

Most people don’t quite understand the differences between commercial and residential painting. Though minor, it is important to know the differences between these two types of painting. Especially for large scale commercial painting.
This piece will highlight some differences between residential and commercial painting. You’ll be well informed next time you’re hiring painters for your project.
Difference between Commercial and Residential Painting
To help you understand the difference between these two types of paintings. Here is an explanation of what each type of painting is before we delve into the exact differences.
What is commercial painting?
Commercial painting, as the name suggests, involves painting plus commercial establishments. Commercial painting is painting projects for businesses. This type of painting is usually a large scale activity.
It involves businesses like restaurants, factories, and large residential complexes. Painting of this scope is mostly functional and less aesthetic, depending on the business. Some commercial painting projects may, however, be visual to attract potential clients.
What is Residential Painting?
Residential painting is a fancy term for house painting. House painting is painting the exterior and interior of residences. This type of painting is not as complicated as commercial painting.
Because of its comparative easiness to commercial painting, some people do house painting by themselves. It is, however, always a good idea to find professional house painters for your house painting.
So what are the differences between commercial painting and residential painting?
1. The scale of the painting
The most prominent difference between these two types of painting is the project scale of each. When it comes to commercial projects, think major projects.
Compare a residential establishment and a factory complex. The latter is way larger than a single residential house.
Painting a factory will require extensive planning, a lot of human resources, and a lot of paint. Consider multi-family residences. Painting an entire multi-family complex fits the criterion of a commercial painting because of the scale of painting.
2. Scheduling
Time is money for almost all businesses. As such, commercial painters are incredibly time-flexible. This flexibility is because most commercial painters understand that interruption to normal activities may lead to losses.
In that regard, most commercial painters strive to adapt to a business’s schedule and can work even at odd hours. You can do residential painting, at whatever time, even on business days. Some house painters, however, may not be ready to work odd hours unless the pay is good.
3. Experience of painters
When it comes to experience and expertise, commercial painters have the edge over their counterparts. Remember, commercial painters have to work extensively on a single project. Given the demand for commercial painters, the chances that one painter has worked on multiple projects is very high.
House painters, on the other hand, may not have as much experience as commercial painters. House painting involves painting the exterior of households. Though painters may have painted many houses, the painting procedure is pretty much almost the same.
That said, house painters still have a pretty considerable amount of experience in their resume.
Because of the experience factor, it might be difficult for a house painter to do well in commercial projects. But with adequate training, the house painter can become a good commercial painter in no time.
4. How Much Paint and the quality of Paint Needed for Each
House painting is more of a visual project. As such, the paint used in house painting is mostly aesthetic.
Depending on the homeowner, the quality of the paint varies. Most house paintings, however, stress the quality of paints because no one likes bad paint for their homes.
Commercial painters do not compromise on quality, but there is less concern about the quality of the paints. Most of these painting projects, after all, serve only a utilitarian purpose. Most business owners are unwilling to splurge on expensive paints, except few businesses like hotels and restaurants.
Also because commercial painting requires a lot of paint, settling on expensive paints could cost the company a lot.
House painting will require a few cans of paint to complete the project. When it comes to commercial painting, think hundreds to thousands of liters of paint because of the scale of the project.
5. Services Offered by Each
Commercial painters’ services starkly differ from house painter services. Since the structures in residential houses and business premises are distinctly different.
For house painting, here are some of the services offered:-
- Wall painting both drywall painting and overcoat painting
- Ceiling painting
- Sealing of Cracks on walls with filler
- Painting decks and fences
- Wood Trim Painting
- Exterior painting
Apart from these services, house painters can also carry out various home repairs. They can fill any cracks or small holes on the wall. They can also do some wood repair and replacement while they’re at it.
Commercial painters’ services are more aligned to the needs of business establishments and industrial setups. Commercial painters may offer the following:-
- Power washing
- Painting of churches
- Hotel interior and decorative painting
- HOA painting (specialty services)
- Interior and exterior building painting
Similar to house painters, commercial painters can carry out some masonry repairs. Remember, commercial painters, are very versatile and are not limited to the above services. Commercial painters can adjust their terms of service and schedule accordingly.
Whether Commercial or Residential Painting, Go for Professionals
Hopefully, this piece has been an elaborate explanation of the main differences between commercial painting and residential painting. It is worth noting that some commercial painters may sometimes do some residential painting.
Always look for professional painters for any painting project. You may have impeccable DIY skills, but nothing compares to the work of a professional. There are plenty of professional painters across the country. Finding one is a piece of cake.
If you need professional painters for any commercial or residential painting job, contact Scott Brown Painting today and get your painting done in a professional and timely way.