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Whether you are a project lead looking for tips on your very first commercial paint design or you are an expert and this project is just another notch in the belt, there is an abundance of various factors to consider in the decision-making process.
In taking the time now to look into the wide range of considerations you are saving both time and overhead costs. Design once and in its entirety and you will save yourself the burden of redesign by virtue of meticulous planning.
There are nearly an infinite amount of considerations to take when making a decision such as a scope and design of your commercial painting. Did you know the choice of paint color can impact your overhead costs?
When looking at commercial paint design solutions it is imperative to be aware of the various impacts this investment has both on your patrons and brand. Hiring a commercial painter in advance is always a good idea. Take a look at a few things to consider when designing and implementing your unique paint design.
Functionality
A key metric in any successful investment is the functionality of the investment. The function of a commercial paint is more than just aesthetics. For example, choosing the correct color of paint can help mitigate heating and cooling costs. By selecting lighter coolers in hot climates and darker colors in more temperate areas, you can leverage nature to help offset your HVAC use.
In interior areas, colors can function as a means to help make rooms feel larger or smaller by design. By expanding the function of your previously cosmetic in nature only design to include efficiency you are creating a more complete design.
Warranty
How long is your new paint design rated to last? What if anything is covered in the warranty? Are there any options for purchasing an extended warranty? These questions provide a baseline for determining the life of your paint design and when you should expect to factor in for a touch-up.
Generally, indoor paint on walls tends to have a longer life span when compared to exterior walls that have direct contact with sunlight on most days. The life of painted floors also varies with high traffic areas needing touch-ups more rapidly than areas with reduced foot traffic.
Branding
BUILD THAT BRAND! Becoming synonymous with a message is key to brand building. If your commercial location will be viewed by patrons or used in marketing efforts, invoking your branding guidelines as a baseline for design is a great starting consideration.
Build the brand that your patrons can recognize instantly! This can be achieved in part by an easily recognizable color pattern, or slogan being incorporated at the design phase.
Resale Value
Something to consider when making a commercial paint design is the resale value of the property. While hot pink exterior walls may brand well for your company, doing so while located in the Old Art District may not be the best for image or resale efforts.
Although the future may seem far away, looking at growth models and seeing to the evolving needs of the company take priority over simply “what looks appealing”. Plan ahead now and save your company the headache and cost associated with having to repaint again before closing!
Budget
One of the most critical considerations for your commercial paint design is the budget. Factors like accessibility to the painting surface, annual weather conditions, prior paint removal, and finishing all impact the cost of the project.
Having a sufficient budget and planning for possible variances will help keep your cash flow from being hindered by surprise expenditures. Be sure to document all the expenses for this improvement and have them reported to your tax accountant to leverage any possible tax incentives.
Composite Material
Painting has made great strides in increasing functionality, or in this case commercial painting application and use. From handrails to walking surfaces various add-ins can be used to create various properties.
Thus the name composite, as the paint is composed of several components that grant it additional properties. Namely anti-slip composite paint can be used in high traffic areas to prevent fall hazards and hydrophobic (water repellent) paint can be used to great effect in areas near pools or fresh grocery areas for quick and easy cleanup of spills.
Plan for Additional Repairs
Be wary of additional repairs that may be revealed during the design process. Broken windows, edges, chipped or cracked walls and other common issues should be remedied before being painted over. Leaving these issues untouched not only can reduce the life of your paint job but also leave your building looking poorly kept.
Be sure to note any major repairs you know need to be addressed and plan for them accordingly. The goal of any repair should be to address the root issue if possible and within budget.
Conceptualize Your Design
One of the most powerful visuals you can have is a real-life model of your design. Taking the extra time to consider how the design looks in application versus theory reduces the chance of any surprises arising.
How the selected paint appears on drywall versus a metal siding may impact a variety of factors like gloss or feel. You may find that certain materials give the paint a characteristic that was unanticipated beforehand.
Purpose
This consideration is perhaps the most subjective. Why is this paint design needed and what is its purpose? Does this design fulfill this purpose? Keep the purpose of the project at its core to avoid frivolous design concepts. Just like a tool in a skilled worker's hands, the design too is a tool.
It is the responsibility of the project lead to ensure that the design still ultimately serves its purpose for the company. All in all, there is a multitude of considerations that come into play when looking at a commercial paint design.
Preparing For Your Project
These considerations are a great starting point for your search and can provide you with valuable insight. Be sure to keep a log on all your important notes regarding your design so that you can address each process and plan around any barriers that may arise. When you are careful about planning and decision making, you’re more likely to love the outcome!
