Are you considering ways to spruce up your facility? A fresh coat of paint can offer a multitude of benefits, such as making the environment more welcoming, emphasizing company branding, increasing productivity, and—of particular importance right now during the COVID-19 pandemic—keeping the people using your facility safe. Here are a few key questions to ask yourself to ensure you choose the right paint for your project.
1. What is the condition of your walls?
Are your walls made of sheetrock? Plaster? Are they old or new? When it comes to paint surfaces, it’s not one size fits all.
It’s important to consider the construction material, age, and condition of your walls before you start painting. Each of these factors can significantly impact how well the paint will adhere to the wall and how well the paint performs. For example, paint will adhere best to a perfectly smooth surface. So, more prep work may be required for an older, damaged wall or one that’s made of plaster. The presence of lead paint may also be a factor with older walls. Testing will be required. You’re not off the hook with a newer wall; those made of sheetrock are more susceptible to water damage and mold. You may need a sealant to keep moisture out.
In either case, consider using a paintable wallpaper liner, like Novelio by Adfor, to elevate the performance and improve the final look.
2. What are you trying to achieve with your environment?
Do you want your space to shine a spotlight on your mission and branding, promote your company or institution’s culture, or boost the productivity and mood of your staff or students?
The way you paint your facility can have a significant effect on how people respond to your business or institution. There are documented benefits related to motivation, mood, and even cognitive performance. The right design and colors can help promote a company’s core principles and clarify the leadership’s vision of the company’s past, present, and future for employees and visitors.
A custom wall mural can add pizzazz, infuse company branding and colors throughout the space, or celebrate company culture. It can leave a lasting impression that communicates the company’s dedication to investing in their work environment and in their workers’ well-being.
Similarly, an accent wall can go a long way in promoting the identity, culture and values of a company or organization. But what color should you use?
There is science and psychology behind picking the perfect paint colors. The colors around us have a palpable effect on our mood. Some increase anxiety or promote creativity and even ignite hunger, whereas other encourage relaxation or focus. Here are two examples of how choosing the right colors can have a transformative effect on learning and living facilities.
3. Which finish is best for your project?
Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Semi-gloss, High-gloss, Washable, Writeable… Oh, my! So many decisions to be made. Do you know the right ones for your space?
The basic rule of thumb with a paint’s finish (or sheen) is that the higher the sheen, the more durable the paint will be. Flat paint has no sheen, high-gloss is all sheen, and in between are eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. The finish you choose will determine the vibrancy of the color, the paint’s durability, and how easy the surface will be to clean.
Generally speaking, flat paint hides imperfections well, so little preparation is required for the surface you intend to paint. However, walls painted with flat finish can be hard to keep clean and should not be used in areas that have high humidity. At the other end of the spectrum is high-gloss paint. This finish is more resistant to stains, but imperfections on the surface are likely to show.
Also consider the richness of the color. A finish with less sheen will contain a higher level of pigmentation, whereas glossier finishes are less vibrant. So, to get the most saturated color, choose a matte finish.
These are just three questions out of 30 or more that we, as professionals, would help you address to ensure you choose the right product at the right price. PARflooring and PARsolutions are experts in all-things “facilities.” We handle the details so that you don’t have to. We get it right the first time, every time, so you can focus on what you do best. Contact the experts in our PARsolutions division to discuss your painting needs today at (973) 292-0089 or info@teampar.com.
About the author
