How to Paint a Commercial Building Interior?

How to Paint a Commercial Building Interior

To paint a commercial building interior, you follow a structured process: assess the space and plan the schedule, clear and protect furniture and equipment, repair all surface damage, clean the walls, apply primer to bare or repaired areas, cut in with a brush along edges and trim, roll walls using a W pattern for even coverage, apply a second coat after the first has dried, and do a final inspection before cleanup. Commercial interior painting differs from residential work because the scale is larger, the business may still be operating during the project, paint selection must match the traffic level of each room, and the scheduling needs to fit around employees and customers. This guide covers every step of the process, plus the most common questions business owners in Lexington, South Carolina ask before starting a commercial interior painting project.

How to Paint a Commercial Building Interior Step by Step

Painting a commercial building interior step by step means working through six distinct phases: planning, surface preparation, priming, cutting in, rolling and applying finish coats, and final inspection with cleanup. Professional commercial painters agree that 70 to 80% of the work in any interior paint project happens before a single drop of finish coat touches the wall. Surface preparation is the most important factor in how long the paint job lasts and how professional the result looks.

Businesses in Lexington and the Columbia, SC metro area range from professional offices near Seven Oaks and Downtown Columbia to retail spaces along Bush River Road and medical clinics near West Columbia. Each type of building has different needs. An office with moderate traffic needs a different paint finish than a hallway used by hundreds of people daily. Getting the plan right before work begins saves time, money, and disruption to the business.

Step 1: Assess the Space and Build a Schedule

The first step in painting a commercial building interior is a full walkthrough of every area to be painted. This assessment identifies surface types, existing damage, areas that need repair before paint, ceiling heights, and access challenges. It also establishes the project scope: which rooms are included, what colors and finishes will be used, and how the work will be phased around the business’s operating hours. Most commercial painting companies recommend scheduling a walkthrough before a written estimate is prepared. According to K&K Painting Corp’s commercial process guide, the assessment should also evaluate room functionality because the right paint finish for a conference room is different from the right choice for a hospital corridor or a restaurant kitchen.

Scheduling is a critical part of the commercial painting plan. Many businesses in Lexington, Forest Acres, and the surrounding Columbia area continue operating during interior paint projects. Work zones must be isolated by floor, wing, or room to keep staff and customers safe and unaffected. Off-hour and weekend scheduling is common for high-traffic lobbies, reception areas, and hallways where disruption during business hours is not acceptable.

Step 2: Protect Furniture, Equipment, and Floors

After the walkthrough and schedule are confirmed, the next step is to clear and protect everything that is not being painted. All furniture and equipment must be moved away from walls or covered with heavy plastic drop cloths. Floor coverings, including carpet, tile, and hardwood, must be protected with drop cloths taped at the edges to prevent them from shifting. Painter’s tape goes over outlet covers, switch plates, window frames, door hardware, and any surface adjacent to the painting area.

In commercial spaces, this protection phase is more involved than in residential work. Offices have computers, monitors, printers, and filing cabinets that cannot be moved easily. Medical offices have specialized equipment that must be covered with sealed plastic sheeting. Retail spaces have display fixtures and product shelving that require careful masking. Taking this step seriously is what separates a professional commercial paint job from one that causes costly damage or complaints.

Step 3: Repair All Surface Damage Before Painting

Surface repairs are the third step and one of the most important. Any cracks, holes, gouges, or soft spots in the drywall must be filled, sanded smooth, and wiped clean before primer goes on. According to Painters Inc., a respected Chicago-based commercial painting firm, sanding is necessary after filling cracks because the filler raises slightly above the surrounding surface and must be leveled to look flat and uniform. Applying paint over unfilled or unsmoothed damage will make every imperfection more visible after painting, not less.

For buildings in Lexington and the surrounding Midlands, offices and commercial properties that have been through tenant changes often need more prep work than newer spaces. Water stains on ceilings, scuffs along high-traffic corridors, and damaged corners near doorways are all common issues that must be addressed before paint begins. Painting over water stains without primer blocks the stain bleeding through the new finish coat and reappearing within weeks.

Commercial spaces with drywall damage beyond minor patching often need professional repair before painting begins. Sheetrock installation and repair handles structural wall damage, larger holes, and sections that need full panel replacement before a smooth, painted finish is achievable.

Step 4: Clean All Wall Surfaces

Cleaning walls before painting is a step that many people skip, but it is essential for paint adhesion in commercial spaces. Offices, corridors, break rooms, and restrooms all accumulate dust, grease, and grime on surfaces over time. Paint applied over a dirty or greasy wall will not bond properly, no matter how good the paint is. According to a commercial painting prep guide from Smith Pro Painting, cleaning involves wiping walls down with a mild detergent solution, rinsing, and allowing surfaces to dry completely before any primer or paint is applied.

Break rooms and kitchens are the most challenging surfaces to clean before painting because grease buildup is heavy near cooking areas and exhaust fans. Restrooms need extra attention because soap residue and moisture leave a film on walls that prevents paint from sticking. Hallways and lobbies accumulate handprints, scuffs, and contact marks at shoulder height that must be cleaned before new paint covers them.

Step 5: Apply Primer to Repaired and Bare Surfaces

Primer goes on repaired areas, bare drywall, and any surface where the existing paint has been removed or where a significant color change is happening. According to a commercial painting process guide from Dave Cole Decorators, primer seals porous surfaces, improves paint adhesion, prevents stains from bleeding through, and ensures color appears vibrant and true after the finish coat is applied. For color changes from dark to light, a tinted or high-hide primer in a mid-tone color bridges the transition and reduces the number of finish coats needed.

In commercial buildings that see frequent cleaning, using a mildew-resistant primer in restrooms and break rooms is worth the extra cost. According to HIS Paint Manufacturing’s commercial paint specification guide, for high-moisture areas and spaces with heavy traffic, primer selection is as important as finish coat selection because it determines how well the full paint system holds up over the repaint cycle.

Step 6: Cut In Edges and Trim with a Brush

Cutting in means using a brush to paint a clean border along all edges, corners, ceiling lines, baseboards, door frames, and window frames before the roller goes anywhere near the wall. This step creates the precise lines that separate the wall color from the ceiling, trim, and adjacent surfaces. According to a commercial interior painting guide from K&K Painting Corp, cutting in is done before rolling larger wall areas so the brush strokes can be blended into the rolled section while the paint is still wet, which prevents a visible line between cut-in and rolled sections.

Cutting in requires a good quality angled sash brush, a steady hand, and patience. Most professional painters load the brush lightly to avoid drips and work in short strokes along the edge, building a clean 2 to 3 inch band that the roller can overlap when it comes through. This is one of the skills that separates a professional finish from a DIY one. Rushing the cut-in phase or skipping it entirely leads to sloppy edges that are visible from across the room.

Step 7: Roll Walls Using the W Pattern

Rolling walls is the step where large surface areas get covered quickly, but technique matters as much as speed. According to multiple professional painting application guides, the correct roller technique for interior commercial walls is the W or M pattern: roll the paint onto the wall in a wide W shape, then fill it in with overlapping vertical strokes. This method distributes paint evenly, prevents visible lap marks, and blends the roller texture uniformly across the surface.

Rolling slowly is important in commercial spaces. Rolling too fast causes the roller to spin and splatter paint onto ceilings, floors, and adjacent surfaces. In offices where equipment is nearby and carpets are protected with drop cloths, a roller moving at a controlled pace keeps the job clean and professional.

Maintaining a wet edge throughout the entire wall section prevents lap marks. A lap mark appears when a rolled section dries before the adjacent section is painted, leaving a visible ridge in the finish. The only way to avoid this is to work quickly and systematically, keeping the edge of each rolled section wet until the next section meets it.

Step 8: Apply the Second Coat After Proper Drying Time

Two coats are standard for any professional commercial interior paint job. The first coat seals and builds the color base. The second coat provides full hide, depth, and the protective film thickness the finish needs to resist scrubbing, cleaning, and daily contact. According to industry standards from Custom Painting Inc., a gallon of interior commercial paint covers approximately 300 square feet per coat on smooth surfaces, and two coats are required to achieve the film thickness that makes the paint durable enough for commercial use.

Most commercial latex paints require 4 to 6 hours between coats at standard indoor temperatures of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Applying the second coat too soon traps moisture from the first coat and causes peeling, bubbling, and dull spots. Following the recoat window on the paint manufacturer’s label is the most reliable guide. In South Carolina’s humid climate, allow extra drying time in spaces with limited ventilation or air conditioning.

Step 9: Final Inspection and Cleanup

After the second coat has fully dried, the last step is a thorough inspection under full lighting to catch any missed spots, drips, thin areas, or edge imperfections. Touch up with a small brush before removing painter’s tape. Always remove painter’s tape before the paint fully hardens. Pulling tape off after paint has hardened risks peeling the fresh finish coat along with the tape. According to the K&K Painting Corp step-by-step guide, pulling tape at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still slightly flexible gives the cleanest edge.

Professional cleanup means removing all drop cloths, disposing of paint materials properly, returning furniture and equipment to their original positions, and doing a final walkthrough with the business owner or property manager to confirm the results meet expectations before the job is signed off.

What Type of Paint Is Used in Commercial Buildings?

The type of paint used in commercial buildings is 100% acrylic latex in finishes that match the traffic level and function of each area. According to Jung Family Painting’s commercial paint specification guide, acrylic latex is the most common choice for commercial interiors because it is durable, dries quickly, cleans up easily, and is available in every finish level from flat through high gloss. Oil-based paints are occasionally used on doors and trim in commercial settings where maximum hardness is required, but acrylic latex dominates commercial interior work for walls, ceilings, and hallways.

The finish level is just as important as the paint type in a commercial space. Each room in a commercial building deserves its own finish selection based on how much traffic it receives and how often the walls will need to be cleaned. A single finish level applied across an entire building will either be too fragile for high-traffic zones or unnecessarily shiny in quiet office spaces.

What Are the Four Types of Coatings for Commercial Interiors?

The four types of coatings for commercial interiors are flat or matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss or gloss. Each type offers a different balance of sheen, cleanability, and durability. According to HIS Paint Manufacturing’s commercial coating specification guide, flat and matte finishes are limited to low-traffic areas because they are not washable. Eggshell provides modest sheen and good washability for offices and conference rooms. Satin finishes offer a durable, easy-to-clean surface suited for hallways, lobbies, and common areas. Semi-gloss and gloss finishes provide maximum durability and are appropriate for restrooms, kitchens, doors, and trim in areas with heavy traffic and frequent cleaning.

The table below shows the recommended finish for each type of commercial space.

Commercial SpaceRecommended FinishReason
Private Offices, BoardroomsFlat or EggshellLow traffic, hides imperfections, refined look
Conference Rooms, ClassroomsEggshellModerate traffic, washable, low glare
Corridors, Lobbies, ReceptionSatinHigh traffic, durable, easy to clean
Break Rooms, KitchensSatin or Semi-GlossGrease and moisture resistance needed
RestroomsSemi-GlossMaximum moisture resistance, easy to sanitize
Doors and Trim (all areas)Semi-Gloss or GlossHigh contact points, hardest wearing surface
Warehouses, Mechanical RoomsEpoxy or UrethaneExtreme abrasion and chemical resistance

Sources: HIS Paint Manufacturing Commercial Coating Specification Guide; Custom Painting Inc. Commercial FAQs; Major Painting Co. Commercial Finish Guide; Paint Master Services Commercial Interior Painting Reference

Do Painters Cut In or Roll First?

Painters cut in first, then roll. Cutting in before rolling is the correct and standard sequence in professional commercial interior painting. The brush creates clean edges along all perimeter lines first. The roller then covers the large open wall surfaces and is worked into the cut-in edge while the brushwork is still wet. This blending of wet paint prevents a visible line between the brush and roller sections. If the roller were applied first and the cut-in work done after, the brush strokes along the edges would dry at a different sheen and texture than the rolled section, making the edge visible in finished lighting.

According to a professional application guide from Scholten Construction, the correct roller technique after cutting in is to roll in W or M patterns and maintain a wet edge throughout each wall section so lap marks do not form between adjacent passes. This sequence and method is what gives professionally painted commercial walls their uniform, seamless appearance.

What Is the Best Color to Paint a Commercial Building Interior?

The best color to paint a commercial building interior depends on the industry and function of the space, but neutral warm whites, soft grays, light blues, and warm greiges are the most consistently successful choices for professional environments. According to research from Exeter University’s School of Business, employees in well-designed, freshly painted offices show up to 32% higher productivity compared to those in bare or undecorated spaces. The study also found a 45% improvement in wellbeing and 60% higher engagement in enriched work environments. Color is a tool for shaping how employees and customers feel inside a business.

Blue is the most widely used color in corporate offices because research consistently shows it promotes focus, calmness, and orderliness. According to findings cited in a commercial painting productivity guide from Legends Painting, blue rooms produce measurable productivity improvements and are particularly effective for spaces requiring concentration and analytical work. Green works well in high-stress healthcare and wellness settings because it is associated with balance and recovery. Yellow and orange suit collaborative and creative spaces. Warm neutrals are the default choice for offices, law firms, financial institutions, and medical practices in the Lexington and Columbia area because they are universally professional, easy to update, and not tied to any industry-specific trend.

What Is the 80-20 Color Rule?

The 80-20 color rule in commercial interior painting means that 80% of the space should be painted in a neutral or dominant color and 20% should use a secondary or accent color to add visual interest. This rule creates a cohesive, professional environment without making the space feel monotonous or visually overwhelming. In practice, the 80% color covers all primary wall surfaces, corridors, and ceilings in a consistent neutral tone. The 20% goes on accent walls, feature areas, trim, doors, or specific rooms like conference spaces and reception areas where the brand color or a complementary bold tone is introduced. Businesses in the Lexington and Forest Acres area that want to incorporate brand identity into their interior paint scheme can use the 80-20 rule to add brand color touches without creating an overwhelming environment.

What Are the Three Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style?

The three paint colors that will never go out of style in commercial interiors are warm white, soft medium gray, and classic navy blue. Warm white has been the foundational color of professional interiors for decades because it reflects light, makes spaces feel clean and open, and pairs with every other color in furniture, flooring, and branding. Soft medium gray has replaced sterile cool white as the dominant neutral in modern commercial spaces because it adds depth and warmth while remaining universally professional. Navy blue has been a trusted accent and trim color for generations because it communicates authority, confidence, and quality, making it a natural fit for legal offices, financial institutions, and high-end retail environments in the Columbia metro area.

How Long Does It Take to Paint a Commercial Building Interior?

The time it takes to paint a commercial building interior depends on the square footage, the number of rooms, the extent of surface repairs, and whether the business is operating during the work. A small office of 1,500 to 2,500 square feet typically takes a professional crew 2 to 4 days from prep through final coat. A medium-sized commercial building of 5,000 to 10,000 square feet can take 1 to 2 weeks depending on the complexity of the space and the scheduling constraints. Larger commercial properties like schools, medical buildings, and multi-tenant office parks in the Lexington and Columbia area are typically scheduled in phases over several weeks to keep operations running during the project.

Off-hour and weekend scheduling adds time to the total calendar duration but allows businesses to continue normal operations without disruption. Many commercial painters in the Midlands region phase work by floor or wing, completing one section while the business uses other areas. This approach is common in the Forest Acres, Shandon, and West Columbia commercial corridors where office buildings have multiple tenants with different operating schedules.

How Often Should You Paint a Commercial Building Interior?

You should paint a commercial building interior every 3 to 5 years in standard commercial environments, and every 2 to 3 years in high-traffic areas like corridors, lobbies, and restrooms. According to industry standards cited by Custom Painting Inc., commercial buildings are typically repainted every 3 to 5 years to maintain a professional appearance. High-traffic areas with premium coatings may need repainting every 3 to 5 years according to HIS Paint’s commercial specification guide, while standard commercial spaces using quality coatings can stretch to 5 to 7 years. Regular cleaning and targeted touch-ups significantly extend the interval between full repaints. Many property managers in the Lexington area schedule interior painting during lease turnovers or as part of a broader facility maintenance cycle tied to the building’s occupancy calendar.

Can I Just Paint Over Old Paint in a Commercial Space?

Yes, you can paint over old paint in a commercial space if the existing paint is clean, well-adhered, and in good condition. If the old paint is peeling, flaking, dirty, or glossy, painting directly over it without prep will cause the new coat to fail. Glossy surfaces need to be lightly sanded or de-glossed before new paint goes on so the fresh coat has something to grip. Peeling or flaking paint must be scraped and the edges feathered smooth before repainting. Stained walls require a stain-blocking primer before the finish coat, or the stain will bleed through the new paint within weeks. According to a commercial prep guide from K&K Painting Corp, 80% of a good commercial paint job is in the preparation. Painting over unprepared surfaces is the most common cause of early paint failure in commercial buildings.

If walls have accumulated layers of old paint from multiple repaint cycles, a professional commercial painter will evaluate whether sanding or stripping is needed before the next coat. Thick paint buildups around door frames and window trim are common in commercial buildings that have been repainted many times without proper edge preparation.

What Are the Most Common Painting Mistakes in Commercial Interiors?

The most common painting mistakes in commercial interiors are skipping surface prep, using the wrong finish level for the room’s traffic, applying only one coat, not priming repaired or bare areas, painting over dirt and grease, and failing to remove painter’s tape before the paint cures. These mistakes are more costly in commercial settings than in residential ones because commercial buildings cover more square footage, and a finish that fails early means a faster repaint cycle and unnecessary business disruption.

Using flat paint in high-traffic hallways and break rooms is one of the most frequent mistakes in commercial building painting. Flat paint is not washable, meaning every scuff, fingerprint, and spill becomes a permanent mark that cannot be cleaned without removing the paint. According to HIS Paint’s commercial specification guide, flat and matte finishes should only be used in low-traffic spaces. A satin or semi-gloss finish in corridors and common areas lasts far longer and holds up to the cleaning schedules that most commercial properties require.

Another common error is ignoring the connection between surface repairs and painting. Filling a hole and painting over it the same day without allowing the filler to dry and cure leads to cracks that reappear through the paint within a few months. Drywall repair and painting done as a connected process, with proper cure time and priming between steps, delivers results that hold up for the full repaint cycle rather than failing early.

How Do Contractors Estimate Painting Jobs for Commercial Interiors?

Contractors estimate commercial interior painting jobs by calculating the total paintable square footage, accounting for surface prep and repair requirements, factoring in the number of coats and finish levels needed, and building a labor estimate based on the project’s scheduling constraints. According to Custom Painting Inc.’s commercial FAQ guide, a gallon of interior paint covers approximately 300 square feet on smooth surfaces, and labor rates vary based on project size, access difficulty, and whether off-hour or phased scheduling is required.

The surface condition has a big impact on the estimate. A commercial building with significant drywall damage, multiple stained surfaces, or walls that have never been primed will cost more to prepare than a building in good condition. Specialty areas like restrooms, kitchens, and stairwells that require extra masking, ventilation management, or different paint products are typically factored into the estimate separately.

Most professional commercial painters in the Lexington and Columbia area provide written estimates after a walkthrough of the property. The estimate should specify the areas included, the paint products to be used, the finish levels for each area, the number of coats, and the schedule for phased work if the business will remain open during the project. Getting a detailed written scope of work before the job starts protects both the business owner and the painter and prevents disputes about what is and is not included.

For business owners considering commercial interior painting at their Lexington, Columbia, or surrounding area property, a walkthrough estimate is the right starting point. It establishes the project scope, the correct product selections for each area, and a realistic timeline before any commitment is made.

What Are the Six Painting Techniques Used in Commercial Interiors?

The six painting techniques used in commercial interiors are brush cutting in, roller application with the W pattern, airless spray for large open surfaces, backrolling over sprayed areas for even texture, feathering to blend repairs into surrounding surfaces, and stippling or texture application for feature walls or specialty finishes. Most commercial interior painting projects for offices, medical buildings, and retail spaces in Lexington and Columbia use a combination of brush and roller work. Airless spray is used for very large open spaces like warehouse interiors, school gymnasiums, and multi-story atrium walls where roller application would be too slow and impractical.

For standard commercial offices and retail spaces, brush and roller application gives the most control and the cleanest edge work around trim, doors, and ceiling lines. Spray application on open surfaces like walls and ceilings is faster but requires thorough masking of every surface and fixture that is not being painted, which adds significant setup and teardown time. For most commercial interior projects in mid-size buildings, brush and roller work is faster overall when setup and cleanup are factored in.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Paint a Commercial Building Interior?

The best time of year to paint a commercial building interior in Lexington, South Carolina is any time of year, because interior painting is not affected by outdoor temperature and humidity the way exterior painting is. Interior temperature and humidity can be controlled through the building’s HVAC system to stay within the paint manufacturer’s recommended application range of 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity between 40% and 70%. However, from a business scheduling perspective, many companies in the Lexington and Columbia area plan interior commercial painting during slower business periods, over long holiday weekends, or during facility shutdowns in late December and January when the fewest employees and customers are in the building.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Commercial Interior Painting Take for an Office in Lexington, SC?

Commercial interior painting for a standard office in Lexington, SC typically takes 2 to 5 days for spaces up to 3,000 square feet, assuming a professional crew of 2 to 3 painters working full days. Larger offices and multi-room suites in the Lexington and Columbia area can take 1 to 2 weeks depending on the amount of prep work, the number of coats, and whether phased scheduling around business hours is required. Projects that include drywall repairs, significant surface prep, and specialty areas like restrooms and break rooms take longer than straightforward repaint projects in good condition.

What Type of Paint Is Best for a Commercial Office in Columbia or Lexington, SC?

The best type of paint for a commercial office in Columbia or Lexington, SC is a 100% acrylic latex with a satin or eggshell finish on walls, and semi-gloss on doors, trim, and restrooms. According to HIS Paint Manufacturing’s commercial specification guide, satin finishes offer the best combination of durability and cleanability for hallways and high-traffic office areas, while eggshell works well in private offices and conference rooms with lower traffic. Premium commercial-grade products from brands like Sherwin-Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Aura last longer and stand up better to the cleaning cycles that commercial buildings require.

Can Businesses Stay Open During Commercial Interior Painting in Lexington?

Yes, businesses can stay open during commercial interior painting in Lexington with proper phasing and scheduling. Professional commercial painting companies serving the Lexington, Forest Acres, and Columbia area routinely complete interior painting in occupied buildings by isolating work zones one room, floor, or wing at a time. Off-hour scheduling for lobbies, hallways, and reception areas keeps customer-facing spaces operational during business hours. This approach is standard for offices, medical clinics, and retail spaces throughout the Midlands region.

How Often Should a Commercial Building Be Repainted in the Lexington Area?

A commercial building in the Lexington area should be repainted every 3 to 5 years for interior surfaces in standard use. High-traffic corridors, lobbies, and restrooms may need repainting every 2 to 3 years to maintain a professional appearance. According to industry standards from Custom Painting Inc., commercial buildings are repainted on this cycle to keep them looking fresh, reflect brand standards, and address wear from daily use. Many property managers in the Lexington, Columbia, and Red Bank area tie interior painting to lease turnovers or annual maintenance cycles to keep the schedule predictable and the budget manageable.

Does Commercial Interior Painting Include Ceiling and Trim Work in Lexington, SC?

Yes, commercial interior painting can include ceilings and trim when they are part of the agreed project scope. Ceilings in commercial spaces are typically painted flat white or a light neutral to reflect light and create visual height. Trim, baseboards, and door frames are usually painted semi-gloss for maximum durability at contact points. Many commercial painting projects in Lexington, West Columbia, and Forest Acres bundle wall, ceiling, and trim painting under one project scope to reduce setup time and deliver a fully refreshed interior in a single mobilization.

What Makes a Good Commercial Painting Contractor in Lexington, SC?

A good commercial painting contractor in Lexington, SC is licensed, bonded, and insured, provides a detailed written estimate after a site walkthrough, uses commercial-grade paint products appropriate for the space’s traffic level, follows a proper surface prep process, and can schedule work around the business’s operating hours. According to research from Exeter University cited in commercial painting productivity studies, well-maintained painted commercial spaces contribute to up to 32% higher employee productivity and 60% higher engagement. Choosing a contractor who understands this and approaches the project as a business investment, not just a cosmetic one, makes a meaningful difference in the long-term outcome.

How Many Gallons of Paint Does a Commercial Interior Project Need in a 2,000 Square Foot Space?

A 2,000 square foot commercial interior space needs approximately 11 to 14 gallons of paint for two coats on all walls, assuming an average ceiling height of 9 feet. This estimate uses a coverage rate of approximately 300 square feet per gallon per coat, as cited by Custom Painting Inc., and accounts for deductions for doors and windows. Add 2 to 3 gallons for ceilings and an additional 1 to 2 gallons for trim and doors at semi-gloss. Rough or textured surfaces absorb more paint and may require 20 to 30% more product than smooth drywall surfaces of the same square footage.

Final Thoughts

Painting a commercial building interior is a process that rewards planning and preparation. The right paint finish for each area, proper surface repair and priming before the first coat goes on, correct brush and roller technique, two full coats with appropriate drying time, and a thorough final inspection are what separate a commercial paint job that lasts 5 to 7 years from one that needs attention again in 18 months. According to research from Exeter University’s School of Business, employees in well-maintained and freshly painted offices are up to 32% more productive than those working in bare or neglected spaces. For businesses in Lexington, Columbia, West Columbia, Forest Acres, and the surrounding Midlands area, a well-executed interior paint project is one of the highest-return investments a property owner can make in both the appearance and the function of their building.

If you manage a commercial property in the Lexington or Columbia area and are ready to schedule an interior painting project, the team at Soda City Painting handles commercial work from single offices to multi-room facilities across the Midlands. They are BBB accredited, licensed, and insured, and provide written estimates after a full site walkthrough so there are no surprises during the project. Contact them today for a free estimate on your commercial painting project and find out what a professional interior paint job can do for your business.