Case Study: Commercial Exterior Painting in Auburn, WA

Description of the Project

This commercial exterior painting project involved a complete transformation of an industrial facility, requiring both painting and structural enhancements. The primary goal was to restore and protect the exterior surfaces, including the building facade, silos, metal safety rails, and awnings, while ensuring minimal downtime for the business operations.

Location: Auburn, Washington

Date: November – December 2024

Duration: 4 Weeks

What Did the Project Involve?

• Full Exterior Painting: The entire building exterior was painted using Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP, an elastomeric coating designed for superior weather resistance.
• Backer Rod and Joint Sealant Replacement: Expansion joints were properly caulked using backer rod for moisture protection.
• Fascia and Roof Coping Replacement: The original wood fascia was removed and replaced with fabricated metal roof coping, which was painted in-house to match the building’s aesthetic.
• Silo Restoration and Painting: Three large silos showed extensive rust, requiring hand grinding for surface rust removal, followed by priming and painting.
• Metal Safety Rails, Bay Doors, and Awnings: The yellow metal safety rails, metal bay doors, man doors, and metal awning were all painted for improved visibility and protection.
• Awning Replacement: One of the exterior awnings was fully replaced to enhance durability and appearance.

Special Challenges

Working through the winter months in Washington presented weather-related obstacles, but mild daytime temperatures allowed the team to complete the project without major delays. The exterior of the building was painted with Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP, known for its mildew and efflorescence resistance, ensuring long-term protection against the elements. Painting the silos and metal awnings required a quick-drying product for efficient recoating, leading to the use of Rodda Speed Enamel. This product was ideal for minimizing downtime in the distribution area. Additionally, a special technique of caulking expansion joints with backer rod was implemented to create a strong moisture barrier for the concrete joint panels.

Special Equipment & Techniques

• 65’ Articulating Boom Lift: Used to access high surfaces, including the silos and upper sections of the building.
• Metal Fabrication: Custom metal coping and awnings were fabricated and painted in-house for seamless integration with the existing structure.
• Hand Grinding & Priming: Surface rust on silos was removed with hand grinders before applying a primer to ensure proper adhesion of the topcoat.

The Result

Despite the challenges of winter weather and the complexity of the project, the team at CertaPro Painters® of Federal Way delivered a high-quality finish that exceeded the client’s expectations. The new exterior coatings not only improved the building’s visual appeal but also enhanced its durability and resistance to environmental elements. The use of premium coatings like Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP and Rodda Speed Enamel ensured long-term protection against moisture, mildew, and rust. The newly painted safety rails, bay doors, and awnings added a refreshed and polished look, contributing to a safer and more professional environment. The client was extremely satisfied with the efficient execution and the durability of the final results.