Does your warehouse need repainting? Even though the warehouse isn't usually a customer-facing part of the company, its look and feel can have an effect on personnel and productivity. If you let colors fade, it might even create a safety issue as the busy warehouse lacks directions and safety instructions. Before you start painting this vital part of the business, though, you will need to engage in some preparatory steps for success. What are some of these? Here are a few key moves to make.

1. Pick a Good Palette.

Warehouse color schemes can be challenging. The colors should work with your overall branding scheme and incorporate logos, mottos, and other brand elements. But because the warehouse is large, dirty, and quickly worn-in, these colors may not hold up well. Similarly, soft neutrals are often a poor choice for a busy warehouse. You may need to consult a professional to find a good balance. 

2. Choose the Right Time.

There may never be a 'good' time to repaint your warehouse. Most warehouses are busy all the time and can't take days off for a big renovation. But if painting needs done, look for the best option you have available. This could be a slow part of your annual cycle, the holiday period when staff already takes time off, or even a long weekend. You may even need to consider using the nighttime hours.

3. Move as Much as Possible.

Depending on how much needs repainted, you'll need to devise a plan to move as much of the inventory and equipment as possible away from the painting areas. Ideally, remove everything possible from the warehouse for safety. You might consider renting onsite storage, such as a storage trailer, to take the overflow. What you can't remove, move as far away from the affected walls as possible. 

4. Securely Cover Everything Else.

What you can't move out of the way, cover well for protection. Shrink-wrap pallets generously and use tarps to cover equipment. Secure these coverings so they don't move around once the work gets started, particularly if the warehouse will continue to operate during painting. 

5. Consult With the Painters.

Talk with your painting service to determine what steps you should take to prepare the actual walls to receive paint. You might be able to save some money by sanding or priming walls yourself. However, attempting to do anything dangerous as amateurs could also put your workers at risk of injury. 

When you are able to take these steps before the painting crew shows up, your warehouse will suffer less interruption and the painting will go smoother. Want more ideas to get ready for a color overhaul? Start by touring your warehouse with an experienced commercial painting services company today.