Managing Overspray When Painting Commercial Buildings

You know how it is. You finish up a big commercial painting job, the new coat of paint is dry and the building looks fantastic. Then a few days later you get a call from the building owner - the dumpster enclosure two buildings over now has your company's paint color on it. Overspray happens, but that doesn't make cleaning it up any less annoying. When you're painting large commercial buildings, overspray is inevitable. The key is managing it through prevention and quick cleanup. In this article, we'll give you some tips to minimize overspray in the first place and make dealing with it as painless as possible when it does happen. After all, keeping your customers and neighbors happy will make your life a whole lot easier in the long run.

What Is Overspray and Why It Matters in Commercial Painting

Overspray is the excess spray of paint that lands on surfaces outside the area you want to coat. In commercial painting, overspray can be a big headache if not properly managed.

Prevention Is Key

The best way to deal with overspray is to avoid creating it in the first place. Use spray shields, drop cloths, and masking tape to protect areas you don’t want painted. Carefully tape off windows, trim, fixtures, and anything else in the spray zone.

Choose the Right Spray Tip

Select a spray tip that produces a narrow, focused spray pattern. Wider spray tips mean more overspray. For most commercial work, a tip between .015 to .021 inches works well. Test different tips to find one that gives you good coverage with minimal overspray.

Adjust Spray Pressure

Higher pressure means more overspray. Find the lowest pressure setting that still gives you an even, consistent spray pattern. Start around 2000 to 2500 PSI for most coatings and make adjustments from there.

Keep a Steady Hand

Move your arm using smooth, even strokes to avoid overspray. Rushing or making erratic movements will send spray all over the place. Work on keeping a light, controlled touch.

Clean Up Overspray Promptly

No matter how careful you are, some overspray is inevitable. Wipe down or wash oversprayed surfaces as soon as you finish painting before the paint has a chance to dry completely. The sooner you clean up overspray, the easier it will be to remove without damage.

Overspray may be unavoidable at times, but with the proper techniques and tools, you can minimize this nuisance and complete your commercial painting job efficiently and professionally. Managing overspray well is a sign of an experienced and conscientious painter.

The Main Causes of Overspray During Commercial Painting Projects

Overspray is one of the biggest headaches in commercial painting. But with some preventative measures and quick cleanup, you can minimize the mess and frustration.

The Main Causes of Overspray During Commercial Painting Projects

Wind and air currents are the number one culprits behind overspray. Even a slight breeze can carry tiny paint particles far from your target surface. For exterior jobs, check the forecast and avoid painting on windy days when possible. If you have to paint, shield the area from the wind using barriers.

For interior work, ensure proper ventilation and airflow control. Use fans and ventilators to direct air currents away from surfaces you don’t want to paint.

The wrong spray tip or too much pressure can also lead to overspray. Use a spray tip sized for your paint and adjust pressure so the spray is even and controllable. Higher pressure doesn’t mean better coverage.

Not using drop cloths or other shielding is another common mistake. Canvas drop cloths, plastic sheeting, tarps, and masking tape should cover and protect any surface within 6 to 10 feet of your work area.

Over-thinning your paint or applying too light of a coat will require more passes, increasing the chance of overspray. Follow the product recommendations for proper thinning and apply coats evenly and thoroughly.

With some preventive techniques and the right tools, you can curb overspray and avoid hours of cleanup. Staying on schedule and budget depends on efficient work with minimal wasted effort or resources. Keep these tips in mind for your next commercial painting job.

Preventing Overspray Before Starting the Job

When painting commercial buildings, preventing overspray should be a top priority. Overspray refers to paint that ends up where you don’t want it — on windows, landscaping, vehicles, neighboring properties, etc. It’s not only messy but can damage surfaces and be difficult to remove.

Cover surrounding areas

Cover anything within 20-30 feet of the painting area, including:

• Windows, doors, vents - Use painter’s tape, drop cloths, plastic sheeting or masking paper.
• Plants and landscaping - Cover with drop cloths, tarps or mesh netting.
• Vehicles - Have vehicles moved away from the area or cover thoroughly with drop cloths.
• Neighboring properties - Talk to neighbors and cover any areas directly next to the painting site.

Control the spray

Use spray tips and techniques that minimize overspray:

• Adjust spray patterns - Use narrow spray tips and patterns, especially for trim and small areas. Wider tips and patterns for large, open areas.
• Control the flow - Don't overload the brush or roller. For sprayers, use medium to low pressures. Higher pressures mean more overspray.
• Use spray shields - Attach spray shields, drop cloths or mesh netting to the sprayer to block overspray.
• Keep the sprayer moving - Don't concentrate the spray in one area. Use smooth, even strokes and keep the sprayer moving.
• Consider airless sprayers - Airless sprayers produce less overspray than compressed air sprayers. They can achieve similar results with lower pressures.

Pay attention to weather

Only paint in appropriate weather conditions:

• No wind - Don't paint if it's windy. Wind will carry overspray much further and make it difficult to control.
• Higher humidity - Higher humidity means less overspray. The water droplets in the air help capture paint particles.
• Avoid extremes - Very hot or cold weather can also impact how paint is atomized and increase overspray.

By taking measures to control overspray before starting the job, you'll get professional results and happy clients. Preventing problems is always easier than fixing them after the fact!

Controlling Overspray During the Painting Process

Controlling overspray is critical to a successful commercial painting project. There are several techniques you can use to minimize overspray and make cleanup easier.

Use Proper Protective Equipment

Wearing the proper protective equipment like Tyvek suits, respirators, gloves and goggles will shield you and your crew from overspray. Be sure to cover any exposed skin.

Use Drop Cloths

Place drop cloths, tarps or plastic sheeting below the area being painted to catch overspray and drips. For exterior work, secure the edges so the material does not blow away. Clean or replace drop cloths as needed between coats.

Spray Technique

employing proper spray technique will reduce overspray. Hold the spray gun 6 to 8 inches from the surface at a 90 degree angle. Use even, overlapping passes and do not sweep side to side. Release the trigger at the end of each pass to avoid drips.

Shield Surfaces

Mask, tape or shield any surfaces you do not want to paint like windows, trim, floors or landscaping. Use painter's tape for most surfaces. For irregular shapes, you can use plastic sheeting, drop cloths or mesh netting and secure the edges with tape. Remove all shielding once the final coat is dry.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation, like exhaust fans and open doors or windows, will pull overspray away from the work area. Ventilation also improves visibility and working conditions for your crew. Run ventilation equipment during and after painting until all vapors have cleared.

Clean Up

Use tack cloths, drop cloths, vacuums with HEPA filters and damp mops to clean up overspray. Wipe or mop walls, floors and trim. Vacuum carpets, landscaping and porous surfaces like concrete. Clean equipment like spray guns, air hoses and compressors to avoid transfering overspray to the next job site.

Following these best practices for managing overspray during commercial painting projects will result in a clean, professional finish and satisfied clients. Be sure to build adequate time for overspray prevention and cleanup into job estimates and schedules.

Cleaning Up Overspray After the Project Is Complete

Once the painting project is finished, you'll want to clean up any overspray to keep the area looking professional.

Inspect the area thoroughly

Do a walk around the building, looking for any spots where paint drifted onto surfaces where it wasn't intended. Check windows, doors, trim, railings, and anywhere two surfaces meet. Overspray often collects in cracks and crevices, so scrutinize these areas closely.

Remove overspray as soon as possible

The longer overspray sits, the harder it will be to remove. Use a putty knife, wire brush, or abrasive sponge to scrape off any dried paint chips or splatters. For wet paint, blot with a paint thinner-soaked rag. Be very careful using chemicals, and wear proper protective gear.

Use the right solvent for the paint

Determine if the overspray is latex or oil-based paint. Latex paint can usually be removed with just warm water and a degreaser. For oil-based paint, use a solvent like lacquer thinner, acetone or paint thinner. Mineral spirits also work well for many paint types. Always test in an inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness.

Protect nearby surfaces

Place drop cloths, tape, or shielding under and around the overspray area. This will prevent drips and splatters from damaging clean surfaces during the removal process. Remove protection once done cleaning the area.

Wipe away remaining residue

After scraping and scrubbing away the bulk of the overspray, wipe the entire area with a tack cloth or paint thinner-soaked rag to remove any remaining residue, drips or splatters. For stubborn overspray on textured or porous surfaces, you may need to scrub a bit more vigorously.

Consider repainting

If overspray damage is extensive, it may be necessary to repaint the affected area to restore an even, professional-looking finish. For small spots, you can often blend in new paint so the repair is less noticeable. Take precautions to avoid overspray the second time around!

Protecting Surfaces From Overspray Damage in Advance

To avoid overspray damage when painting commercial buildings, take precautions to protect surrounding surfaces in advance.

Cover everything

Cover absolutely everything around the area being painted like windows, doors, trim, gutters, light fixtures, electrical outlets, signage—you name it. Use painter’s tape, tarps, drop cloths or plastic sheeting and secure them well so there are no openings for overspray to access. Consider taping off larger sections in squares to make the job go faster.

Seal gaps

Look for any small cracks or crevices leading into the area and seal them up. Use caulk, weatherstripping, foam or tape to plug up gaps around windows, air vents, pipes or wiring. Even a tiny opening can let in a surprising amount of overspray.

Ventilate and contain

Ensure good airflow and ventilation, and consider using portable exhaust fans. For interior work, seal off and contain the area from the rest of the building as much as possible. Close doors, use temporary barriers like plastic sheeting to minimize overspray traveling into other rooms.

Protect equipment

Safeguard any mechanical equipment like air conditioners, generators or ductwork from overspray. Either cover them entirely or dismantle and remove parts that could be damaged. It’s a hassle, but much less so than dealing with overspray ruining expensive equipment.

Warn others

Place signs to warn people to keep out of the work area. Let others in the building know about the painting project in advance so they can take their own precautions to avoid tracking overspray into other places. The more people are aware and assist in containment efforts, the less overspray mess there will be to clean up afterwards.

With some time and effort devoted to preparation and protection before painting, you'll encounter minimal overspray damage and have an easier cleanup on the back end of your commercial painting project. Containment and prevention is well worth the investment.

Tips for Removing Overspray From Different Surfaces

When painting large commercial buildings, overspray is often unavoidable. Here are some tips for removing overspray from different surfaces to minimize damage:

Glass

Use a razor blade scraper or putty knife to gently scrape off as much overspray as possible before it dries completely. Then, apply a solvent like lacquer thinner, acetone or paint thinner to the remaining overspray. Wipe clean with a rag and scrub any remaining residue with an abrasive sponge or steel wool. Rinse well with water and squeegie or wipe to prevent streaks.

Metal

For overspray on metal surfaces like aluminum or steel, use a solvent to soften the paint. Scrub with an abrasive sponge or steel wool and then pressure wash at a 45-degree angle to blast away paint particles. For stuck-on specks, use a putty knife or wire brush. Wipe clean and apply a protectant like wax or sealant to prevent corrosion.

Masonry

Overspray on brick, concrete or stucco can be difficult to remove completely. Use a pressure washer to loosen as much of the paint as possible. For remaining specks, scrub with an abrasive sponge, wire brush or paint scraper. Apply a solvent like lacquer thinner or paint stripper as directed to soften any stuck-on paint before scrubbing again. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all residue. Multiple applications may be required for porous masonry.

Plastic

Test any solvent in an inconspicuous area first to check for damage. Then, apply with a rag and scrub gently with an abrasive sponge. Rinse well with water. For stubborn overspray on plastic, scrubbing too hard can damage the surface. In some cases, it may be best to repaint the plastic piece to match rather than risk damaging it.

By following these tips and acting quickly before overspray has time to fully dry and bond, you'll be well on your way to eliminating evidence of your commercial painting project from surrounding surfaces. Care, patience and the proper tools and solvents can go a long way. If damage still occurs, touch up paint may be required to restore surfaces to their original condition.

When to Call in a Professional for Overspray Removal

If you’re tackling an exterior painting project on a commercial building, overspray is almost inevitable. While you can handle minor touch-ups yourself, some overspray issues are best left to the pros.

When overspray lands on windows, it can be stubborn to remove without damaging the glass. Professionals have the proper tools, solutions and techniques to clear windows without leaving streaks or scratches. They can also safely remove overspray from architectural details like trim, railings and decorative elements.

If overspray drifts onto vehicles, call in a professional detailer. They are trained to remove paint from all vehicle surfaces without damaging the finish. They also have the proper cleaning agents and polishes to restore the surface and buff out any remaining residue.

When overspray covers large areas like siding, brick, stone or concrete, it’s best to call the painting contractor to assess and resolve. They have the necessary equipment, experience and workforce to handle overspray removal and any required repainting or touch-ups over a large scale.

In some cases, the original painting crew may return to re-spray areas where overspray was problematic. When overspray occurs due to unforeseen circumstances like high winds, the contractor is often willing to take responsibility and fix the issue at no or low cost to the client. It pays to build a good working relationship with contractors, as they will work to keep you satisfied and hire you for future jobs.

Overspray mishaps happen, but calling in the appropriate professionals to remedy the situation will ensure your commercial painting project ends with stellar results. Their expertise and experience can turn an annoying overspray issue into an easy fix, keeping your building looking its best.

FAQ on Preventing and Managing Overspray in Commercial Painting

When painting large commercial buildings, overspray is often unavoidable. But with some planning and the right techniques, you can prevent and manage overspray to minimize wasted paint and keep the job site clean.

Use spray shields and drop cloths

Place drop cloths, tarps, or plastic sheeting around doors, windows, and any area you want to protect from overspray. For precision work, use spray shields—metal or cardboard shields with cutouts for the area you want to paint. Secure drop cloths and spray shields in place with tape, weights, or stakes to prevent overspray from blowing underneath.

Adjust sprayer settings

Widen the spray fan and reduce pressure for large, open areas. Narrow the fan and increase pressure for trim and hard to reach spots. Hold the spray gun at a 90 degree angle about 6 to 8 inches from the surface. Release the trigger when passing over drop cloths or spray shields.

Apply primer

For the best coverage in fewer coats, apply a quality primer matched to your topcoat. The primer will provide an even base coat so you need less paint overall, reducing overspray.

Consider airless sprayers

Airless sprayers are more efficient than compressed air sprayers, wasting less paint in the process. Their higher pressure allows paint to be applied in fewer, thicker coats. Look for an airless sprayer with adjustable pressure and spray tip sizes for the most control.

Clean up overspray immediately

Use a paint scraper or putty knife to remove any overspray from windows, trim, and other surfaces before it dries. For dried overspray, you may need to scrub gently with a solvent like lacquer thinner or acetone and reapply touch up paint. Remove drop cloths, spray shields, and any remaining debris from the job site to keep the area looking professional.

FAQ

• Can I use a sprayer to paint commercial buildings? Yes, airless sprayers are very effective for large commercial painting projects. They provide even coverage and allow you to paint quickly.
• How do I prevent overspray when painting outside? Use spray shields, drop cloths, reduce spray pressure, and seal any openings like doors, windows, and vents. Paint on days with little or no wind.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, some best practices for keeping overspray under control on your next commercial painting project. By planning ahead, using the right tools and techniques, and cleaning up thoroughly when done, you'll complete the job efficiently without creating a mess. Managing overspray well comes down to common sense - contain it, collect it, and dispose of it properly. If you take the necessary precautions and stay diligent, you'll get the job done right the first time without headaches from drips, drops and drift. Keep these tips in mind, and your next commercial painting project will be overspray-free. Now get out there and get to work!