June 5, 2025 by AdminIt might be complicated to repaint a commercial building while remaining open for business, but it’s entirely feasible with appropriate planning and a competent crew. Many businesses do this all of the time. The time it takes to get the job done will vary based on a number of factors, including the size of the building, the type of business you operate, and how you schedule the work. The objective is always to minimise disruption and to get the work done safely and efficiently while not compromising your day-to-day operations. According to IBISWorld, the market size of the Painting and Decorating Services industry in New Zealand is projected to reach NZD 1.7 billion in 2025. This indicates a decline from NZD 1.8 billion in 2023, reflecting a decrease in industry activity. The industry’s growth rate has slowed in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% from 2019 to 2024, and a forecasted decline in the coming years.
Painting your commercial building is a time-consuming process, which can vary according to the design of the building. A small shop or cafe may only take a few days, while a bigger office complex or factory can take weeks. The existing condition of the paint is one of the most important factors. If the walls are in good condition, painters can work more quickly. But if you have peeling, cracking or water damage, you will need to do some prep work, which takes time. How much surface area you have to cover also comes into play, as does whether you’re painting inside, outside, or both. Access problems, such as high walls or narrow corners, may also cause a bit of a delay. Weather can knock outdoor projects on the head too — in Auckland, rain comes and goes quickly. When you’re working with experienced commercial painters Auckland, they will factor in all of these when providing you with a timeline.
The good news is, for the most part, repainting can be done without shutting down your business. It simply requires the right approach. Many painting teams are flexible, offering to work early morning, late in the evening, or even weekends. This enables the painting to be carried out during the times when your business isn’t busy or is totally closed for the day. Some companies even book jobs overnight, particularly in places like office buildings where nobody is on site after hours.
If your business runs around the clock, the painting team can divide the building and work in phases. That way, you are only painting small sections at a time, and the rest of your area remains open and functional. That method is slower, however, and ensures we don’t have disruption. Professional commercial painters Auckland know how to keep these kinds of projects in check and usually plan around your requirements.
When it comes to communication, it makes all the world of difference. Before the project begins, have a conversation with your painting crew to discuss your schedule, when your busiest times are, and what areas should remain open at all times. All of that will be taken into consideration, and a plan will be devised that suits everyone, by a professional crew. They may even walk with you through the area to pinpoint potential problems early, such as hard-to-access corners or safety issues.
It also helps to prepare your staff. Make sure your employees are aware when and where painting will be done. That way they can plan their work around it, and there won’t be any surprises.” For customers or clients who frequent your space, a simple sign or quick message at the entrance can go a long way in setting expectations. People get that a fresh coat of paint is part of routine maintenance, and once you’ve done it, they’ll appreciate the work you put in even more.
Prepare the space as much as you can before the painters come. Removing furniture, moving equipment or covering electronics saves time and eases the job for the painters. Some painting companies will get this for you, but a head start keeps the process moving! So, can this space be ready and prepared? The more prepared this space is the quicker and simpler and easier.
Another pro tip: Ask your painters what products they use. You can also use fast-drying, low-odor paints in commercial spaces that remain open while the painting is underway. These help areas to be redeployed more quickly as well as minimize intense odors that may disrupt staff or customers. Professional-grade varnish products are the highest quality and are often recommended for long-lasting results, and reputable commercial painters Auckland will have access to these types of materials and can point you in the right direction for the best options for your environment.
Not all painters are equipped to work on commercial projects where business must carry on. It requires experience, flexibility and good project management. Ensure any painting contractor you’re considering has completed like jobs and knows how to work with businesses that can’t afford any downtime. Seek referrals from other business operators and ensure that the crew is insured, safety trained, and able to work in proximity to people, equipment, and daily activity.
Seek an employer that gives you a clear plan and timeline, not just a price. Cheap quotes can be luring, but what you actually look for is dependability. In the long run, delays, mess or poor workmanship can be more expensive for your business. Reliable commercial painters Auckland will take the effort to understand your business, work around your schedule, and ensure the job is done correctly and without taking any shortcuts.
So, what’s the bottom line? As a guide, most commercial repainting jobs, including interior, exterior, or both, typically take around five to fifteen working days to execute without interrupting your business. That is, if your painting crew can access that space during off-hours or work in sections. Bigger buildings, tighter timeframes, or work that requires a lot of preparation could drive the timetable longer, particularly if you can only grab small windows of time each day.
On the other hand, a well-structured team with flexible working hours and good access could possibly complete sooner than anticipated. Either way, the process should be clearly articulated before work commences. You should know what areas will be worked on each day, when to expect minor interruptions, and when the entire project will be finished. With a team of highly skilled commercial painters Auckland on your side, you should be informed every step of the way and adapt to fit your business, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible.
Commercial Painting: Repainting your commercial building on the fly. With a solid plan, open lines of communication, and a trusted painting contractor on the job, you can make swift progress with minimal disruption to your operations. The time frames will depend on the type of building and the type of business you have, but most jobs can be done in a week or two.” With professional commercial painters Auckland at your side, you’ll be provided a fresh, professional appearance, with not even a day’s pause in your business’s operation.