If you are searching for commercial painting contractors or industrial painting contractors, you may be wondering what the difference is. While the two types of painting are similar, there is a difference. Depending on the type of project you have in mind, you will want to make sure you hire the type of contractor with experience with your job to get the best results.

In short, commercial painting involves buildings that are generally accessible to the public. So, you want them to look beautiful and cosmetically appealing to visitors, customers, employees, or tenants. Industrial painting is more about functionality and durability for industrial settings, which can involve specialized equipment and coatings.

Ghaster Painting & Coatings has more than 45 years of experience with both commercial and industrial painting, so you can be confident that the job will get done right regardless of your project type.

Commercial Painting

Commercial painting encompasses commercial and business properties, including:

  • Retail stores
  • Office buildings
  • Restaurants
  • Hospitality
  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Apartment buildings and high rises
  • Schools and universities
  • Churches

While making sure buildings are protected from weather and wear and tear, commercial painting projects also focus on aesthetics to create an inviting environment for customers, employees, and tenants. Most of the work involved painting building exteriors, interior walls, ceilings, doors, and trim.

Industrial Painting

Industrial painting includes painting projects for industrial facilities, such as:

  • Manufacturing plants
  • Warehouses
  • Machine shops
  • Cooling towers
  • Industrial office complexes

Industrial painting typically involves more intense surface preparation, such as pressure washing, degreasing, or sandblasting to remove any rust or industrial contaminants before coatings are applied. Industrial painting will make things look good but will also use specialized paints and coating to protect surfaces from corrosion, chemicals, and other environmental factors. It may also include painting tanks and pipes.

The goal is to provide a protective coating that is highly durable and can withstand harsh conditions. Often, this means oil-based paints and industrial finishes to protect metal from corrosion and may involve specialized equipment such as electrostatic spraying.

Electrostatic spraying provides complete surface coverage by introducing a positive charge to the paint and a negative charge to the surface. This enables the paint to bond tightly and wrap around objects smoothly while avoiding overspray or mess. The surface becomes non-porous and will withstand damage from chemicals.

Looking for a Commercial or Industrial Painting Contractor?

Regardless of your painting needs, there are some key things you should look for when evaluating a painting contractor.

Experienced Painting Company

You want to work with a painting company that has deep experience with the type of project you have. Ideally, they will have decades of experience. The quality of the finish can vary greatly depending on the skill and expertise of the painting crew, so it helps to work with a painting company that knows the best way to approach a job and overcome challenges.

An experienced commercial painting company like Ghaster Painting & Coatings can advise you on the best paints and coatings for your project to provide optimal protection, as well as the various options available.

This experience will impact every aspect of the job. With an experienced painting company, you will get:

  • Fast, accurate estimates
  • Projects delivered within the specified timeframe and budget
  • The right equipment and crew for the job
  • The right paints and coatings for maximum protection

Experienced Painting Crews

You also want a commercial painting crew or industrial painting crew that has been thoroughly trained and tested. Work with a company that does not subcontract the core painting work. For example, Ghaster Painting & Coatings does not sub out their painting. Instead, they use only company employees. Most have more than 10 years of experience, and all of them are fully trained in best practices. They have also all passed a background check and drug test and OSHA safety training.

Experienced crews will work more efficiently to complete jobs to minimize your downtime.

Evaluating Painting Contractors

Because of the specialized nature of commercial and industrial painting jobs, you should expect an on-site walkthrough to discuss your project. For any painting companies you are considering, you should make sure they:

  • Are licensed and bonded
  • Carry adequate insurance in case of any damage or injuries
  • Provide a warranty
  • Can provide references for past clients

Make sure to get everything in writing and pay careful attention to the materials in the bid. You do not want to have to repaint any more often than necessary, so always choose high-quality paints and coatings that will stand up over time.

To discuss your commercial painting or industrial painting needs, contact Ghaster Painting & Coatings today at (602) 277-8541 or request a bid online.

Author Kirsten Ghaster

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