Painting the interior or exterior walls of a commercial facility is one of the most effective ways to enhance its appearance — second only to ceiling painting. If you’re already planning to paint the ceilings, it’s a smart and cost-effective time to address the walls as well. With equipment on site and much of the prep work already done, combining both tasks reduces downtime and increases efficiency.
Once ceilings are freshly painted, any imperfections in the walls — such as discoloration, scratches, dirt, or outdated colors — become much more noticeable. Repainting the walls helps bring a uniform, professional look to the entire space.
The appropriate coating system depends on both the wall surface and the environment it’s in. Common finishes for commercial walls include semi-gloss and gloss whites, using alkyd or latex-based paints.
For higher durability and chemical resistance, epoxy coatings are an excellent option — especially in facilities that require frequent washing or chemical cleaning. Epoxy is ideal in demanding environments, though it does come at a higher cost and may yellow over time.
For bare or porous surfaces, like concrete or cinder block walls, proper priming is essential. In food-grade or pharmaceutical environments, it’s critical to use block filler primers to seal all pores and prevent bacteria buildup. These thick, high-viscosity primers create a smooth, sanitary surface ready for topcoat application.
Specialty coatings such as mold- and mildew-resistant paints are also available for damp environments, but it’s equally important to ensure proper ventilation to control humidity and reduce the risk of future mold growth.
In sensitive environments — such as food production or dairy facilities — low-odor paints are a must. We offer low-VOC alkyd coatings that use high-quality solvents to reduce odors and avoid product contamination. Latex paints designed for industrial use are also available and are often chosen for their low impact on air quality and fast drying times.
Each coating type has unique adhesion properties. Epoxy coatings offer the strongest bond and resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic or wash-down areas. These paints chemically cure, allowing application in lower temperatures and producing a high-strength, chemical-resistant surface. Standard latex and alkyd coatings, by contrast, require warmer temperatures (above 10°C or 50°F) to properly dry and cure.
Paint color affects both material cost and coverage. Darker or more vibrant colors require more pigment and less titanium dioxide — reducing their ability to hide existing wall colors, which often means more coats are needed. Additionally, brighter pigments tend to be more expensive.
For better hiding and efficiency, consider using factory-tinted paints, which are more consistent and often contain more titanium dioxide. In most industrial settings, walls are painted white for brightness and cleanliness, with darker tones added as accent colors or protective lower-wall bands to mask dirt and wear.
Keep in mind that white paint may yellow over time, particularly in facilities with oil mists or production residues. While yellowing is natural and typically uniform, it may be accelerated by environmental factors like airborne oils from machinery.
Proper prep is the foundation of a quality paint job. Wall surface preparation may include:
Scraping and sanding
Cold or hot water washing
Dry ice blasting
Solvent cleaning
Sandblasting
Caution must be taken when using water-based prep methods near electrical components. Ensure that conduits, control panels, and lighting systems are protected or temporarily de-energized to avoid short circuits.
