Commercial Case Study

Project

As part of a larger school-wide remodel that included ceilings, walls, and flooring, Solon Robinson Elementary recognized the need to address one last remaining area: the student lockers. Although not included in the original renovation scope, the lockers showed years of wear in the form of chipped paint, rust, and fading. With limited availability during the academic year, the school administration partnered with CertaPro Painters of Northwest Indiana to schedule and complete the work over the summer break.

Process

Planning began with an on-site assessment to evaluate locker conditions and logistical needs. Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial coatings were selected for their durability, chemical resistance, and scrub-resistant finish—ideal for high-traffic school environments. The school’s maintenance staff ensured that all lockers were emptied in advance and full access to each bay was provided at project start. Ventilation was a key consideration, so temporary fans and open-air systems were installed to support drying and odor control.

During execution, great care was taken to protect the newly remodeled areas. Heavy-duty floor coverings and plastic sheeting were used throughout the hallways and locker bays, and all walls and surrounding surfaces were masked to prevent overspray. Surface preparation included:

• Full sanding with 60-grit abrasives
• Heavy sanding on rusted areas
• Sticker removal and degreasing
• Masking of hardware, number plates, and indicators

Rust-prone areas were primed with a rust-inhibiting primer. Once prep was complete, lockers were repainted using 3–4 light coats of a color-matched Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial finish to restore their appearance and blend with the updated surroundings.

Quality control walkthroughs were conducted after each bay was completed, with punch list items and touch-ups addressed immediately. At the conclusion of the project, a final “Pride Walk” was conducted with the CertaPro Painters of NWI project team and the school representative.

Challenges

Two primary challenges emerged during the project:

Newly Remodeled Area Protection: Great care was required to avoid damaging freshly completed floors and walls, which added time and complexity to setup and containment.

Tight Summer Timeline: To stay on schedule, two full teams worked in parallel throughout the project duration.

Result

The project was completed on time and within budget. The freshly repainted lockers now align visually with the school’s recently remodeled interiors, giving students a fully refreshed environment to return to. Thanks to thorough ventilation planning, no issues were reported related to paint fumes or air quality post-completion.

Solon Robinson Elementary Photos