What are the Differences Between Commercial and Industrial Painting?

If you are looking to get your building repainted, you may be wondering if you should be reaching out to a commercial painting or an industrial painting contractor. There are a few key differences between the two and the types of painting projects they do.

Industrial and Commercial Painting Companies Specialize in Different Types of Paint Jobs

However, an experienced commercial painter will typically not be qualified for industrial paint jobs, such as industrial tank painting. The same idea applies to residential painting as well, someone well-versed and qualified to paint homes will not necessarily have the skills that an industrial painter or a commercial painter needs.

Understanding the difference between the two is important and will help you hire the right painting contractor for the job.

How is a Commercial Painting Project Approached?

Commercial painting projects are for commercial properties, such as retail stores. Commercial painting covers a much larger scope than a residential project. However the end goal is the same – to provide a paint job that is pleasing to the eye and increases the aesthetics of a property.

Commercial painting services involves a wide variety of projects, including both interior and exterior projects. In addition, the paints chosen are not necessarily going to be the most durable – although they will be long-lasting. Instead, they often use latex-based paint instead of oil-based paint. High quality latex paints are preferred because they dry quickly.

Quick-drying paints are essential for commercial projects. The project manager will want to be able to finish the job quickly so the business can return to normal operation.

In addition, these paints are not subject to the same amount of abuse as coatings in industrial settings. Painting for manufacturing purposes is done by industrial painters.

How is an Industrial Painting Project Approached?

The main difference between industrial and commercial painting is the overall utility of the paint. Industrial painting services are used in manufacturing settings and is more concerned with durability and protection of machinery and surfaces than commercial painting.

This type involves painting with oil-based paints, as they are extremely durable. Commonly, additional paint films, coatings and varnishes are added to further enhance the longevity of the paint.

A great example of the importance of these durable coatings is with tanks that hold volatile raw materials. They need to be painted with specialized paints to protect the containers from corrosion and other damages.

Industrial paint jobs are not as concerned with aesthetics. However, this does not mean that all industrial paint colors are drab and boring. If the paint job you are looking for requires more durability, an industrial painter should be able to help you. 

Other types of industrial paint jobs include painting machinery, such as cars, boats, planes, bridges and other similar structures. Although, unlike many industrial paint projects, the general public will see the outcome. This means that these types of industrial paint projects are concerned with aesthetics almost as much as they are concerned with durability.

Key Differences Between the Commercial and Industrial Painting Companies

The key difference between commercial paint jobs and industrial paint jobs is the purpose of the project. They also use different types of paint and coatings to get the job done.

Commercial paint projects are to enhance and elevate the aesthetics of a property. These buildings are client- and customer-focused, increasing the curb appeal of your building.

Painting in the manufacturing and industrial world is more concerned with durability and longevity over look. These projects are completed for protective reasons, rather than for aesthetic purpose.