Painting is an affordable, effective way to refresh or reimagine a commercial or multi-family property. A fresh coat of paint sets expectations, improves visual appeal, prevents wear and tear, and brings a property in line with current market trends.
Signs you might need to repaint include:
- Paint is peeling, chipping, or bubbling
- A tenant has moved out
- You want to introduce an on-trend color scheme
- You want to show a property in its best light
- You’ve rebranded or wish to present a new image
Here’s what to know about interior painting.
The Space Informs Your Paint Choices
Before making any paint type or color decisions, consider the size, layout, lighting, and function of your space. All of these will inform your interior painting decisions. For example, white can make low ceilings appear higher, which is excellent for smaller residential spaces. Speckled or textured paints hide scuff marks, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. A high sheen is easy to clean but reflects light, so a mid-sheen is best in office areas where people will be working at computers or under fluorescent lights.
Other factors to consider are existing furniture, fixtures, finishes, and any other existing color schemes – including the building’s exterior or heritage or HOA requirements. Taking these into account will help you avoid clashing tones, too-busy color palettes, or even having to repaint in the future.
If you’re unsure where to start, consult with your painting contractor for recommendations regarding paint types, combinations, and finishes. The team at Manders is always happy to advise on current trends and high-performing options.
Different Paint Types Deliver Different Results
When it comes to interior painting, both form and function matter. Choosing the right kind of paint can improve longevity and extend the time between repainting. This is vital for multi-family, commercial or high-traffic properties where the cost and time involved in repainting can impact your bottom line.
Oil-based paints are the “traditional” interior paint, but there are numerous other options on the market today. Fast-drying, with good coverage, and able to be applied over existing paint, latex is a popular choice when quickly turning over residential properties, while shellac is a good option for keeping wood trim looking fresh long-term. Ultra-hard wearing and glossy, epoxy is ideal for high-traffic areas – and makes up for its initial expense with its longevity.
Factors that will inform what paint type is ideal for your interior painting job include cost, traffic, likely wear and tear, prep and drying time, and the need for chemical and stain resistance. For recommendations on the best paint type for your job – including a cost breakdown – talk to your Manders painting contractor.
There’s Prep Work Involved in Painting
A repainting job can be done relatively quickly – but that assumes that you’ve got all the moving parts under control.
If you’re considering repainting your building’s interior, the first thing to do is find the right contractor. Look for a company with experience in your type of painting job, is knowledgeable about different paint types, has a solid reputation, and is licensed, bonded, and insured. At Manders, we have generations of painting experience under our belt – and we’re always happy to answer any questions or share our expertise.
Next, you’ll want to establish your budget and schedule. Depending on the property and the size of the job, you may need to allow a longer lead time to ensure building managers and personnel can make alternative working arrangements. In some instances, you may be able to arrange for the painting to happen outside regular working hours, or the job may be completed bit by bit when certain areas are scheduled to be unoccupied. Be sure to inform customers, clients, and tenants when the painting will occur, and keep your painting contractor updated as well.
In addition to this, we highly recommend making sure your building is up to code and in good shape before painting begins. Have any repair work done ahead of time – this will save you time and money in the long run.
Talk to the Team at Manders About Your Interior Painting Job
At Manders, we leverage generations of interior painting experience across all building types and jobs. If you need someone to help with tenant turnovers, touch-ups, or rebranding, we’re happy to help. Talk to us today about how we can help you complete your interior painting project on time, within budget – and with great results.
