Apartment Complex Painting Project

in Fort Collins, CO

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Apartment Complex Painting – Exterior Metal Surface Refresh in Fort Collins, CO

CertaPro Painters Business & Commercial Services was hired to complete a large-scale exterior maintenance project across multiple apartment buildings located in Fort Collins, CO.

The project scope included five separate locations totaling 13 apartment buildings, plus a mailbox enclosure. All work was designed to restore and protect the property’s exterior metal components, enhancing both aesthetics and durability for long-term property management needs. You can learn more about this commercial painting project below.

staircase railing

About the Project

Condition of Facility:

At the time work began, the metal railings, handrails, decorative trellises, and flashing across the properties showed significant rust, peeling paint, and general surface deterioration. Rust had spread on stair railings and breezeways, creating both an unsightly appearance and potential long-term maintenance concerns. The mailbox enclosure was in similar condition, with visible corrosion requiring professional restoration.

Project Involvement:

The project involved:

  • Hand washing and debris removal from all included substrates
  • Block sanding and wire brushing to remove rust down to the microscopic level
  • Application of Corroseal rust inhibitor primer on all previously rusted areas
  • Additional spot priming with Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Pro-Cryl Universal Acrylic Primer
  • Applying two coats of Sherwin-Williams High-Performance Acrylic topcoat (brush/roll/spray as appropriate) to match existing property colors
  • Full masking and protection of excluded surfaces (balcony railings, bike racks, pergolas, etc.)
  • Tenant notifications and daily job site cleanup

Special Challenges:

This project involved coordinating work across 13 occupied apartment buildings, requiring careful scheduling to minimize disruption for residents. Rust remediation was especially detailed, as surfaces needed to be ground and treated at a microscopic level to ensure long-term protection. The scale of the project also required multiple crews and oversight from a dedicated Production Manager to maintain consistency and quality control across all properties.

Special Equipment/Techniques:

  • Diamond-tip grinders, wire brushes, and sanding pads to remove rust
  • Rust conversion primer (Corroseal) followed by bonding primer for superior adhesion
  • Commercial-grade Sherwin-Williams coatings for durability and weather resistance
  • Brush, roll, and spray application methods depending on surface and accessibility
  • Tenant communication system with door notices before each phase of work

Additional Information:

Upon completion, the apartment buildings and mailbox enclosure had a fresh, professional appearance, with all rusted areas restored and protected by high-performance coatings. The property management team gained peace of mind knowing that the metal components are safeguarded against future deterioration, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

This project highlights CertaPro Painters’ expertise in multi-building commercial painting and property maintenance, delivering reliable results for property managers and facilities teams responsible for large residential communities.

railing

Before Photos

Here is what the metal surfaces looked like prior to painting. Click on any image to zoom in.

Metal Before Painting

Metal Before Painting

Metal Surface Before

Metal Surface Before

Metal Beams Before

Metal Beams Before

Apartment Exterior Before

Apartment Exterior Before

Apartment Complex Before

Apartment Complex Before

Apartment Balcony Before

Apartment Balcony Before

Railing Before

Railing Before

Staircase Before

Staircase Before

Metal Railing Before

Metal Railing Before

Stair Railing Before

Stair Railing Before

Exterior of Complex Before

Exterior of Complex Before

Metal Beam Before

Metal Beam Before

Complex Before Painting

Complex Before Painting

Side of Apartment Before

Side of Apartment Before

Exterior of Building Before

Exterior of Building Before

Staircase Before Painting

Staircase Before Painting

Apartment Exterior Before Refresh

Apartment Exterior Before Refresh

Metal Railing Before

Metal Railing Before

Enclosure Before

Enclosure Before

Metal Surfaces Before

Metal Surfaces Before

In-Progress Photos

Stair Railing Painting

Stair Railing Painting

Railing Painting

Railing Painting

Metal Painting

Metal Painting

Rusted Metal

Rusted Metal

Rusted Stair Railing

Rusted Stair Railing

Exterior Metal Painting

Exterior Metal Painting

Exterior Metal Refresh

Exterior Metal Refresh

Metal Enclosure Painting

Metal Enclosure Painting

Painting in Progress

Painting in Progress

Painting Stair Railings

Painting Stair Railings

Professional Exterior Painting

Professional Exterior Painting

Metal Rail Painting

Metal Rail Painting

Staircase Refresh

Staircase Refresh

After Photos

Check out the final results below! Click on any image to zoom in.

Metal After Painting

Metal After Painting

Metal Enclosure After

Metal Enclosure After

Apartment Exterior After

Apartment Exterior After

Staircase Railing After

Staircase Railing After

Metal Railing After

Metal Railing After

Exterior Railing After

Exterior Railing After

Stairs After Paint Upgrade

Stairs After Paint Upgrade