What Type of Paint Is Used on Commercial Buildings?

If you own or manage a commercial building, keeping up with painting and maintenance is crucial. But have you ever wondered what kind of paint gets used on those big office towers, retail stores, and other commercial properties? It’s not just regular interior house paint – commercial painters use specialized coatings made for durability and longevity on large buildings.

Exterior Paints for Commercial Buildings

For the exterior surfaces of commercial buildings, elastomeric paint is very commonly used. This is a flexible, thick paint that can stretch and bridge small cracks in stucco or concrete surfaces. It provides incredible resistance to weather, sun damage, and moisture intrusion. Elastomeric coatings are so tough that they are often used to waterproof roofs, masonry, and even older wood surfaces.

For metal surfaces like steel beams, handrails or exterior trim, oil-based alkyd enamel paints are the go-to-choice for commercial exterior painters in Urbandale and Des Moines. These paints create a hard, glossy surface that stands up extremely well to abrasion, chemicals, and high-traffic areas. They lock out moisture to prevent rust and corrosion on metal. The downside is they have a strong solvent odor when applied.

Interior Paints for Commercial Use

Going inside a commercial building, the most common paint is a water-based acrylic latex in either an eggshell or semi-gloss sheen. These commercial interior paints are durable enough to withstand frequent cleaning and scrubbing in high-traffic areas like hallways, lobbies, and stairwells. They are lower in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than oil-based paints for better indoor air quality.

For medical facilities, schools, or anywhere with very strict VOC regulations, zero or low-VOC acrylic paints are used instead. These eco-friendly paints release virtually no harmful vapors and are a healthier choice for occupied interior spaces. They still provide good coverage and washability.

Professional Application Methods

With such large square footage to cover, commercial painters near me often use spray application methods rather than just brushing or rolling on the paint. This provides a smooth, consistent finish across vast wall and ceiling areas. Portable tent systems allow them to spray seamlessly around doors, windows, or fixtures.

The Benefits of Professional-Grade Paint

While the upfront costs may be higher than basic house paint, using the right commercial coatings saves money long-term through increased durability and longer re-painting cycles. The specialized products get the job done right.

So next time you’re inside a freshly painted office, school or store, you’ll know the paint on those walls was specifically formulated for tough commercial use. It’s just one of the many details that exterior commercial painters in Des Moines and property managers obsess over to keep buildings looking their best!