Durability is especially important in commercial painting projects. Thanks to high traffic, exposure to the elements, and frequent cleaning, it can quickly degrade without proper preventative measures. While many people think that paint quality alone determines its longevity, the truth is that surface preparation also plays an essential role.
At Brush Brothers Commercial Painting, we understand the importance of proper surface preparation in ensuring your commercial paint job will stand the test of time. In this blog post, we’ll share why surface preparation is the foundation of a durable paint job so you know what to expect next time your facility needs a fresh coat of paint.
How Surface Preparation Directly Impacts Paint Durability
Depending on the surface type and environment, surface preparation can involve cleaning, performing surface repairs, removing old paint or coatings, sanding, rust treatment, and/or applying primer. These steps are essential for ensuring proper paint adhesion, providing resistance to moisture and corrosion, and avoiding premature peeling, blistering, cracking, and flaking. When you prioritize surface preparation before painting, you won’t have to repaint as often, saving you both time and money in the long run.
On the other hand, if you skip proper surface preparation, you’re shortening the lifespan of your paint job. You’ll have to repair and repaint more frequently, disrupting your business operations and increasing your overall operating costs. Plus, flaking and peeling paint reflects poorly on your business, negatively impacting your brand image and reputation.
Key Steps in Surface Preparation
Depending on the type of surface you plan on painting, the surface preparation process may include:
Cleaning and Degreasing
It’s crucial to remove dust, oils, dirt, grease, and chemical residues before painting. Otherwise, all that gunk will be trapped under the paint, preventing it from bonding properly to the underlying surface. For exterior surfaces, power washing is typically the best way to ensure a thorough clean. For interior surfaces, make sure you carefully scrub every inch.
Surface Repairs and Patching
If cracks, holes, and imperfections are present on the surface, it’s important to patch or repair them before painting. Applying paint over the damaged areas shortens the coating’s lifespan — plus, it means you won’t get a smooth, professional finish.
Removing Old Coatings
If the surface has previously been painted or coated, it may be necessary to remove these old coatings before applying a new one. If the old paint is still in relatively good condition, a quick sand may be all you need. However, if it’s peeling, flaking, or delaminating, you’ll need to completely remove it — otherwise, it will cause the new paint to fail, as well.
Rust and Corrosion Treatment for Metal Surfaces
Check for any signs of rust or corrosion before painting a metal surface. If you paint over the rust, it can still spread underneath the paint, causing issues down the road. Removing it with special cleaning solutions, sanding, or sand blasting is the best way to ensure your coating stands the test of time. Make sure you use rust inhibitors and corrosion-resistant primers, as well.
The Role of Primer in Surface Preparation
Primer is not optional, especially in commercial applications where durability is a priority. It may be frustrating to have to perform an extra step, but the benefits of primer are definitely worth it. From improving performance and durability to enhancing adhesion to making it easier to achieve full paint coverage, primer plays a huge role in a successful paint job.
Just make sure you match your primer to the material and environment — there are specialty primers formulated for moisture resistance, stain blocking, corrosion prevention, high-alkaline concrete, and more.
How Professional Commercial Painters Ensure Proper Surface Preparation
If you want to be able to trust that your new paint will stand the test of time, working with professional commercial painters is the way to go. With expert site inspections and surface evaluations, the use of commercial-grade tools and equipment, and careful quality control before paint application even begins, experienced professionals like those at Brush Brothers can provide high-quality results you wouldn’t be able to achieve on your own.
Durable, Long-Lasting Results by Brush Brothers Commercial Painting
At Brush Brothers Commercial Painting, we know that surface preparation is the foundation of a durable commercial paint job, which is why we never cut corners. If your commercial building could use a fresh coat of paint, contact us today to schedule an estimate and learn more about how we can help.
