What Paint Coatings Should Be Used For Commercial Spaces in Sydney?

Picking the right coating is a critical decision that can impact the look, safety and longevity of your commercial space. Whether you’re dealing with epoxy flooring, walls, or even outdoor surfaces this is something that every commercial business owner needs to be aware of.  This guide explores the best coating options for various commercial spaces, offering insights into their benefits, applications, and considerations.

The Needs Of Commercial Spaces 

Commercial painting  encompasses a wide range of environments, including retail stores, office buildings, restaurants, hospitals, warehouses, and more. Each of these spaces has unique requirements depending on factors like:

• Foot Traffic
• Safety
• Hygiene
• Look or aesthetic
• Longevity

Best Coatings For Floors For Commercial Painting

Epoxy coatings are a go-to choice for commercial floors because they’re incredibly durable and versatile. Made by mixing a resin and a hardener, they create a strong, plastic-like surface that can handle a lot, here are some benefits: 

• Withstands heavy wear, chemicals, and moisture.
• Comes in a wide range of colours and finishes, including trendy metallics.
• Can include non-slip additives to enhance safety in busy areas.
• Easy to clean, perfect for spaces needing high hygiene standards.

Best For: Warehouses, garages, hospitals, commercial kitchens, and showrooms.

Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane coatings are flexible and resistant to abrasion, making them ideal for floors that need a high-gloss finish. They stand out for several reasons:

• Better suited to environments with temperature changes due to their flexibility.
• Superior UV resistance compared to epoxy, great for sun-exposed areas.
• Strong chemical resistance, making them perfect for industrial settings.

Best For: Parking garages, warehouses, office spaces, and retail stores.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete offers a sleek, modern look while being exceptionally durable. It’s a trendy option for commercial floors, with benefits including:

• Can withstand heavy foot traffic, chemicals, and impacts.
• Offers a high-gloss, professional finish in various stain colors.
• Low maintenance and easy to clean, ideal for busy spaces.
• An eco-friendly choice, as it uses existing concrete floors without additional materials.

Best For: Retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, and galleries.

Vinyl Flooring with Protective Coatings

Vinyl flooring is a popular, cost-effective choice for commercial spaces, and when paired with protective coatings, it becomes even more durable. Here’s why it’s favored:

• Affordable compared to other flooring options.
• Available in a wide range of designs, including looks that mimic wood, stone, or tile.
• Easy to install, which minimizes downtime during renovations.
• Protective coatings make it more resistant to scratches and wear, extending its lifespan.

Best For: Offices, retail spaces, healthcare facilities, and schools.

Top Coatings for Commercial Walls

The right wall coating can make a big difference in how a commercial space looks and holds up over time. Whether you’re going for a clean, modern office, a low-maintenance hospital, or a welcoming retail environment, picking the right coating is crucial. Here’s a quick look at some top choices and why they could work for you.

Latex Paint

Latex paint is a staple for commercial walls because it’s affordable, easy to apply, and versatile. Below are some benefits:

• Simple to apply, with fast drying times.
• Comes in many colors and finishes, from matte to high-gloss.
• Environmentally friendly choices with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are available.
• Washable and stain-resistant, making it great for high-traffic areas.

Best For: Offices, retail spaces, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Epoxy Wall Coatings

Epoxy isn’t just for floors; it’s also a fantastic choice for walls in environments that need high durability and hygiene. Below are some benefits: 

• Resists moisture, chemicals, and abrasion.
• Easy to clean and prevents mould and bacteria, perfect for spaces needing strict hygiene.
• Available in various colours and finishes for a customised look.

Best For: Hospitals, laboratories, commercial kitchens, and industrial facilities.

Vinyl Wall Coverings

Vinyl wall coverings are both decorative and durable, offering a range of textures and patterns to suit different styles.

• Durability: Resists scratches, stains, and impacts.
• Variety: Comes in many designs, from simple patterns to intricate textures.
• Easy to Clean: Wipe-clean surfaces make them ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Fire Resistance: Many vinyl coverings are designed to be fire-resistant, enhancing safety.

Best For: Hotels, office buildings, retail spaces, and healthcare facilities.

Exterior Coatings for Commercial Buildings 

he exterior of a commercial building is the first thing people see, so it needs to make a great impression while standing up to the elements. Choosing the right exterior coating is vital.

Acrylic Coatings

Acrylic coatings are water-based and offer excellent UV resistance, making them perfect for exterior applications. Below are some benefits:

• Shields surfaces from sun damage, reducing fading.
• Stands up well to weather, ideal for outdoor use.
• Works on various surfaces, including concrete, stucco, and wood.
• Low in VOCs and water-based, making them a greener choice.

Best For: Exterior walls, facades, and signage.

Elastomeric Coatings

Elastomeric coatings provide a waterproof barrier and are highly flexible, making them ideal for exterior surfaces that might shift or crack, this is an important coating for maintenance painting. Below are some examples: 

• Offers seamless protection, keeping the building’s exterior dry.
• Stretches and contracts with temperature changes, preventing cracks.
• Withstands harsh weather, suitable for all climates.

Best For: Exterior walls, roofs, and building facades.

Polyurethane Coatings: Durable and High-Gloss

Polyurethane coatings are not just for interiors; they’re also great for exterior surfaces due to their durability and resistance to UV radiation and chemicals. Below are some benefits: 

• Handles weather, UV rays, and chemicals with ease.
• Provides a high-gloss finish that enhances the building’s look.
• Lasts a long time, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

Best For: Exterior walls, metal structures, and industrial facilities.

Innovative Coatings for Special Commercial Needs

Sometimes you need more than the stock standard coatings and what something that is more modern and will stand the test of time, below are some coatings for you!

Anti-Graffiti Coatings

In urban areas, anti-graffiti coatings protect surfaces from vandalism, making it easy to clean up any unwanted artwork. Below are some benefits:

• Protection: Prevents graffiti from sticking, so it’s easy to wash off.
• Durability: Stands up to chemicals and environmental factors.
• Aesthetics: Available in clear or tinted finishes, so you can maintain the look of the surface.

Best For: Public buildings, transportation hubs, and retail spaces in urban areas.

Antimicrobial Coatings

In places where cleanliness is critical, antimicrobial coatings stop bacteria, mould, and fungi from growing on surfaces. Below are some benefits:

• Reduces the spread of germs, keeping surfaces cleaner.
• Provides long-lasting protection, especially in high-touch areas.
• Can be applied to walls, floors, countertops, and more.

Best For: Hospitals, laboratories, restaurants, and schools.

Wrapping Up 

Think of it like this: the right coating can be the difference between a floor that stays pristine or one that quickly shows wear and tear. Whether you’re dealing with heavy foot traffic, needing to meet strict hygiene standards, or just want your place to shine from the outside in, choosing the right paint makes all the difference.