Don’t Put Off Scheduling Your Exterior Painting Projects

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK…

You know how that saying ends, as well as the meaning behind it. Here’s another truism. You only have one chance to make a first impression.

The first thing your tenants and their customers see is the outside of your buildings. It’s important that the exterior is appealing. Regular exterior painting is an essential part of keeping your property viable in a competitive market.

It’s Not Just Choosing Colors

Paint is not just paint. Yes, a new coat of paint will brighten and update a building’s appearance. The right paint will also protect surfaces from deterioration by moisture and pollution. This is especially important in colder climates when snow, ice and salt can sustain maximum damage in a short period of time. You should also take into consideration whether you need paint that is textured, fire-resistant or low VOC when deciding on exterior paint. You can even choose paint that reflects light from the sun which will reduce the amount of heat absorbed by exterior surfaces. It’s imperative to choose the right kind of paint for your property’s exterior surfaces and for the amount of protection your property needs. A good painting contractor like Team Cam will work with you to recommend the right paint solution for your needs.

Color IS Important

Your property’s exterior color can be a defining feature. A well-chosen exterior color brings character and life to an otherwise nondescript property. The trend toward more interesting exterior colors has become increasingly prevalent in commercial buildings as an effort to stand out from the competition and be more appealing to prospective tenants. Although white or beige will always be the most popular and safest choice, if you are in the position to think creatively about your property’s exterior color, you should feel confident in doing so.

Preparation

Any painting project should always start with a good cleaning. In order for the new paint job to last and look great, your painting contractor must first address what’s already there.

Team Cam will start by removing anything undesirable from exterior surfaces including rust, debris and old paint. This is also a good time to fix dry rot and other damage so that your exterior walls are strong and secure. Each exterior wall is pressure washed with an eco-friendly detergent to eliminate grime, moss and mildew. If certain exterior walls are more fragile than others, they are cleaned by hand.

After the walls are dry, Team Cam will scrape the old paint away and smooth the surface and edges. This is an important step to ensure a smooth finish. This is also the last chance to fix cracks and other exterior damage. Wall cracks should be caulked with a long-lasting caulk to prevent moisture and insects from entering and causing damage. Once this is all accomplished, a good painting contractor like Team Cam will use a bonding agent to ensure that the new paint adheres to the surface and to prevent moisture from compromising the walls beneath.

Now, it’s time to paint!

Timing

Obviously, it’s best to schedule exterior painting projects in good weather. However, it’s also important to consider your tenants’ business cycles and your budget cycle as well. Try to schedule a painting project away from potential new landscaping projects so your contractors are not competing for space and causing a lot of disruption outside your building. A good painting contractor will work with you to choose a schedule that works for you and your tenants.

With the right exterior painting contractor, your book will be dynamic and your first impressions will be solid. Call Team Cam at 443-960-8276 for more information on how we can help.