The Value Of Painting And Coating Updates

In today’s competitive commercial real estate environment, facility managers are tasked with more than just ensuring buildings look appealing — they are responsible for optimizing operational performance, minimizing maintenance costs, and meeting sustainability standards. One high-impact way to accomplish these goals is through strategic painting and coating updates.

While strategic stylistic design choices can create iconic, noteworthy aesthetics, the true value of paint and coating in commercial properties lie far beyond appearance. From maintaining structural integrity, and meeting compliance and safety standards, regular touch-ups of both paint and wall coatings play a critical role in protecting a commercial property and those who work there.

Painting And Coating Updates: Beyond Beauty

Paints and protective coatings do much more than make a commercial space visually appealing. When properly maintained, they can prevent wear and tear, which shields surfaces from frequent contact, abrasion, chemical exposure, and severe weather conditions.

Boost Safety And Ensure Compliance

Anti-slip floor coatings and clearly marked traffic zones help prevent workplace accidents, promoting a safer environment for employees and visitors. Specific environments—such as food service, healthcare, and education—require coatings that meet additional regulatory health and hygiene standards.

Reduce Operating Costs

Durable coatings extend the lifespan of structural surfaces and reduce the need for frequent repainting or surface replacement. With coatings designed for long-term performance, facility managers can focus on business operations without constantly worrying about surface damage or frequent touch-ups.

In essence, protective coatings act as an insurance policy for your building’s infrastructure.

The Right Coating For The Right Job

Not all coatings are created equal — especially in high-traffic or industrial settings. For these demanding areas, selecting the appropriate product is crucial to ensure long-lasting protection and reduce long-term maintenance expenses.

Coatings that include Urethane, Polyaspartic, Polyurethane, or Epoxy are proven performers. These materials create a tough, chemically resistant surface that withstands heavy equipment movement, frequent cleaning, and environmental exposure. For example:

• Epoxy coatings are excellent for industrial flooring due to their high resistance to spills, impact, and wear.
• Polyaspartic coatings offer fast cure times and superior durability, making them ideal for minimizing downtime in operational spaces.
• Polyurethane coatings are highly flexible, UV-resistant, and offer excellent gloss and color retention.

In addition to their protective benefits, many of these coatings simplify maintenance routines. Their smooth, sealed finishes repel dirt and grime, reducing cleaning labor and associated costs.

When Is It Time For An Update?

Understanding when to refresh or replace wall coatings is critical for preserving both aesthetics and functionality. Facility managers should routinely inspect surfaces for signs of deterioration such as cracking, peeling, fading and discoloration, bubbling, blistering, corrosion or rust.

These signs often point to underlying issues, such as moisture infiltration or substrate failure. If left untreated, these can escalate into costlier repairs. By implementing a routine inspection schedule and proactively addressing visible wear, managers can reduce long-term costs and maintain a professional, safe environment.

Supporting Sustainability With Low-VOC Paints

Another vital aspect of modern facility management is environmental responsibility. Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints have become a leading option for sustainable building practices. These paints emit fewer harmful chemicals, making them a healthier choice for occupants and the environment.

Low-VOC paints (containing fewer than 50 grams per liter of VOCs) once had a reputation for underperformance, but today’s formulas have evolved. Trusted brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams now offer low-VOC products that deliver excellent coverage, washability, and resistance to wear. These products help facilities meet green building standards, improve indoor air quality, and even increase tenant satisfaction by providing a healthier working environment.

By opting for low-VOC solutions, facility managers can align with LEED certification and other sustainability goals—while ensuring that their paintwork doesn’t compromise on performance or longevity.

 

Best Practices For A Smooth Painting Or Coating Project

Minimizing operational disruption is key during any painting or coating update. Here are a few steps facility managers should follow to ensure success:

1. Assess and Plan Thoroughly: Begin with a full evaluation of your facility’s current surfaces and identify high-priority areas based on wear, safety, and compliance needs.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate openly with all stakeholders, including employees, vendors, and tenants, to manage expectations and minimize surprises.
3. Choose the Right Partner: Partner with experienced professionals who understand your building’s unique needs and offer tailored solutions—not just generic fixes.
4. Schedule Strategically: Coordinate project timing around off-hours or lower traffic periods to limit disruption.
5. Use High-Quality Materials: Investing in durable and sustainable products upfront pays off in reduced maintenance and better long-term performance.

By proactively managing all surfaces, using the right materials, addressing wear early, and planning strategically, property owners can extend the life of infrastructure, enhance occupant safety and satisfaction, and align with green building initiatives.

Painting is more than a finishing touch; it’s a critical investment into a building’s future. Whether one is managing a high-traffic office, a bustling industrial facility, or a community-facing retail center, it essential to find wall coatings that work as hard as you do.

By Nick Lopez
From the June 2025 Issue of Facility Executive

Lopez is the CEO and Founder of LIME Painting.

Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts by sending an e-mail to the Editor at [email protected].

Check out all the facility management topics covered in Facility Executive magazine’s Services & Maintenance articles.