What it Takes to Get the Best Commercial Interior Painting Finishes

Posted on August 19, 2022 by bafcorp20

Commercial interior painting is a tedious and delicate project that requires a certain degree of organization, commitment, and most importantly, technique. Professional painting contractors make these qualities look easy to achieve, but for the average person, attaining professional painting finishes is a challenge. There are many techniques and methods used by professional painting teams to get that flawless, rich result you want with interior painting.

Continue below to learn what it really takes to get a professional-looking paint job before you decide on a Do-It-Yourself approach.

Commercial Painting Services Indianapolis Indiana 317-253-0531

Professional Painting for Commercial Interiors

Painters Tape

When you tape up baseboards before painting, it can seem like a pretty straightforward task. Apply the tape so that the woodwork is covered and move on; right? Well, many times, after the painting is finished and the tape is removed, you can find streaks or drops that managed to seep their way through. To avoid this, do what the pro’s do and use a putty knife to apply the painting tape on baseboards and molding. Press the knife against the tape to ensure a thorough seal. This prevents any paint from getting through.

Drywall Repair and Sanding

One of the most important steps to painting is preparation. Preparation of course includes choosing the proper paint, deciding on a color, purchasing needed supplies, and laying out protective drop canvas for flooring and furniture. But when we mentioned preparation in terms of what the professionals suggest, we mean hole-patching and sanding. All holes and deficits should be filled in with a joint-compound patching product, smoothed down evenly, and allowed to dry completely. Once these areas of dry, you can sand away all the uneven surfaces.

It is vital to sand away any surface flaws, like spackle, joint-compound patches, nicks, nail holes, scores, scratches, chips, and more the best you can. Do this using a fine grit sandpaper and sanding pole. The fine grit will protect your walls from over-sanding, while the pole will allow you to reach all the way to the high walls and ceiling. Sand baseboards, molding, walls, and more to get an even smooth surface. Once you have an even and smooth surface, you can move forward with your painting project.

Paint and Primer

When joint compound is painted over, it can sometimes absorb all the moisture from the paint and leave a duller, discolored look. This makes all the patched areas on a wall noticeable. To avoid this problem, which professionals refer to as “flashing”, be sure to apply a primer to your walls before painting. But to paint like a professional, don’t just use any primer, use a tinted primer. Although white primer is acceptable and frequently used, professionals typically use a gray-colored primer, or a primer that is close to the color of the finishing paint. This covers patched areas and existing paint better than plain white or ivory primers. This results in a more vibrant finish and less applications.

Paint Boxing

Although you can purchase the same color in five cans, it is not guaranteed that all five cans will look exactly the same. This can be evident in a paint job when a new container is opened halfway through painting. It can result in a different color tone on a wall. To avoid this, professional contractors “box” their paint by pouring all cans into one large bucket to achieve one consistent color.

Paint Application

Ever wonder why a self-paint job looks streaky and a professional’s is always smooth and even? Well, the secret is adding a paint extender or paint conditioner into your paint. Popular products, like Floetrol, are designed to slow down the drying process of the paint, allowing a more even application and finish. Not only do paint extenders hide brush strokes, but they also eliminate dark lap marks from painting over semi-dried paint.

Ceilings

When ceilings are textured or bumpy, it can be virtually impossible to paint a clean line between the wall and the ceiling. For this reason, professionals will use a screwdriver to scrape a ridge along the edge of the walls and ceiling. This creates a platform for painting a smooth straight line between ceiling and wall and prevents paint from sticking to ceiling bumps. The resulting ridge should be fine enough so that the lost texture is never noticed, but wide enough for brush bristles to fit.

Are you looking for a company that can ensure your commercial interior remodel or painting project comes out exactly the way you envision it? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for comprehensive commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We work with clients all throughout the state.

How to Safely Discard Leftover Paint and Paint Cans

Posted on June 14, 2022 by bafcorp20

Most of us would likely agree that it’s better to have too much than not enough of something. When it comes to a large painting project, this principle can certainly a valid one. But the downfall to buying too much paint is that you will likely end up more paint than you need, which leaves you in a somewhat an inconvenient position. After all, you can’t just toss out fresh, liquid paint in the garbage can. And you definitely don’t want to pour them down the drain or in the nearby creek. You see, oil-based paints are considered a hazardous household waste, and thus require specialized steps for safe, regulation-approved disposal.

Continue reading to learn your options for safe and responsible paint can disposal, then share your knowledge with everyone you know!

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What To Do With Old or Leftover Paint

Contact the County to Discard Fresh Paint

As mentioned, oil-based paints are deemed hazardous, so they cannot be thrown away in the regular garbage. If you have leftover cans full of liquid, oil-based paint, contact your local government’s office for instructions on proper and acceptable procedures for your county. For all other types of paint, you can either let the paint harden, make the paint harden, or donate a fuller can to a resale store near you.

Let the Paint Harden Naturally

If you only have a tiny bit of paint left in the can, simply let the remainder dry by leaving it uncovered for 24 to 36 hours. Check that it is entirely dry by inserting a toothpick or paint stirrer into the paint. If it comes out clean, the paint is dry enough. If it won’t puncture the surface, the paint is fully dry. Once the paint is entirely dry, you are safe to toss it in your own garage but place them in a plastic bag first just to be safe from residual splatter.

Manually Harden the Paint

If you have a little to moderate amount of liquid paint left in the can, you can implement a few strategies to expedite the hardening process. The most effective method is to use a waste paint hardener, which can be purchase online or at any local home improvement store. You just mix it in and wait for the paint to cure. You other option is to find your own solid debris and use it to thicken up the leftover paint, such as saw dust, newspaper, and similar absorbent materials.

Donate Your Full Cans of Paint

There are several places that will accept your full cans of leftover paint. Check with local resale stores or place a listing online for free paint. Ask your neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers to spread the word that you have free paint. Churches, rec centers, schools, and daycares, are another great consideration for donating leftover paint.

Do you have a large-scale or commercial painting and drywall project in mind, but you are not sure where to get started? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 when you need the most trusted and qualified commercial general contractors for commercial painting and drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve clients all throughout the state.

The Drawbacks of Painting Over Brick Building Exteriors

Posted on February 15, 2022 by bafcorp20

Are you considering an exterior building remodel for an instant, cost-effective facelift for your business? If so, you are on the right track. Exterior remodels can bring in more traffic, thus having a positive impact on the overall success of a company. But if your building’s façade is brick or masonry, just be sure to avoid paint. Painting over brick can come with all sorts of difficulties and unexpected outcomes.

Continue reading to learn why many commercial general contractors discourage painting over brick exteriors, and how to find a better-looking, budget-friendly alternative.

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Do Not Paint Over Brick if You Can Avoid It

Although there are some circumstances in which painting over brick can be attractive and worthwhile, when it comes to the outside of a building or structure, paint is not the most compatible material. Not only can painting over exterior brick instantly look unattractive, but it can also cause some serious structural damages to the brick and the edifice as a whole. Furthermore, once you paint over brick, there is no going back.

Let’s take a closer look at the key reasons why you should try to avoid painting over brick when you can…

It Can Look Really Bad

There are very few cases in which painted brick looks good. It can be done, but when it comes to the outside of a building, the end result is usually quite unattractive. A brick building that has been painted over will instantly look bad before the paint even dries. And no matter how many coats are applied, the outcome will look sloppy and half-complete. As mentioned, curb appeal is a very important element to a business’s success when they have a brick-and-mortar of some kind. Whether tenants, employees, clients, customers, or guests, the look and ambience of a building has a direct influence on traffic.

It Cannot Be Undone

The worst part of a bad brick paint job is that it cannot be undone. Once you paint over brick, there is no removing it, cleaning it off, or covering it up. You can try to power wash your building, or even sandblast the brick, but these two practices will only damage the masonry and worsen the appearance. So, if you are choosing this option for your building’s exterior, be sure you have really thought it through. Additionally, once you paint brick, you have entered an obligation to continue having your brick repainted on a regular basis. This can be invasive and expensive. But if you do not repaint brick, it will deteriorate and fade at a rapid rate.

It Can Cause Property Damages

Paint can damage brick. But not just the bricks, also the mortar between them. As a result, brick will begin to exponentially crumble and deteriorate, which can lead to an overall stability issue with the entire building exterior. Also, seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can further deteriorate brick and mortar. After water seeps into the porous material, it freezes into ice during the winter season, causing the brick to expand. When warmer temperatures arise, the water within the porous brick thaw, causing the brick to collapse back on itself. These movements and shifts in the brick can cause extreme damage overtime.

Side Notes About Painting Brick Exteriors

Older brick might have historical value. Traditionally made in a kiln, bricks of this time are harder and can stand up to the damaging outdoor elements. You don’t want to jeopardize the historic value of your brick building by painting over it!

Keep in mind that some types of older bricks are meant to be painted over. Just be sure to use a milk-based or lime whitewash paint for these kinds of bricks.

If your brick is severely damaged but replacing it is not investment-wise, painting might be the best option. Talk to your commercial general contractor to be sure.

If you do want to paint your brick building, be sure to choose a mineral-based paint or a silicate paint that is recommended for brick. These exterior paints are specially designed to be more breathable and last longer in between repainting.

Alternatives to Painting Over Brick

If you are ready for an exterior façade renovation for a brick building, there are some cost-effective and worthwhile alternatives to a paint job. Talk to a licensed and insured commercial general contracting company for professional advice and guidance.

Not sure which commercial contracting company to choose in Indiana for your exterior remodeling or painting needs? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 when you need the most trusted and qualified commercial general contractors for building remodeling and commercial painting in Indianapolis, IN. We serve clients all throughout the state.

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

3 Approaches to Updating the Modern Workplace

Posted on December 7, 2021 by bafcorp20

Every office or workplace will need a bit of updating at some point in time. If this year is the year to remodel your office or workplace, be sure to keep your focus on function and modernization. Continue below to review the top 3 approaches to commercial interior design and remodeling for the modern workplace, as well as where to get superior commercial general contracting in Central Indiana.

Commercial Remodeling Indianapolis IN 317-253-0531

Commercial Interior Design and Remodeling

Because the average workplace in this day and age is ever-evolving, it is often necessary to adapt to the continually-changing needs of your business and staff. Smart commercial interior design and remodeling can enhance your workplace function, thus saving money and energy, and improving worker productivity and contentment. All of these enhancements can have a positive effect on your bottom line.

Before you begin the commercial interior design and remodel planning process, there are some key considerations to keep in mind. The top 3 approaches to updating the modern office involve technology upgrades and incorporation, floorplan reconfiguration, and interior painting and drywall.

Technology Upgrades and Integration

There are several new technologies available that can instantly enhance the overall function and success of a business. From record keeping and payroll application software to touchless, hands-free technology, solar energy solutions, IP tech, security systems, and more, the options for optimizing your workplace in all areas and aspects is virtually endless.

Workspace and Floor Plan Reconfiguration

Offices are starting to take on new floor plans and workspace options to enhance overall client satisfaction and staff productivity. By rethinking the way your employees or clients interact and perform their daily work duties, you can achieve a more modern and efficient workplace environment. Consider realigning cubicles in small clusters rather than in long sequences; or eliminating cubicles altogether and opting for open and shared workspaces, like round tables, desks, couch and chair seating areas, outdoor workspaces, and similar ideas. These floor plan changes can give staff the option to work together on projects as a group or independently.

Interior Drywall and Painting

One of the most basic, yet impactful, approaches to updating an office or workplace is fresh paint. Nothing gives quite the same impact as freshly finished, level-5 drywall work and interior commercial painting. These days, the modern office trend is bold, but not bright. Consider color families that make your workplace feel organized and serene, such as grays and earthly neutrals.

Would you like to learn how you can enhance your business’s success through strategic and smart commercial interior design and remodeling in Central Indiana? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for licensed and insured commercial remodeling in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We specialize in office and commercial use construction.

Can a Commercial Paint Job Benefit My Business?

Posted on October 29, 2021 by bafcorp20

A fresh paint job for the exterior or interior of the building is not typically on the top of the to do list. With bookkeeping, payroll, staff management, marketing, budget control, and all other elements involved in owning or operating a business, making time for renovation, even something as simple as a fresh paint job, is not always an item of priority. However, commercial business owners can greatly benefit from a commercial paint job, especially if they choose the right commercial general contracting company.

Continue reading to learn the top advantages of a commercial paint job, and who to trust for superior commercial painting and drywall work in Indiana.

Commercial Painting Service Indianapolis IN 317-253-0531

Interior and Exterior Commercial Painting

New paint is more than just a fresh look; it is a new beginning on a path toward triumph. Although it might not seem apparent right away, but a fresh commercial paint job, whether interior or exterior, can greatly increase your business’s overall success. Not only is a commercial paint job simple and affordable, but it is drastically transformative, making it an investment as worthy as all the others you’ve made for your business.

Here are the top 3 ways a commercial paint job can increase your businesses overall success:

Improved Consumer First Impression

Curb appeal is a real thing and can greatly influence the success of your business. When customers see your building, the first thing they are going to notice is the aesthetic design and condition. Old paint is simply not attractive, but a fresh coat of paint makes the building look new and modern, which is something consumers gravitate towards. Furthermore, good aesthetics speak to the business’s culture and value, which can help bring in more clientele and land important deals.

Improved Staff Productivity

Working inside a dismal and dilapidated environment is not something any employee can be happy about, nor will it give them any motivation to improve their skills or go above and beyond their roles within the company. A commercial paint job can improve the quality, comfort, and feel of your workplace environment, which will have a positive trickle effect on all of your staff. A happier team of employees are a more productive team of employees, which will directly affect your business’s bottom line and the best way possible.

Facility Preventative Maintenance

Because a commercial paint job is simple, affordable, and relatively quick in terms of turn-around times, it is one of the most recommended routine preventive maintenance jobs among commercial building owners. Incorporating a routine commercial painting task within your building’s preventative maintenance plan is a great way to protect your investment and ensure that your building is in top condition at all times.

Are you ready to revamp your commercial building or business with a fresh, new paint job? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for qualified commercial general contracting in Indianapolis, Indiana for commercial painting and drywall you can trust.

5 Advantages of an Exterior Facade Renovation

Posted on July 13, 2021 by bafcorp20

There are many best business practices out there, some of which can be applied across the board regardless of industry, while others are more trade specific. However, one of the most fundamental and long-established methods for running a successful business is curb appeal. A business that looks good tends to drive in more traffic, which is something you want as a commercial proprietor or company owner.

If you are looking for more customers, perhaps consider renovating the exterior of your business. Continue reading to learn the top five advantages for exterior façade renovation, and who call for the most trusted commercial general contracting service in central Indiana.

Indianapolis Commercial Remodeling 317-253-0531

Curb Appeal Commercial Renovation

The type of brick-and-mortar business you own really doesn’t matter when it comes to curb appeal commercial renovations. From hotels and apartment complexes, to museums, strip malls, shopping centers, schools, office buildings, restaurants, and everything in between, an exterior façade commercial remodel is never a poor choice for any type of business that once more customers to the door. There are many advantages to renovating the exterior of your commercial building or office.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider an exterior façade renovation for your business:

➀ A RENEWED LOOK

Not only do you want to keep your brand appealing for your existing clientele, but you also wanted to be eye-catching for new customers. Giving your businesses exterior a fresh, new look can drive more traffic through your doors. Some methods of achieving a fresh look include innovative technology incorporation, touch free design, painted drywall remodeling, interior design, improve lighting, natural lighting, open concept floor plans, and more. These elements can deliver an improved customer experience, and therefore increase your bottom line.

➁ BUSINESS DOORS CAN STAY OPEN

Because commercial façade renovations are typically done on the outside of the business, and infrequently require indoor access, most projects will render minimal inconvenience to the business operations and their clientele. Basically, it is easy to keep the business open and operating while exterior commercial renovation is underway. Furthermore, when you choose a reputable Indianapolis Indiana general contracting company, you can trust that they use a strict internal safety code to ensure that all persons on premises are protected from foreseeable hazards.

➂ FAST TURNAROUND TIMES

What’s great about commercial façade renovations are that they tend to come with speedy turnaround times. Not only can exterior renovations be done while your business’s doors are still open and operating, but they can also be done within a convenient time-frame, which is always beneficial to your bottom line. Usually, contractors do not even require indoor access to complete their work specifications.

➃ OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE OPERATING COSTS

When you choose to have an exterior façade remodel done, you have a valuable opportunity to incorporate certain upgrades and renovations that can reduce your overall operating costs in the long run. Such renovations include energy efficiency upgrades for insulation, windows, lighting, and roofing. These upgrades can improve your business energy efficiency, and therefore reduce monthly utility and operating costs.

➄ MUNICIPAL INCENTIVES

In some cases, local municipalities will award business certain incentives, grants, and assistance programs for upgrading or renovating their exterior façade. Check with your local County District or clerk’s office to see if there any municipal incentives that you could earn for doing a commercial exterior renovation.

Are you ready to get started with your commercial exterior renovation in Indiana? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 for superior commercial remodeling services in Indianapolis Indiana. We serve clients all throughout the state.

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Top 4 Tricks of the Trade From a Pro Commercial Painter

Posted on June 1, 2021 by bafcorp20

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

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.

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