Top 4 Tricks of the Trade From a Pro Commercial Painter

Whether you are the owner of a new or existing business, nothing can render a more instantaneous look and feel of a commercial space than a fresh paint job. However, painting a commercial office or building is a monumental effort that requires a technical set of equipment and resources, as well as a commitment to fine-tuned craftsmanship. Without these implemented factors, your commercial space could wind up looking like a job done by nephew’s little league team. For level 5 commercial painting and drywall finish, it is important to hire a professional team that can guarantee outstanding results within a convenient time frame and set budget.

If you are simply touching up a spot or two, or perhaps interested in painting a focal wall, then continue reading to learn the top four tricks of the trade from a pro commercial painter. These tips will have you painting like a professional before you know it!

Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors 317-253-0531

How to Paint Like a Pro

The top painting professionals in the commercial remodeling industry rely on these top four tips and tricks to ensure the finished job is brilliant and flawless!

❶ Prevent Bleeding Paint With Proper Tape Adhesion

When it comes to painting anything with the border, or anything near other things that are not to be painted, painters’ tape is a vital necessity. However, painters’ tape is practically useless unless you know how to properly apply it. Be sure that you press the tape securely against the surface to ensure ultimate sealing and adhesion. Otherwise, even the tiniest of gap or ripple in the tape line will allow paint to bleed through. And even the tiniest of bleed will make your job look unprofessional. The best way to ensure proper tape adhesion is to use a tool such as a putty knife or scraper. Also, never use masking tape; it just doesn’t work as well as blue painter tape.

❷ Sand All Surfaces Before You Apply Primer

Sanding the surface intended for painting is a vital step that should never be skipped. Even if your walls already feel smooth, and there doesn’t seem to be any apparent surface blemishes or anomalies, a thorough sanding will make you are finished paint shop look like it was done by a professional. If you want the best results, be sure to sand away all rough spots in surface blemishes before applying your primer. Also focus on removing left over joint compound from drywall installation, as well as any residual spackle or rough spots around nails.

❸ Use Drop Cloths and Tarps

Even if you just painting one focal wall, it is always wise to lay down tarps and drop cloths before getting started. You would be surprised just how far paint can splatter right underneath your nose without you having the faintest clue. Oftentimes, people who forget or neglect to lay down tarps before painting tend to find random paint splatter on furniture, carpets, ornaments, crown molding, and more, without any idea of how it happened. They are cheap and they are easy to lay down and stowaway, so be sure to use them no matter how minor your paint project is assumed to be.

❹ Choose a Tinted Primer

Everybody knows that one of the most important steps to painting anything is to first apply primer, even when it comes to doing your nails. However, what many people do not know is that professional commercial painters like to use tinted primer because it renders a more lustrous and brilliant result. Tinted Primer is also great for surfaces that already have existing paint on them, as it does a good job preventing flash spots (random dull spots) and an even color. Tinted primer is a must for bright paint colors like orange and yellow, which typically require more coats than nudes and duller colors.

Are you looking for a professional commercial painter to freshen up your business’s look and feel? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for reputable commercial drywall and painting in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and industrial clients throughout the state.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Best Time of Year to Repaint the Outside of Your Business
Types of Drywall Textures Recommended for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
Tips for Choosing Commercial and Industrial Paint Colors

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Best Time of Year to Repaint the Outside of Your Business

If you’ve been meaning to have the exterior of your building or business repainted, but still have not got around to it, you may be concerned that you may have missed your window of opportunity now that fall is here. However, your concerns might all be for nothing. Continue reading to learn when the recommended exterior painting season is for commercial buildings, and whether or not you still have time this year to get the project done.

Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors 317-253-0531

Fall is a Suitable Time of Year to Paint a Building

Prime exterior painting season varies from state to state because it mostly depends on climate. Here in Indiana, most painting jobs are performed between the months of May and August, when temperatures are warm, and precipitation is low. In conditions like these, paint cures much faster. In fact, for a long time, paint manufacturers recommended to perform jobs in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which would usually extend the painting timeline to September. However, new innovative paint technology now allows us to paint building exteriors even later in the year.

Innovative Exterior Paint Technologies

New innovative paint technologies and products are specially-formulated to be applied in weather as cold as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you still have time to have the outside of your business or commercial building painted this year. Generally, Indiana temperatures will drop lower than 35 degrees Fahrenheit around the end of November, which gives you a little more time to have your building repainted. This is especially good news for proprietors who have just purchased an existing commercial property or business that needs renovated before opening for operation.

How to Find the Right Commercial-Use Exterior Paint

Only certain exterior paint products are specially formulated to be applied in cooler climates, making it quite important to choose the right ones for the job. Fortunately, this is not your job. A professional Indiana commercial general contractor specializing in commercial painting and drywall work will have all the resources needed to select and acquire such products. Leave it to them to choose the right paint for your commercial property.

Indianapolis Commercial Construction Painting and Drywall Contractors

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our commercial painting and drywall contractors provide a wide range of drywall installation and repairs, as well as, interior and exterior painting services, such as high-performance coatings, level 5 finishing, texturing, and high quality paint applications. We also providing exterior painting services for commercial siding, including metal, vinyl, wood, and laminate.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Types of Drywall Textures Recommended for Commercial and Industrial Buildings

When you are building or remodeling a new commercial property, you will likely be faced with a few drywall-related decisions. One such decision is your drywall texture styles and application methods. Although there are several different types of drywall texture styles, all can be categorized into 2 specific groups. The first group is manual application, also referred to as hand-applied drywall textures, and generally involves using a variety of manually-operated hand tools. The second group is machine application, or sprayer-applied drywall textures, which uses an automatic dispersal device to apply texture to drywall.

Continue reading to learn more about each group and the various texture styles that fall within them.

Indianapolis Commercial Drywall and Painting Contractors 317-253-0531
Indianapolis Commercial Drywall and Painting Contractors 317-253-0531

Sprayed Drywall Textures

One interesting and unique trait to sprayer-applied drywall textures is that their designs cannot be mimicked by hand. Only a specialized apparatus designed to apply texture material to drywall surfaces can create the styles most-noted for machine application. Some common styles include Orange Peel, Splatter Knockdown, and the classic, Popcorn.

The device used to apply the texture material operates by storing the substance in a hopper, and then releasing it through a long hose with an air compressor operated by a manual trigger. They come in a variety of sizes and brands, so it is important to choose the proper apparatus for your drywall texture goals. For large scope projects, professionals will use innovative sprayers powered by actual motors and internal combustion engines.

Hand-Applied Drywall Textures

An interesting fact about hand-applied commercial drywall textures is that there is literally no limit to the designs, styles, and originality the artist can choose to do! Even if a commercial drywall contractor uses the same style, such as the common “skip trowel”, no one application will be exactly the same as another. It is virtually impossible! The options are merely limited to one’s own imagination!

Other common designs for manual drywall textures include:

☭ Hawk and Trowel
☭ Swirl
☭ Double Skip
☭ Santé Fe
☭ Stomp Knockdown
☭ Rosebud Stomp
☭ Cross Foot Stomp

Commercial Drywall Application

Most often, manual textures are applied using a pan and trowel. There are also specialized drywall brushes, knives, and rollers contractors can buy to create specific designs and custom styles. For hand applied projects, it is important to be experienced and skilled in the artistry of drywall texture. For this reason, be sure to hire a professional drywall contractor for outstanding results you can trust.

Trusted Commercial Painting and Drywall Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Security Tips for Commercial Office Buildings

Building safety is more than just having a strong, protective structure that can withstand the forces of inclement and dangerous weather. In today’s modern world, there is a higher awareness of the threats and potential dangers around us. For this reason, commercial building safety now includes a vast scope of factors and considerations, from technological applications and AI, to security planning, protection, and more.

As a commercial office building owner, it is in your best interest to ensure your property is a safe and hazard-free environment for all. Whether you are planning a new build, or you wish to incorporate some security upgrades, there is no better time to get started than right now.

Continue reading to learn some tips for improving the security of a commercial office building.

Office and Commercial-Use Construction Contractors 317-253-0531
Office and Commercial-Use Construction Contractors 317-253-0531

Commercial Building Security and Safety Planning

When it comes to building security, cameras and monitoring equipment are just the tip of the iceberg. It is important to apply a thorough design and quality construction plan to improve your property’s safety and security. A trusted and skilled commercial general construction management team can help you achieve this goal through comprehensive brainstorming, analysis, and preconstruction planning.

Here are some top, industry-endorsed tips and ideas to consider when deciding on building security renovations or improvements:

Parking Lots and Garages

Begin your security improvement planning outside in the parking lot or parking garage. Vehicles are potential weapons, and possible tools that can be used to commit crimes. For this reason, managing the traffic of vehicles on and off of your premises is an essential security consideration. It is suggested to incorporate types of parking lot and parking garage barriers to guide and direct traffic, as well as, prevent access to certain areas. Things like bollard posts, road markings, fences, barriers, and more can be strategically positioned in places that will provide enhanced security.

Building Access and Entrances

In addition to managing vehicular traffic on your property for the purpose of added safety and security, it is important to also apply the same security principles for foot traffic in and out of your commercial building. During your building security renovation planning, be sure to consider strategies to monitor or keep track of those who enter, exit, and access the building. Furthermore, strategies to prohibit building access, either for certain areas, certain individuals, or certain times, should also be considered. Things like turnstile areas, RFID key cards, badges, key fobs, and cameras have significant value. Cover all accessible and barred areas, such as roof access areas, maintenance rooms, utility rooms, stairwells, elevators, entry and exit doors, windows, break rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces like terraces, walkways, and courtyards.

Drywall Construction and Integrity

As mentioned, building security is more than just the strength of your building. However, the structural integrity of your property is still a vital part of your overall security plan. When considering renovations for improving your building’s safety and security, ask your commercial general contractor about the quality of your drywall and building materials. In the case of a natural disaster, fire, collision, or even gunfire, having strong walls can play a large role in resistance and recovery time. Building materials like brick and concrete make for the strongest of walls, while drywall is valuable in areas that do not require as much structural strength and endurance.

Reinforced Windows, Doors, and Glass

On the topic of quality building materials, another way to enhance your office building’s security is to ensure your doors and windows are secured. This is one of the simplest and straightforward methods of instantly improving your office’s security. By adding high-quality, innovative locking mechanisms on all accessible windows and doors is strongly recommended for all office buildings, regardless of size or occupancy. Furthermore, high-quality reinforced glass is another valuable upgrade to apply in your next commercial office building renovation.

Fire Protection and Safety

Protecting your building and its occupants against fires and hazardous smoke is a top priority, and even mandatory under local and state building codes. A state-of-the-art fire suppression and protection system should be in place, and fully-operational at all times. See our blog, “When a Commercial Renovation Should Include a Fire Suppression System Upgrade” to learn more about the importance of incorporating or enhancing a fire sprinkler and smoke alarm system.

Trusted Commercial Office Renovations in Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted office and commercial-use construction services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our skilled and experienced commercial general contractors serve all corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding districts. Call today to request free information or to schedule a consultation.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531

Tips for Choosing Commercial and Industrial Paint Colors

As a proprietor of a commercial or industrial property, you are faced with the responsibility of choosing the proper paint colors and coding for certain areas and materials within your complex. Although you can apply your own personal preference or business’s culture to interior drywall and painting, some areas require more specific colors for the purpose of safety.

Continue reading to review some of the recommended commercial and industrial paint colors, what they signify, and how you can get started with a professional update or remodel.

Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Commercial Paint and Drywall Contractors 317-253-0531

Safety Colors and Codes

There are several areas inside a commercial or industrial property that might pose certain dangers or risks. For this reason, they must be clearly marked to inform and warn everyone around. Everything from low ceilings and scaffolding, to first aid stations, dangerous machinery, emergency exits, and more, are just a few common areas that are generally painting in code. Common safety colors include yellow, blue, red, orange, purple, and green.

Here is a quick guide to some common examples of safety colors:

Yellow – Yellow can denote physical hazards like scaffolding, low beams, railings, and more. It can also be used to denote heavy machinery and material handling equipment, such as hoists and cranes.

Red – Red is often used to signify fire protection systems and materials, such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits. It is also commonly used for emergency stop buttons on heavy or dangerous machinery. Red is also the color of danger, and used to denote hazardous areas like safety barricades and dangerous materials.

Orange – Orange is commonly used to identify parts on machines that are dangerous, as well as, safety start and stop buttons, rollers, gears, and more.

Purple – Purple is a color mostly used to denote radiation dangers, such as burial storage rooms and contaminated cans or equipment.

Green – Green is used to signify first aid stations, safety kits, gas and oxygen masks, and similar medical care resources.

Blue – The color blue is mostly used to identify areas of electrical controls and systems, such as HVAC systems, compressors, high pressure pumps, ovens, and more. It is also used for special repair areas, like maintenance rooms and construction projects.

Pipe Colors and Codes

The ASA recommends using the colors yellow, red, blue, and green to mark certain pipes and piping systems. For instance:

Red – Fire suppression apparatuses and equipment, like extinguishers and sprinklers.

Yellow – Hazardous or toxic materials that are, or potentially, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, extremely high heat, or under extreme pressure.

Blue – Protective equipment and materials other than fire safety and suppression.

Green – Materials that are not poisonous nor hazardous, such as water, glycols, and similar moderately-tempered and pressured constituents.

Recommended Banding Colors and Codes

As a preferred industry standard, here are some suggested banding color codes for pipes in a commercial and industrial building:

Ammonia – Purple, Red, and Purple
Fuel/Oil – Yellow, Black, and Yellow
Gas – Yellow, Brown, and Yellow
Oxygen – Green Line and a Yellow Stripe
Compressed Air – Green, Aluminum, and Green
Steam/High-Pressure – White, Orange, and White
Steam/Low-Pressure – Orange, White, and Orange
Freon – Purple, Yellow, and Purple
Waste – Black Waste – Black

Commercial Painting and Drywall Contractors You Can Trust in Indiana

Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for trusted commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Whether you need new construction drywall installation, full-service interior painting, large-scale graffiti removal, or something in between, we are your solution to simple, effective, and affordable work you can trust. Our esteemed and experienced commercial general contractors serve corporate, commercial, and industrial industries in Indianapolis, and throughout Central Indiana. Request free information or to schedule a consultation, anytime.

Indianapolis Commercial General Contracting and Design Build Services
Contact Us Today 317-253-0531