Commercial properties are just like any other property in that they need to be painted from time to time. This can be a small job right through to an extremely large job, but there are painters out there who specialise in commercial work in order to help make the task easier. Here’s what you need to know before hiring a tradie.

What you need to know about commercial painting

Painters are able to paint all kinds of commercial properties such as shops, offices, strata-managed buildings (units or townhouses), schools, hospitals, and so forth. They can paint the interior or exterior or both, depending on the needs of the commercial property at the time.

Commercial painters are able to do all kinds of painting and create any effect that is necessary, for example, suede, metallic, pearl, sponged, or rust effect. They are well trained and experienced, and they know which tool is best for the job. They might use rollers in order to paint large interior areas quickly, where large expanses on the exterior are better painted using a spray gun. The painters will be sure to protect the other elements of the property, such as floor coverings, window treatments, glass, or even your landscaping outside.

Painters that specialise in commercial properties understand that minimal disruption to the business is ideal and thus they will often employ teams of painters to get the work done quickly and to the highest quality, and sometimes work out of office hours where appropriate.

What’s the difference between commercial and residential painters?

Commercial and residential painters both work with paint, brushes and walls, but there are some notable differences in their areas of expertise and the scope of the projects they take on.

Project scale

Commercial painters typically handle larger projects, which may include painting office buildings, warehouses, retail spaces or entire apartment complexes. These projects often need more extensive preparation and a larger team of painters to get the job done to deadline. Residential painters, on the other hand, mainly focus on smaller-scale projects like painting individual homes, rooms or smaller units.

Skill set

Experienced commercial painters will know more about commercial-grade paints and coatings. They may also be skilled at applying epoxy coatings, fire-resistant paints and other unique finishes required for commercial projects. Residential painters are more focused on interior and exterior house painting, which requires skills in preparing the surface and colour matching.

Project timeline

Commercial painting projects usually have tighter deadlines due to business constraints. These painters are experienced in working quickly to minimise disruptions, whereas residential painters can often work with more flexible timelines since homeowners may have different expectations for how long the project will last.

Regulations and safety

Commercial projects are subject to specific regulations in Australia, especially when it comes to safety and environmental considerations. Commercial painters must comply with these regulations, such as using low-VOC paints and ensuring safe work practices. Residential painters don’t always face the same level of regulatory oversight, although they should still be insured for any work they carry out.

Equipment and materials

Commercial painters tend to carry more extensive equipment to job sites, such as scaffolding or even lifts, which are needed for multi-storey buildings. They also deal with larger quantities of paint. Residential painters, on the other hand, just use standard painting equipment and work with smaller paint volumes.

Cost and budgeting

Commercial painting projects often have more substantial budgets due to the size and complexity of the work, whereas residential painters can work within smaller budgets due to more cost-sensitive quotes.

Most common reasons to hire a commercial painter

Some of the most common reasons to hire a commercial painter include:

• Enhancing brand image: Maintaining an attractive and professional appearance is crucial for businesses. Commercial painters can refresh the exterior and interior of a building to create a more welcoming environment for employees and clients.
• Property value: Regular maintenance, including painting, can boost a commercial property's value. This is because a well-kept building is more attractive to potential buyers and tenants.
• Building protection: Painting provides a protective barrier against the harsh Australian elements, preventing structural damage like rot or corrosion. It also acts as a deterrent against pests and infestations.
• Compliance with regulations: Some local regulations or lease agreements demand that businesses maintain the appearance of their properties. Failure to do so can lead to penalties or breach of contract.
• Safety and cleanliness: Proper painting will make sure the property is free from safety hazards like lead-based paint or flaking coatings. It also makes rooms more clean and hygienic, particularly in spaces like kitchens or medical facilities.
• Improved lighting: Choosing the right (lighter) colours and finishes can improve the lighting in a commercial space.
• Specialised coatings: Commercial painters will be able to apply specialised coatings like fire-resistant or anti-slip finishes, which are essential in some commercial environments (e.g. hospitals).

Are commercial painters more expensive to hire?

Commercial painters typically have higher rates compared to residential painters because of the larger scale and complexity of commercial projects. Commercial properties come saddled with their own unique challenges, such as multiple levels, specific coatings and tight deadlines.

While the cost of hiring commercial painters can be higher, it reflects their expertise in handling these bigger projects. So if you’re looking for quality results, regulatory compliance and professional standards, it pays to budget for a commercial painting team.

How much does commercial painting cost?

Commercial painters charge $240 to $700 on average, depending on the job. Commercial painters may charge an hourly rate or by square metre. Expect to pay between:

• $10 to $30 per square metre 
• $45 to $60 per hour, per worker

The cost of commercial painting jobs will be affected by:

• Scale: Smaller jobs may only need one or two painters, but a big job may require more workers and special equipment, so the price will be higher.
• Type of paint: If you prefer eco friendly paint, a special finish or other specialist options, these will add to the cost.
• Working at height: If painters need to use hoists or a large crew to abseil off a large building, or other special equipment to paint a roof, they will charge accordingly.
• Working hours: Commercial painters will charge more if the painters have to work outside of normal working hours. If you own a restaurant, a boutique or other business, you may need to close the business while they work or have them work after normal business hours.

How to find a reputable commercial painter

Here are a few important questions to ask a commercial painter before hiring them:

1. Are you licensed and insured for commercial painting projects?
2. What types of commercial properties have you worked on before, and do you have experience with our specific requirements?
3. Can you explain your approach to surface preparation, including how you solve issues like peeling paint, mould or corrosion?
4. What types of paints and coatings do you typically use for commercial projects?
5. Do you have a project timeline or schedule in mind?
6. Does your pricing structure for commercial painting include all costs, such as labour, materials, etc.?
7. Are your workers trained to handle potential safety hazards on-site?