Planning necessary upgrades for your business takes a bit of strategy. When it comes to updating your business’ exterior with a professional paint job, it might feel like closing down for the work is the best option. But you don’t need to lose out on business or slow operations for commercial exterior painting in Sonoma!
At Mike Chavez Painting, we’ve helped countless business owners transform their storefronts, offices, and industrial buildings, without needing to shut down for the job.
Looking to update the face of your business while staying in business? Let’s break down how to plan your commercial exterior paint project strategically so it runs smoothly and efficiently.
Start with a Clear Project Scope
Every successful paint job begins with a conversation. We sit down with business owners, property managers, or facility directors to understand the scope:
- What surfaces need painting?
- Are there repairs or prep work needed first?
- Are there access limitations or business hours to consider?
This initial step lets us align expectations, budget, and timeline from the start. If you’re working with a contractor who skips this phase, be wary, that’s where miscommunication and costly delays begin.
Choose the Right Time (Hint: Off-Hours Matter)
To avoid disrupting foot traffic, employee flow, or parking, we always recommend scheduling commercial exterior painting during:
- Early mornings or late evenings
- Weekends or holidays (if your business is closed)
- Scheduled downtime, such as renovations or slow seasons
For example, we’ve painted retail centers in Sonoma early on Sunday mornings so shops could open with minimal disruption. Flexibility and proactive scheduling are a big part of how we serve commercial clients well.
Coordinate Closely With All Stakeholders
We’ve learned this over 20+ years: the more people looped into the plan, the smoother things go. Notify:
- Employees
- Tenants (if it’s a multi-unit commercial space)
- Customers (with temporary signage or digital alerts)
We’ll often help by providing a phased painting schedule, outlining which areas are affected and when. Clear signage also helps ensure everyone knows how to navigate safely around the work area.
Prioritize Surface Preparation (This Step Is Non-Negotiable)
Painting without proper prep is like building a house on sand, it won’t last.
At Mike Chavez Painting, we pride ourselves on being surface preparation specialists. This means:
- Power washing the building to remove grime, mildew, and loose paint
- Repairing cracks or dry rot
- Priming as needed for proper adhesion
Especially in Sonoma’s climate, which ranges from coastal fog to dry summer heat, skipping prep work can lead to early paint failure. Our team knows what products hold up best on stucco, wood, metal, or composite siding, and we apply them with that long-term durability in mind.
Use Low-Odor, Quick-Drying Products
When working near operational areas like storefronts, restaurants, or office buildings, we use:
- Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints
- Fast-drying exterior coatings
- Environmentally safe cleanup practices
This ensures minimal smell, quick turnaround, and safety for your team and customers.
Plan for Accessibility and Safety
A top concern for many business owners is, “Will my customers still be able to get in?”
Yes, if the project is planned right.
We ensure:
- Walkways are never fully blocked without alternatives
- ADA access is maintained
- Safety cones and signage are clearly visible
Our team wears high-visibility vests and follows OSHA standards
Our professional painters work clean and efficiently. We also use scaffolding, lifts, or drop cloths that minimize obstruction and risk.
Communicate Throughout the Process
Painting a commercial exterior is not a “set it and forget it” situation. That’s why we assign a dedicated project manager for each job.
Expect:
- Daily updates
- Adjustments based on weather
- Quick decisions if surprises (like wood rot or substrate issues) pop up
You’ll never wonder what’s going on, that’s part of our “Painting Done With Integrity and Communication” promise.
Final Walkthrough and Quality Check
Before we call the job complete, we walk it with you.
We’ll check:
- Uniformity of color and finish
- Clean edges and details
- Proper cleanup and site condition
If something doesn’t meet your expectations, we make it right. Period.
Why Choose Mike Chavez Painting for Commercial Exterior Painting in Sonoma?
We’re not a pop-up crew. Mike Chavez Painting has deep roots in Sonoma County, and we know how to handle the demands of commercial work, on time, on budget, and with minimal interruption. From wineries to industrial buildings and retail storefronts, we’ve seen (and painted) it all.
Plus, our involvement in the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) means we’re always on the cutting edge of industry standards, safety, and product knowledge.
Ready to Refresh Your Business’ Exterior – Call Mike Chavez Painting!
Let us take the stress out of your business’ facelift. We specialize in seamless, non-disruptive painting solutions for storefronts, offices, and commercial buildings, so you can keep serving your customers while we do the heavy lifting.
Contact Mike Chavez Painting online today or give us a call at (707) 623-5850.