Painting a retail store location can quickly give a huge first impression to customers and employees. The goal of retail stores is to make it inviting so you want to go inside and check out what they offer. A fresh coat of paint not only presents a clean, professional appearance but also tells customers you care about your store. Choosing the right colors and products through a trusted commercial painting service is hugely important to the look and feel of your business.
Retail Painting: How to Elevate Your Store’s Appeal
A fresh coat of paint in a store makes a huge first impression when customers come inside. We have all been in stores, restaurants, bars, offices, or restrooms that look horrible. Some can be downright offensive and make you nervous to touch anything. This can give the wrong impression of the quality of a business and its ownership. The owners may take great pride in what they offer to customers but have no idea how customers perceive them because of the look of the store. New paint can create a warm atmosphere that makes people want to stay and spend money or at least feel comfortable. A fresh coat of paint shows that the business cares about your experience and takes pride in the store and services it provides.
Essential Tips for Retail Store Painting
One big thing to consider when painting a retail location is durability. Most places of business that have heavy traffic need high-quality paint that will hold up well and can be cleaned easily. Using cheap paint or a lower sheen of paint can cause you to need to paint way more often.
Many paint companies make scuff-resistant paints these days that are great for high-traffic locations. Not only are these paints harder to damage but they can easily be washed on a regular basis. They are similar to an enamel paint that you might use on cabinets or millwork and are meant to be handled a lot. These paints will cost you more money up front but pay for themselves over time.
Choosing the right sheen of paint can help make a difference in how well the paint holds up over time. The more sheen you choose the easier it will be to maintain and clean over time. A very glossy paint can be overly shiny and may not give the appearance you want. If you are using a great paint you may get away with an eggshell or satin finish that will be durable but not too glossy.
Retail Store Paint Color Ideas
When choosing paint colors for your retail space, it’s essential to think about how they align with current design trends, customer preferences, and most importantly, your brand identity. Colors can greatly impact the shopping experience, set the tone for your brand, and even influence customer behavior. A cohesive color palette not only enhances the overall aesthetic of your store but also reinforces your brand’s personality, creating a memorable experience for your customers.
Calming Greens
If your brand is nature-inspired or wellness-focused, calming greens can create a serene, welcoming environment that puts customers at ease. Sherwin-Williams offers Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), a gentle green that works well in spaces designed for relaxation. Benjamin Moore’s October Mist (1495) is another soft green that lends a fresh, organic feel, perfect for stores promoting natural or eco-friendly products.
Rich Blues
Blue tones are ideal for brands aiming to convey stability, trust, and sophistication. For a classic, bold look, Sherwin-Williams’ Naval (SW 6244) is a timeless navy that pairs well with both traditional and modern aesthetics. If your brand leans toward a more casual vibe, Benjamin Moore’s Van Deusen Blue (HC-156) provides a lighter touch that can still evoke a sense of calmness and reliability. These hues are great for brands focusing on luxury or high-quality craftsmanship.
Vibrant Reds and Oranges
For brands that want to evoke energy and excitement, consider using bold reds and oranges. These colors are particularly effective for stores with a youthful or adventurous vibe. Sherwin-Williams’ Real Red (SW 6868) and Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon (2174-20) can be striking choices for focal areas, while a shade like Firenze (AF-225) can energize a space without overwhelming it. Vibrant colors like these are perfect for retail stores aiming to attract attention and stimulate impulse buys.
Soft Neutrals
Neutral tones like beige, gray, and taupe offer versatility and timeless appeal, allowing your products to take center stage. They’re especially fitting for brands with minimalist or upscale aesthetics. Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige (SW 7036) or Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist (OC-27) provide subtle backdrops that won’t distract from your merchandise. These colors also allow you to easily incorporate seasonal or brand-specific accent colors without clashing with your main palette.
Bold Accent Walls
A strategically placed accent wall can highlight key areas or products while reinforcing your brand identity. Sherwin-Williams’ Emberglow (SW 6627) or Benjamin Moore’s Electric Blue (2061-40) can add energy and draw the eye to promotional displays or focal points. Accent walls can also be used to define different sections within a store, helping to guide customer flow and enhance the shopping experience.
Budgeting for Your Retail Painting Project
You will need to budget for your retail painting project and figure out when you will be able to get the work done. The number one concern for business owners is often when the work can be done that won’t disrupt the flow of business. Maybe the business is planning to shut down for the work but often they do not want to do that. If the painting contractor only works normal business hours you may need to shut down your business which can be very costly. Many painting contractors are willing to work nights and weekends so they do not disrupt the business flow. We recommend asking this question and finding out if they charge an additional fee to work nights or weekends.
Another important factor in choosing a commercial painting contractor would be what is the timeline of getting the work done. You might find a painting contractor that can do the work for half the price of another contractor. The cheap contractor may be a one or two-man operation that could take weeks to complete the project. The more expensive contractor may have a large crew that can get the job done much more efficiently and cause less disruption to the business. This is a very important question to ask any contractor.
Setting a budget for painting a commercial space is also very important. Take the time to speak with a few painting contractors and get an idea of what you should expect. The size of the space getting painted makes a big difference in the cost and the amount of time it will take. The quality of the paint can make a difference as well as how many colors are being used.
When you are comparing quotes for a retail painting project you should consider many factors besides just the cost. Finding a painter that has a great reputation for doing other similar projects on time and on budget is huge. Don’t let the lowest price be your deciding factor as that often costs more money in the end. Make sure the estimates you get are very detailed and not vague as this can lead to problems. They should list the exact paints to be used and how many coats they will apply. Look for any items that could cost you more money in the end as commercial painters are known to add extra costs with any small changes that are made.
Choosing the Right Retail Painting Contractor
Choosing a good retail painting contractor is so important. Always check them out online and get recommendations from others if you can. Find out what others are saying about them and if they had a good experience. You can also ask for referrals from past clients and read the online reviews. Find out how long they have been in business and if they have all of the right licensing and insurance to complete your project. Check with the local contractor’s board and make sure all licensing and insurance are up to date before making a decision.
If you find a contractor that has done other retail spaces they will know how to work around your business and understand that time is money for the business owner. Any delays can be costly.
Retail Painting Services: What to Expect
Another thing to consider in painting a retail space is the safety of the customers and employees. Maybe the space is large enough to close off areas safely and not have to close the entire store. Some areas are likely too small to safely work around customers.
Some painters will also offer a color consultation to help you with your color selection. This can be so helpful to most clients and can save a lot of time and heartache. Choosing the wrong color can always delay a project.
Trust Absolute Painting for All Your Retail Painting Needs
A well-executed retail painting project can do wonders for your business, making it more inviting, professional, and aligned with your brand’s aesthetic. With the right colors and finishes, you can create a space that enhances the customer experience and leaves a lasting impression.
At Absolute Painting, we understand the importance of a well-planned painting project, whether it involves commercial exterior painting or commercial interior painting. We’ll work with you to establish a budget and timeline that fits your needs, and our team will handle everything from surface preparation to the final touches with precision and care. With our expertise, you can trust that your retail space will not only look fantastic but also reflect the quality and professionalism of your brand.
If you’re in the Portland, Oregon area, now’s the perfect time to refresh your store and make a statement. Contact Absolute Painting for a consultation and start transforming your retail space today.
