Whether it’s fading color, peeling surfaces, or just that feeling that your space could use a refresh, exterior paint plays a big role in how your business is perceived.
At Mike Chavez Painting, we’ve worked with plenty of local businesses over the years, and we know the process can feel overwhelming if you’ve never tackled a project like this. That’s why we put together this simple checklist to help you schedule your commercial exterior painting in Sonoma and actually feel good about it.
✅ 1. Walk the Property
If you haven’t in a while, it’s a good idea to walk your building and look for:
- Damaged paint (bubbling, chipping, fading, etc.)
- Water staining/signs of mildew
- Damaged siding, stucco cracks, or exposed wood
- Paint touch-ups with off-color paint
Consider how your building’s paintjob might look to a potential client, guest, or customer. Poor care to the outside of your building isn’t a great first impression!
✅ 2. Know Your Budget & Timing
Every building (and business) is different. Make sure you can answer the following questions:
- Do I need to minimize customer disruption?
- Can we work around busy seasons?
- Would it help to do the job in phases?
✅ 3. Choose the Right Painting Partner
Not all painters are equipped for commercial work. You want a team that’s:
- Licensed, insured, and used to working on larger buildings
- Familiar with Sonoma County weather and surfaces
- Easy to communicate with (seriously, that matters a lot)
Our crew at Mike Chavez Painting has been doing commercial exterior painting in Sonoma for over 20 years. From small storefronts to large facilities, we’ve pretty much seen it all.
✅ 4. Don’t Skip Prep Work
This is where the pros really stand out. Great prep = longer-lasting paint.
Good surface prep usually means:
- Power washing to remove grime and mold
- Scraping loose or peeling paint
- Priming bare wood or metal
- Patching cracks or damaged siding
We’re known as surface prep specialists for a reason, we don’t cut corners here.
✅ 5. Pick Your Paint and Colors Wisely
You’ve got tons of options, and that can get overwhelming fast.
Think about:
- How much sun your building gets (UV fades certain colors)
- Branding (Does your color match your business?)
- Longevity and durability (Some paints just hold up better)
We help our clients weigh their options and land on the right product, not just the most expensive one. Our goal is long-term value, not short-term upsells.
✅ 6. Let People Know What’s Happening
It’s easy to forget this step, but it makes a big difference.
Before the project starts, give a heads-up to:
- Employees (parking and access might change temporarily)
- Tenants or customers (especially if entrances are affected)
- Neighbors (for noise or equipment near shared spaces)
We’ll work with you to schedule in a way that keeps things running as smoothly as possible.
✅ 7. Watch the Weather
Painting in Sonoma? Spring to early fall is usually your best bet. Rainy days or cold mornings can mess with paint adhesion and drying time.
We keep an eye on the forecast and won’t paint when conditions aren’t right. You’d be surprised how much that alone affects quality.
✅ 8. Do a Final Walkthrough Together
Once everything’s painted, take a walkthrough with your painter. This is your chance to:
- Check for any missed spots or touch-ups
- Ask about cleaning, touch-up tips, or warranties
- Get leftover paint labeled and stored
A good painter won’t rush this step and we’ll always make sure you’re 100% happy before calling it done.
Ready to Tackle Your Commercial Exterior Painting in Sonoma?
We know painting your business isn’t just about picking the right color. A good paint job protects your investment and makes a good impression on your guests.
At Mike Chavez Painting, we don’t just show up and slap on some paint, we guide you through the whole process. And from planning to prep to that final finishing touch, we give treat your property with care and expertise.
📞 Let’s talk. Request an estimate online or give us a call at (707) 623-5850 to learn more about our commercial painting services and get started.