All You Need to Know about Warehouse Painting (Comprehensive Guide)

Eivydas “David” Phillips
Founder/President at Painters Inc.

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No two warehouses are completely alike, but one commonality they all share is that they can benefit greatly from a repainting project. Keeping surfaces covered with quality paint means they are protected and will hold up longer than unprotected surfaces.

When is the best time to paint a warehouse? When is it too soon or too late? What type of paint should be used? What is the best environmental condition for painting? Which paints last the longest? How much does warehouse painting cost? How do I find a qualified painting contractor? These are all questions commonly asked and we’ve got the answers here.

It is obvious that the areas outside of Chicago are becoming populated with more and more warehouses dedicated to commercial uses, including everything from distribution centers to industrial uses. And while these warehouses might not see a lot of customer foot traffic, keeping up appearances has many perks outside of offering a layer of protection, including boosting employee morale. Finding the right painting contractor to do the work for you will be a huge step in the right direction.

The following information will serve as a comprehensive guide that considers just about every question you might have about warehouse painting and warehouse painting contractors.

Why should you repaint your warehouse?

Just as any investment in a business offers returns or some sort of value, so too does painting, particularly in a warehouse where surfaces can be subjected to moisture and other situations that can damage them – paint serves as a vital layer of protection. So, warehouse painting is much more than just an aesthetic endeavor.

On the topic of aesthetics, it’s true that the paint colors you choose have an impact on the business as a whole, because appearances are important. They matter to your employees who take pride in working in a space that is well kept up and can even motivate them to be better employees. And your customers, even though they might not frequent the warehouse very often, also appreciate that the company they do business with is focused on maintaining the brand’s image.

One of the best reasons for warehouse painting projects is to simply keep the facility around for as long as possible. In fact, commercial warehouse painting services from a qualified contractor will enhance the appearance of the warehouse, improve safety (particularly in high-traffic areas) while also protecting surfaces so they’ll last longer.

Let’s look at some of the top reasons for painting a warehouse in the next section.

Top 12 reasons for painting a warehouse:

Aesthetic improvement

From a fresh new look to simply enhancing the old look, warehouse painting can make a facility look bright and crisp, and certainly more professional.

Corrosion protection

Metal surfaces are prone to rust, which can lead to structural and safety issues. Paint adds a protective barrier that keeps moisture from becoming a nuisance.

Safety enhancement

Using the right colors and following OSHA guidelines, painting contractors can provide the markings that help to prevent accidents and make warehouses safer places to work.

Visibility and organization

Whether it’s for clearly indicating storage zones, traffic flow or signage, professional painters follow precision labeling practices for improved visibility and organization.

Branding and identity

Company culture is on display everywhere, from letterheads to websites, and warehouses are no different. Company color schemes can also be part of the warehouse for more consistent branding.

Keeping up with code requirements

OSHA makes it clear what is to be expected in warehouse safety painting. Professional painters know the code requirements and follow them precisely. From using the correct symbols to correct paint colors and finishes, following industry standards is vitally important.

Weather resistance

Sometimes the only thing protecting exteriors from Mother Nature is paint. Using the right brands and finishes, exteriors are protected against everything from rain to mold, sunshine to freezing cold.

Dust and mold prevention

Painting manufacturers have engineered some of their paint products to assist in resisting mold, which is very useful in areas prone to moisture. Furthermore, with the right finish, surfaces can also be dust resistant.

Cost-effective maintenance

Neglect leads to big headaches, such as major repairs to surfaces that would otherwise have been protected by paint. Regularly keeping up on painting can be a big and money saver.

Sustainability

Today there are more eco-friendly paint products on the market than ever. From low to zero VOCs, warehouses can be free of fumes thanks to high-quality paints that are environmentally sustainable.

Increased productivity

Employees take pride in a workplace that is kept up. Using the right color combinations in a fresh new paint job can boost morale, thereby improving productivity.

Increased resale value

There is a lot to be said about a facility that has been well maintained, and increased value is one of the positive outcomes. When a warehouse has more curb appeal, it has a higher resale value.

There are many justifications for taking on a warehouse painting project and they aren’t limited to what has been listed here. If you’re interested in taking the next step to get your warehouse painted, contact us at Painters Inc.

When is the right time for warehouse painting?

For people working in the warehouse 40 hours a week, the gradual degradation of the paint in the facility is not always noticeable until it gets really bad. This can create a health/safety issue that can even lead to fines. Worse yet, should an accident occur due to the visibility of various hazard indications painted throughout the site, not only is an employee hurt, but the company could face a lawsuit.

There are signs to look for that will help you determine when you need to call in your trusted painting contractor and get your facility in line with codes that regulate how warehouses are supposed to be painted.

You can make regular assessments following the guidelines below and ensure you’ll never run afoul of regulatory practices, put your employees at risk or suffer a blow to your reputation because of old paint.

10 signs that your warehouse needs to be repainted:

Mark your calendar for dates when you make a regular inspection of your facility’s paint and make notes as you go. When the time is right, contact us at Painters Inc. and we’ll come in to fully assess your situation and get you back on the right track.

Warehouse painting methods that work

Given the size of most warehouses, they are quite the endeavor to paint. They also offer unique challenges that require specific skills, which qualified painters can offer. A warehouse painting contractor comes to the worksite ready and prepared with the best tools for such extensive, intensive projects. The strategy most often employed is to tackle the project in phases, thereby taking on section after section of the facility until the job is complete.

At Painters Inc., we approach each project as an individual work with its own needs, which will differ from other warehouse painting projects. This custom approach gives us the latitude to prep and paint each surface in the order that makes the most sense for the project. One method is to begin with the ceiling (when applicable), then move to the walls and finish with floor painting.

Painting warehouse interior walls

The vast majority of warehouse surfaces that require painting are walls. Interior wall painting requires the right type of paint in order for the project to be a success. While a fresh coat might look great upon completion, only the best paints will offer that look and continued durability for years and years, which brings plenty of value to the customer. Many warehouses have sections where traffic is heavy, which means the paint needs to be durable enough to hold up to the traffic and frequent cleaning.

Another consideration of interior painting is the color scheme. Painters Inc. consults with our customers to ensure the colors chosen are appropriate for the spaces they cover. For example, office colors might differ from storage area colors. In any case, getting the right combination of colors is important for a variety of reasons, from safety to employee motivation.

Warehouse interior painting services must also include the proper preparation techniques to ensure the surfaces are ready to accept coats of primer and paint, adhere properly and last for years.

Painting warehouse ceiling

Warehouse ceiling painting requires plenty of strategic planning, as well as specialized equipment and knowledge of proper paints specifically made for ceilings. Warehouse ceilings can range from wood, metal trusses to soundproofed coatings and many things in between. Knowing what paints work on any type of surface is something an experienced warehouse painting contractor can offer customers.

Taking that knowledge and actually applying it requires even more skills, as ceiling painting can be dangerous if safety precautions aren’t followed. At Painters Inc., we are trained in utilizing all types of tools of the trade, from scaffolding to scissor lifts and ladders. Our crew is well educated in all the safety requirements and keeps others safe in the process.

Part of choosing the right paint includes consideration of the environmental factors of the specific space. For example, choosing the right finish (matte to glossy) will impact how the lighting impacts the entire space. For facilities where fumes cannot be tolerated, Painters Inc. uses low- to no-VOC paints that are environmentally safe.

As always, the prep work involved with ceiling painting is also crucial, as built-up dirt and grime need to be completely cleaned in order for the paint to adhere correctly. warehouse ceiling painting should only be assigned to qualified, experienced painting contractors.

Painting warehouse concrete floor

Warehouse floor painting not only makes a floor more durable and able to stand up to the punishment that the usual warehouse tasks bring, but it can also be part of a safety plan, as it can help to direct the flow of traffic in a facility or denote areas that require special precautions. In fact, OSHA has guidelines regarding floor painting, which experienced warehouse painting contractors are well aware of and precisely follow.

As for the durability involved with painting the warehouse concrete floor, consider all the various chemicals that can fall to the floor, from corrosive chemicals to fuel, oil and other harsh materials that can damage the floor. With a protective layer of paint on the floor, there is less chance of the surface eroding.

Paint also makes it easier for cleaning crews to manage spills. As for maintenance, such as regular cleaning, a painted floor is far easier to clean, whether it’s taking up dust or wiping up grease and related substances. This is a step in the right direction for improved safety related to slipping/falling hazards.

When you partner with the right warehouse floor painting contractors, you get a qualified crew that knows all the intricacies involved with jobs like these.

Painting warehouse safety lines

Plenty of potential hazards exist in warehouses, which is why warehouse safety lines are integral to the well-being of employees and visitors alike. Following OSHA guidelines and best practices, safety lines are marked with specific colors and in specific dimensions, patterns, lengths, etc. Furthermore, warehouse safety painting is distinct to the purposes for which it serves; from denoting the correct direction of travel to identifying various potentially harmful chemicals.

When a professional painting contractor with experience with warehouse work takes on a job, they know which lines are used to define specific types of traffic, from vehicles (forklifts, etc.) to pedestrian traffic. When they do their job right, they protect everyone in the warehouse by reducing collision incidents and other accidents.

And aside from the important safety aspect of this type of specialty painting, it can also help with efficiency goals, as the different areas/zones of a warehouse can be clearly identified by specific types and colors of paint. This can assist with workflow and help improve productivity.

At Painters Inc., we specialize in safety painting and are in 100 percent compliance with various OSHA standards governing warehouse safety painting.

Painting warehouse exterior walls

Outdoor painting, from exterior walls to railings, stairs to storage vessels/tanks and many other exterior structures common to warehouses, can present a challenge when repainting. This is because the different surface types, from brick to cinder block, vinyl siding to metal, stucco to wood, require different types of primer and paint. Furthermore, warehouse exterior painting professionals must consider the various environmental factors that can impact paint, and this includes huge temperature fluctuations and exposure to sun, wind, rain, hail and snow.

When taking all of these factors into account, a seasoned painting contractor will identify the perfect primer and paint for the job and apply it after thoroughly preparing the surface. In fact, preparing the surface for paint is one of the most important aspects of a repainting job. At Painters Inc., we ensure all cracks and damaged areas are repaired and all dirt and grime are cleaned prior to painting.

Exterior wall painting has a big impact on the outward appearance of a company. We will, when appropriate, use the colors and finishes consistent with the branding of the client. Branding aside, all of our exterior work offers curb appeal.

What are the benefits of regular warehouse repaint?

While there is a lot to be said about the aesthetic, organizational and safety aspects of a warehouse repaint project, the regular attention to the protective layer that a new paint job offers can add years to the integrity of the surfaces underneath the paint. For example, some metals are prone to rust, but regular maintenance, including repainting, can keep the oxidation of metal from occurring and preserve the structure.

To get the most life possible out of a warehouse, paint must be part of the overall maintenance strategy. When professional painters take on a warehouse painting job, they will carefully inspect all surfaces prior to painting, which can lead to discovering small problems before they become major issues.

Painting will definitely hit all the protective goals, but it also contributes to employee morale, as appearances are important in the workplace. The aesthetic aspect extends to non-employees, including business partners and customers who will see that the company takes pride in their appearance and the integrity of their brand.

After years of working with customers on warehouse painting projects, the following is what we most often hear in regard to benefits.

Benefits of regular warehouse painting:

Damage prevention

The first line of defense against the elements is almost always the paint on exterior surfaces. Even on interior surfaces, paint can help to prevent damage due to wear and tear. From preventing corrosion because of contact with various substances to preventing rust or rot due to moisture exposure, paint is the barrier that keeps surfaces damage free.

Enhanced safety

With so many moving parts, heavy equipment and/or toxic chemicals in the warehouse, significant risks are always present. Safety painting can help to prevent many of these hazards from becoming an actual incident.

Ease of maintenance

When surfaces become cracked or rusted, they are extremely difficult to clean. Freshly painted surfaces, however, are much easier to maintain and clean. This means you can spend less time cleaning and more time focusing on core business tasks.

Cost savings

Painting is an investment that adds value to a warehouse. Yes, repainting costs money, but it’s much less of a financial burden than repairing or replacing surfaces that have failed due to exposure to damage that paint could have prevented.

Updated look

Whether it’s a complete rebranding or just updating the current look, repainting can fit the theme of any branding directive. From staying consistent with nationwide corporate details to following through on a color scheme for a local, independent company, Painters Inc. will incorporate all the necessary colors and finishes that enhance a brand’s outward appearance.

Long-term value

There are obvious immediate perks to undertaking a warehouse repainting project, but one of the huge benefits is the associated long-term value. From extending the lifespan of the building and structures to enhancing productivity and company image for years to come, repainting is something to be enjoyed for a long, long time.

What color to paint your warehouse?

The best paint color is the one that is consistent with your branding, but also makes your employees and customers happy. There are so many different hues from top-quality paint providers on the market today that it can be difficult to make a decision. However, Painters Inc. can assist with making a selection of the best warehouse paint colors for individual clients based on their needs.

There are many factors that inform the decision on the best paint color for a warehouse, but taking all of these into consideration, including logos, branding, personal preferences and existing lighting will help to narrow the field of finalists.

Warehouse colors can also change depending on the use of specific spaces. For example, OSHA guidelines will dictate safety colors, but there are choices to be made in common areas, like break rooms, and in bathrooms, offices and meeting rooms, among others. Painters Inc. serves as an expert consultant on colors for all types of spaces.

The most popular paint colors in warehouses:

Whites and grays

Whites and grays reflect light, which can create more visibility, increase safety and provide more light for improved productivity. These are also “clean” colors that are considered fairly neutral.

Browns and beige

These earth colors are really good at hiding dirt and stains. This can help to create a professional and cleaner environment. Beware of too many of these tones, as they can be a bit melancholic.

Blues

For a pleasant work atmosphere, choose the calming hues of blue. While dark blues are not popular, lighter tones of blue can help to provide contrast against other colors and aid in visibility and safety.

Greens

Another calming color is green, as it has the nature vibe that is known to create more peaceful feelings. While darker greens won’t reflect much light or provide a visibility boost, lighter shades of green do.

Other popular combinations

Some colors are chosen for a specific purpose well outside of the aesthetic preference. For example, “safety yellow” is used for safety markings, caution signs and potential hazards. Red can also highlight areas for equipment, signal danger and denote fire hazards or fire equipment.

When considering the needs of the employees for a more inviting workspace, as well as the various codes related to safety regulations, warehouse color combinations can create a vibrant, safe and attractive facility while promoting productivity.

What are the best paints for warehouse surfaces?

Warehouses have unique needs as surfaces will differ from one warehouse to another. There can also be differences in their use, which can inform which paints are most appropriate to use. The following are some of the most common paints used by painting contractors in warehouse projects:

Choosing the right paint is extremely important to the overall and long-term success of a warehouse painting project. When you consult with a professional painting contractor, you can rest assured that your project will include the best paints for all of your specific needs.

Selecting the right paint for your warehouse project:

Best paint for warehouse interior walls

The best paint for interior walls in a warehouse is the paint that serves two functions: aesthetics and functionality. While color is important for its ability to create specific moods and stay consistent with company branding, the paint must also be durable enough to hold up to specific demands.

For example, paint in an office will not be under the same environmental risks/pressures as the paint in a loading dock where foot and vehicle traffic are heavy.

Best paint for warehouse ceiling

Because warehouses can differ widely from one to the other, ceiling paint needs can range from acoustic ceiling paint that can absorb sound to a cost-effective flat latex paint that dries quickly and offers plenty of reflection for improved visibility.

For warehouses subjected to high levels of humidity, it would be appropriate to choose mildew-resistant paint that will keep mold and mildew from taking over. In many warehouses, a flat or matte finish is used to conceal imperfections common to ceiling surfaces.

Best paint for warehouse exterior walls

Paint acts as the first layer of protection on exterior surfaces. Fortunately, today’s paint producers have developed ingredients that protect against specific exterior problems that would otherwise break down the paint. These include ultraviolet rays from the sun and organic growth caused by moisture exposure.

The best paint for exterior walls will depend on the circumstances impacting a specific structure, as there are different types of paint for different types of surfaces. But rest assured, if you’ve got a color scheme in mind, there will be options for you, as exterior paints made by quality producers have a tint for every taste.

While color is always important and for a variety of reasons, be sure to choose warehouse paint that will hold up to the various rigors common to warehouses. Furthermore, choose paint that performs well in specific areas. For example, your painting contractor should guide you on paint for ceilings and different paint for walls, floors, etc. They will also assist in choosing the right finishes, as matte will be preferable to glossy in some situations and vice versa. Different types of paint also have different drying times, which should also be factored into your decision.

How much does it cost to paint a warehouse?

There are many factors that go into determining the warehouse painting cost, but the single biggest component is size. The larger the warehouse, the higher the cost. Other factors that can impact cost include different types of surfaces, as the ones that require primer will involve additional material costs and labor costs.

Painting that requires extensive scaffolding or other specialty equipment can also boost the overall cost of the project. While smaller warehouses that are relatively easy to paint could cost only a few thousand dollars, larger and more complex warehouse painting can be significantly more expensive.

Average warehouse interior painting cost

To get a general idea of what you might pay for your warehouse interior painting project, start with an average of around $1 to $1.50 per square foot. This covers materials, the labor associated with taking steps necessary to get the surfaces ready for paint (cleaning, dusting, repair, etc.), applying the primer (when needed) and the paint application.

Warehouse interior painting costs can only accurately be estimated by a professional painting contractor who makes a site visit and makes calculations based on your specific facility.

Average warehouse exterior painting cost

Size is the biggest factor in the cost of warehouse exterior painting work. If the condition of the surfaces requires extra work, that will also add to the overall price. If the exterior surfaces are exceptionally dirty and require power washing, this too could lead to added labor and cost. Generally, warehouse exterior painting costs between $0.80 and $1 per square foot.

Accessibility issues that require special equipment, specialty and paint and other factors can lead to higher costs. Quality painting contractors can provide highly accurate estimates that you can rely on.

How to prepare a warehouse for painting

A successful painting job begins with plenty of planning and this includes prepping the area and surfaces in advance of paint application. The first step is often clearing items and equipment from the areas where painting will take place. The removal of dirt, grease, dust and any substance that could interfere with proper paint adhesion will be the next important step and could involve anything from powerwashing to sweeping.

The painting crew will look for cracks, holes and other issues on walls, ceilings and any other areas to be painted. Making repairs to these areas will ensure that the paint will adhere properly, look good and last for a long time. In some cases, sanding will take place in order to create a smooth and even surface, but this also helps the paint adhere.

Warehouse preparation also involves removing flaking or damaged paint from surfaces. Another problem to seek out is mold and mildew. It can be remediated with a fungicide or bleach solution. Once all surfaces are clean and repaired the painting crew can begin covering areas that could get hit with paint splatter or dripping, this includes windows, doors, floors and other areas.

Ensuring there is proper ventilation is also part of the warehouse preparation process, as adequate airflow will aid in drying time, avoiding excessive downtime between coats. This is also crucial when working with paints that have higher VOCs.

If primer is being used, it will be applied prior to the paint. Primer assists in paint adhesion, but it also ensures a more even finish. The type of primer used will depend on the surface upon which it is being applied.

How to choose the right warehouse painting contractor?

Getting the right warehouse painting contractor is perhaps the most important part of the project. Doing plenty of research will aid in the decision, which is a crucial one because the goal is for the project’s outcome to last for a long, long time while looking great in the process, and only an experienced and qualified contractor can make that happen.

The following tips will help you know what to look for and what to ask so you get the best possible team working for you and your warehouse.

Key considerations when selecting a warehouse painter:

1. Define your needs

Knowing the specifics about your project must come first, as you will be searching for a contractor based on your needs. For example, if the warehouse is very large, you’ll need a contractor that can handle that scope of work. Do you have special equipment or surfaces that need to be painted and do you require a special type of paint?

2. Research commercial painting contractors

Look for local commercial painting contractors online and thoroughly read through their websites. Try to find ones who work in facilities that are similar to yours. Ask around and get recommendations from others who have hired contractors for their warehouse painting needs.

3. Check credentials

Only work with a contractor that can provide proof that they are licensed, insured and bonded. This will protect you should anything unfortunate happen. Furthermore, all reputable contractors are happy to tout their credentials, as it says a lot about their professional reputation.

4. Experience matters

Not all commercial painting contractors specialize in warehouse painting, so be sure that the ones you are considering have a track record of warehouse projects.

5. Request multiple quotes

Don’t settle on your first quote – get multiple estimates and make sure they’re detailed and spell out the scope of the work, from what the material costs will be to the labor costs. The quote should also include an estimation of the time it will take to complete the job.

6. Ask about painting services offered

If your facility requires extra prep work or any specialty tasks, such as mold and mildew removal or repair work, you’ll need a contractor capable of handling it. This is also the time to ensure they’re able to apply any specialty coatings your warehouse requires.

7. Workmanship warranty

While you’re checking on licenses and insurance, also inquire about warranties that will protect you. The best commercial painting contractors hold themselves accountable for their work, which means if something goes wrong, they’ll make it right without charging you extra.

8. Contract and timeline

The contract should list the project description, materials and colors, work hours, payment terms, warranty/guarantee, surface prep work, insurance, permits and approvals, change orders and cleanup. Another important aspect is the start and completion dates, which should also be spelled out in the contract.

9. Check reviews and references

The best references regarding a contractor’s work are their past customers. See what others have to say about the contractors you’re considering and their quality, attention to detail and safety.

10. Ask questions

Good contractors expect lots of questions, so don’t be shy about making a list of them for the contractors you’re considering for your warehouse painting project.

11. Compare and decide

Map out the pros and cons of each contractor. Look over their estimates and do a side-by-side comparison of everything from customer comments to cost. It’s a lot of fact finding, but being thorough now can prevent dissatisfaction later.

Your list of potential painting contractors might be long in the beginning, but careful consideration of all the factors concerning quality, cost, accountability and commitment will help you find the contractor that will be a good fit for your warehouse painting project.

Hire a reputable warehouse painting company in the Chicago Area

At Painters Inc., our extensive experience painting warehouses throughout the Chicago area has made us a go-to contractor for this type of work. We’ve completely altered the appearance of warehouses of all types, utilizing the best paints that not only add that all-important layer of protection, but also spruce up the rooms and offer a pleasing aesthetic that also conveys a sense of professionalism.

Ask around about our work and you’ll find former customers offering their praises about everything including our respect for the jobsite, cleanliness, safety, efficiency and overall outcomes. We’re licensed, insured and bonded. We also offer a workmanship warranty. From interior to exterior, we can handle all of your warehouse painting needs.

When you choose Painters Inc., you’re getting a dedicated partner that values efficiency and precision. We follow our project timelines as promised, minimize disruptions to our clients’ operations and offer flexibility in our working hours to accommodate client schedules. From the surface prep to the final coat, our attention to detail is spot on, leaving our clients with professional finishes they can take pride in.

Our track record speaks for itself and it is what has led to the development of a reputation as a trusted commercial contractor for painting warehouses. If you want to elevate your warehouse aesthetics, contact us and let’s schedule a consultation.

Eivydas “David” Phillips

Eivydas “David” Phillips is the founder and president of Painters Inc. He and his team have built a solid reputation as the preferred painting contractor in the Chicago area, capable of handling variety of complex commercial jobs, completing them on time and surpassing expectations. With a customer-centric focus, Painters Inc guarantees reliability on every job, large or small.