What Does Commercial Building Painting Include?

A well‑painted building doesn’t just look good — it performs better, too. Commercial building painting protects your structure from weather damage, keeps your property value high, and shows your clients and tenants that you take pride in your space.
But what exactly does the process involve? From choosing the right paint to understanding how often your building should be repainted, here’s everything you need to know before getting started.

What Type of Paint Is Used in Commercial Buildings?

Not all paints are created equal. Commercial building painting requires durable, long‑lasting coatings that stand up to foot traffic, moisture, UV exposure, and constant cleaning.

Here are the most common options:

  • Acrylic latex paint – The go‑to for most interiors and exteriors; fast‑drying, low‑odor, and resistant to fading.
  • Epoxy paint – Ideal for high‑traffic areas such as warehouses, stairwells, and factory floors thanks to its chemical and abrasion resistance.
  • Elastomeric coatings – Thick, flexible exterior paints that expand and contract with temperature changes to prevent cracking.
  • Oil‑based paints – Used for trim and metal surfaces where extra durability and shine are needed.

At Integrity Painting, we tailor every project to the environment — from low‑VOC coatings in offices to industrial finishes for manufacturing facilities.

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How to Paint a Commercial Building: Step by Step

Professional commercial building painting follows a structured process to guarantee long‑term performance and minimal disruption to business operations.

  1. Inspection & Planning – We assess your surfaces, identify repairs, and build a detailed schedule to minimize downtime.

  2. Surface Preparation – Power washing, patching, sanding, and priming to create the perfect foundation.

  3. Material Selection – Choosing commercial‑grade paints suited for the building’s surface and use.

  4. Application – Using sprayers, rollers, or brushes depending on the surface type and texture required.

  5. Final Walkthrough – We complete a detailed inspection, touch up imperfections, and leave the site spotless.


How Often Should a Commercial Building Be Painted?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but on average, commercial interiors should be repainted every 3 to 5 years, while exteriors typically need repainting every 5 to 10 years depending on weather exposure, building materials, and traffic.

If your building is located in a city like Winnipeg where winters are harsh and summers bring intense sunlight, exterior paint may degrade faster. High-traffic interiors, like lobbies or restrooms, may need more frequent touch-ups or repaints to maintain a professional appearance.

A commercial building painting schedule isn’t just about looks—it’s a strategic investment in preserving the property’s value and reducing long-term repair costs.

How to Paint a Commercial Building: A Step-by-Step Overview

Painting a commercial building requires much more than just a brush and a ladder. Here’s what a professional commercial painting project typically involves:

  1. Site Assessment and Planning
    The contractor evaluates the building’s size, surface material, required repairs, weather conditions, and any safety hazards.

  2. Surface Preparation
    This may include pressure washing, filling cracks or holes, sanding, priming, and masking areas like windows or signage.

  3. Color & Finish Selection
    Paint colors are chosen to align with your branding, the surrounding environment, and long-term maintenance goals.

  4. Priming and Painting
    High-quality primers and commercial-grade paints are applied using brushes, rollers, or sprayers depending on surface type.

  5. Final Inspection & Cleanup
    The crew ensures every surface is evenly coated, edges are sharp, and the site is left spotless.

Professional commercial building painting isn’t a DIY job—it requires licensed contractors, proper insurance, and sometimes specialized equipment like boom lifts or scaffolding.

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What Is the Best Paint Finish for a Commercial Building?

Choosing the right finish affects both appearance and durability:

  • Flat/Matte: Great for hiding imperfections but harder to clean. Best for ceilings or low-traffic offices.

  • Eggshell: Subtle sheen and easy to clean—ideal for professional spaces.

  • Satin: More durable than eggshell; commonly used in hallways, break rooms, and other high-traffic areas.

  • Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Best for trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms—areas that require frequent cleaning.

For exteriors, satin or semi-gloss is usually recommended for durability and weather resistance. A professional contractor will help you choose the best finish based on your use case and maintenance expectations.

What Are the Best Colors for Commercial Buildings?

Color psychology matters more than most people think—especially in commercial spaces:

  • Neutral tones (grays, beiges, off-whites) are timeless and professional.

  • Blues and greens offer a calming effect—great for healthcare or wellness offices.

  • Bold brand colors can energize retail spaces and make your property stand out.

  • Dark hues add elegance but may fade faster in sunlight.

Your commercial building painting project should take into account your brand, your audience, and the message you want to convey. Inconsistent or outdated colors can make your business look neglected—don’t underestimate the impact of a fresh palette.

Do I Need a Permit for Commercial Building Painting?

In many municipalities, exterior commercial painting projects may require permits—especially if the building is in a historic zone, the color scheme is drastically changing, or scaffolding and equipment will block sidewalks or roads.

Check with your city’s building department or hire a painting contractor familiar with local regulations. At Integrity Painting, we ensure every project is up to code and compliant with local bylaws.

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What Should I Look for in a Commercial Painting Contractor?

Before you sign any contracts, look for a team that offers:

  • Experience with commercial projects
  • Proper licensing and insurance
  • Detailed written estimates
  • High-quality materials and tools
  • Clear timelines and communication
  • Warranty or satisfaction guarantee

Commercial building painting requires more than just good technique—it takes coordination, safety protocols, and a deep understanding of how paint performs in high-traffic, high-visibility environments.

Ready to Paint with Integrity?

Whether you're planning a full strata repaint, refreshing your living room walls, or upgrading your commercial space — we’re here to make your project stress-free and beautifully done. With over 30 years of experience in Winnipeg, our team is trusted by hundreds of homeowners and property managers across the city.

We paint with purpose, precision, and pride.
Visit our homepage or get started by exploring our:

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Prefer to speak with someone directly? Call us at (431) 430-5754 — we’re happy to help.

Integrity Painting — Winnipeg painters who never cut corners. We paint them.