards.
When you work with Ghaster Painting & Coatings, you can trust us to take the proper steps to make your commercial facility look beautiful for longer. Check out the commercial painting picture gallery to see pictures of some of our recent jobs.
Upgrade Your Commercial Space with Expert Painting
Step 2: Inspecting Surfaces
High-quality paints and finishes protect your facility from the elements, water damage, and more. However, simply painting over damaged areas will not solve the problem. In many cases, it may just hide the problem and give it more time to undermine the structural integrity of your commercial building.
You should carefully inspect all surfaces for signs of wear and damage. Look for cracks or fractures, mold or mildew, rot, damage from pests, and signs of water leaks or damage. Chipping, peeling, cracking, or blistering paint should also be examined.
Step 3: Repairing Damage
Before commercial painting in Arizona begins, you need to repair any damage. Small cracks and paint chips can generally be corrected by sanding and using filler. Larger jobs may require other contractors to tackle serious problems, such as structural or water damage.
Nothing stalls a painting project faster than finding out repairs are needed at the last minute. Some contractors can handle minor repairs, but larger issues, such as structural or water damage, often require specialists. Regardless, you must ensure surfaces are in good shape before professional painters start.
| Surface Prep by Substrate | ||
| Substrate | Common Issues | Prep Method |
| Drywall | Cracks, holes | Scrape, patch, sand |
| Metal | Rust, peeling paint | Scrape, sand, rust remover |
| Concrete | Cracks, uneven areas | Patch, filler, grind |
| Wood | Rot, old coatings | Sand, fill, seal |
Step 4: Cleaning and Preparing Surfaces for Commercial Painting
Paints need a clean surface to adhere to. Proper surface preparation on exteriors may require power washing, sandblasting, or scrubbing. For commercial interior painting, you must ensure surfaces are clean and complete any needed repair work. These steps are also effective commercial interior painting tips for a smooth, lasting finish.
Drywall may require scraping, patching, and sanding to smooth the walls. Metal doors, garages, and other metal parts may need to be scraped to remove rust or wear. Concrete and masonry may require patching or filler. Cleaning and adequately preparing each substrate is essential for protecting surfaces and ensuring good adhesion. If you need to move furniture, files, or temperature-sensitive equipment out of the way during the project, using climate-controlled storage can help protect items from Arizona’s extreme heat while ensuring they stay in optimal condition until the work is complete.
You should also make the site accessible for painting crews. Outdoors, trim trees, shrubs, or landscaping that could touch the building and remove any obstacles around walls, windows, or doors. Indoors, move or cover furniture and clean floors to reduce dust.
Step 5: Priming Commercial Buildings as Needed
While primer is not needed in every situation, a primer coat is an essential part of commercial painting in AZ most of the time. Primer helps hide stains, blemishes, and colors while providing a slightly sticky layer for better paint adherence. Primer and paint work together during the curing stage to provide a tight bond with the surface underneath.
Different surfaces need different types of primers for effectiveness. So, you should consult with your commercial painting contractor in AZ to ensure you are using the correct type of primer.
| Office Interior Paint Colors and Brand Identity | ||
| Color | Brand Impression | Best Use Cases |
| Blue | Trust, stability, focus | Tech companies, financial institutions, offices |
| Green | Balance, calm, wellness | Healthcare, wellness centers, eco-friendly brands |
| Gray / Neutrals | Professionalism, sophistication | Law firms, corporate offices, modern workspaces |
| Yellow | Energy, optimism, creativity | Creative agencies, coworking spaces, hospitality |
| Red / Bold Accents | Passion, urgency, excitement | Retail, restaurants, branded accent walls |
Step 6: Using High-Quality Paints and Coatings
Choose high-quality paints and coatings for your finishes. Painting is disruptive and can be expensive. So, you do not want to do it more than necessary. When you’re choosing paint for commercial spaces and finishes that are low-quality, they will not hold up as long and will require maintenance and repainting more often. So, do yourself a favor and find a painting partner that uses high-quality products that produce a beautiful finish that last longer.
Always opt for professional-grade paints and coatings. While they may cost more upfront, they will last significantly longer and reduce the need for frequent repaints, saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
In addition, your paint color is more than cosmetic. It can reinforce your brand identity, improve the experience for tenants or customers, and create a professional impression. Work with your contractor to choose options for colors and finishes that complement your style while holding up under heavy use. This is especially important when selecting office interior paint colors, where the right shades can influence productivity, comfort, and overall workplace atmosphere.
Step 7: Working Out a Schedule That Fits Your Business
Every building is different. Some businesses can afford to shut down for a few days to complete the project quickly, while others must remain open. An experienced painting contractor can help you develop a schedule that minimizes disruption. Crews may work early mornings, late nights, or even overnight if needed.
The weather is a key factor in planning an exterior painting project. In Arizona, it is best to avoid the monsoon season and the hottest times of the year to ensure the paint cures properly.
Step 8: Keeping Stakeholders Informed
Communication is crucial. Let employees, tenants, and even neighboring businesses know when and where painting commercial buildings will take place. You may need to block off certain parking areas, close off sections of your building, or adjust operating hours.
Communicating the schedule in advance minimizes disruption throughout the interior and exterior commercial painting project.
Step 9: Prioritizing Safety
Safety should never be an afterthought. Make sure your contractor enforces strict safety measures and that every worker on site has completed OSHA training. Safety equipment, proper signage, and restricted access zones should be in place to protect employees, customers, and tenants.
With Ghaster, you can be confident that every crew member is trained to keep both people and property safe throughout the professional painting services.
Step 10: Doing a Walkthrough Before Work Begins
Before the first drop of paint is applied, schedule a walkthrough with your contractor. This step allows you to review the building together, identify problem areas, and confirm that all repairs, cleaning, and prep work have been completed. A final walkthrough helps confirm everything is ready before the project begins.
When you get a quote from a commercial painting contractor in AZ, you should point out any obvious signs of damage to get an expert opinion on remediation.
The Final Brushstroke: Setting Up Your Commercial Painting Project for Success
Successful commercial painting begins with careful preparation. By handling repairs, cleaning, and scheduling ahead of time, you minimize disruption and avoid costly repaints. Clear planning and communication keep every stage moving smoothly. With the right steps in preparing surfaces for commercial painting, your building will have a durable finish that protects and elevates the space for years.
Are you planning a commercial painting project in AZ? Contact Ghaster Painting & Coatings to request an estimate.
