Apartment Complex Painting Project
in Fort Collins, CO
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.
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.

Before Photos
Here is what the metal surfaces looked like prior to painting. Click on any image to zoom in.
In-Progress Photos
After Photos
Check out the final results below! Click on any image to zoom in.








































