Search

Packing for a Move

4 Factors To Consider Before Choosing To Paint Your Metal Storefront

13 April 2015

Aaron Carroll

Pre-fabricated storefronts add architectural beauty to your commercial building without requiring you to hire a designer to create an original look. Choosing metal as the material for framing and columns reduces maintenance, but you still need to eventually add a new protective cover of paint or clear coating as the current layer chips off. Keep your store looking fresh and smart by taking extra care in preparing for the painting process.

Metal Composition

For a paint or coating to bond properly to your storefront, you need to match the mixture to the metal. Unfortunately, layers of old paint and poor installation records can make it impossible to guess what material you're working with. For example, aluminum, copper, zinc, and brass are all non-magnetic and commonly used for storefronts, so you may need to take a sample in for professional analysis before ordering any paint.

Historic Value

Metal store fronts date back to the turn of the century, so many older buildings still feature the ornate facades installed decades ago. Most states and counties place restrictions on the changes you can make to historically important buildings, even if your store is not on an official registry. Check with the local code office to determine what kind of approval you need to make changes and what limitations affect your plans to paint.

Some historical metal storefronts are too corroded and broken to simply paint over. If local regulations prevent you from replacing damaged materials with a modern design, consider getting accurate replicas made. Aluminum is an ideal material for this kind of replacement because it's lightweight, easy to cast or press for decorative features, and resists corrosion.

Paint Removal

Scraping and brushing might get small amounts of loose paint flakes off, but you'll need more thorough blasting to remove thick accumulations and multiple layers. Grit sandblasting works, but particularly thin metal store fronts can end up bent or dented from this method of cleaning. For the best results on vintage or custom fronts, spend a little extra money on glass bead blasting. This treatment is also called peening and produces a smooth surface with less damage to the metal.

Covering Options

Choosing the right paint takes more consideration that just matching the metal composition and picking a good color. Each type of paint or coating for exterior metal surfaces offers different benefits and disadvantages. Pick from:

• Spray-in-Place Paint: When coating aluminum and other metals, you need a resin-based mixture to ensure your storefront resists the effects of weathering for at least five years. It's easy to clean with a variety of chemicals,can be applied with basic spray equipment, and offers the widest range of colors. There's no need to take the storefront pieces off for this method.
• Powder Coating: This kind of paint is still based around resin, but it's missing the solvent that helps liquid mixture dry. It bonds well with metals like aluminum to give a hard finish that lasts a long time, but you'll pay more for application. Color options are also limited.
• Electrostatic Painting: If you don't mind disassembling your storefront and sending it off for spraying, consider electrostatic application. The paint and metal are both charged with static so particles gather cleanly on the surface with no paint or dirt to ruin the smooth finish. It's the most expensive and time-consuming option for painting storefronts, but it also looks the best and lasts the longest.

Don't forget about inspecting and fixing the frame below the storefront facade. No amount of paint can keep your building looking good if the metal pieces start shaking in the wind or leaning off the supports. Replace any damaged or corroded fasteners while you're refreshing the coating to get all your important maintenance done in one clean swoop. If you need help maintaining your storefront, or if it's time for a replacement, contact a local storefront installation company like Glasshopper Schor Glass. 

Share