The Complete Guide to Commercial Painting: Division 9 Development’s Proven Process

Setting the Standard for Excellence in Commercial Painting

At Division 9 Development, commercial painting isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about protection, performance, and precision. We follow the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Industry Standards to ensure every project meets professional benchmarks for quality, safety, and durability.

From planning and site review to paint selection, application, and cleanup, our process is built around efficiency, clarity, and craftsmanship — so your project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.

Whether it’s an office renovation, retail space refresh, or industrial facility, here’s exactly what to expect when you partner with Division 9 Development.

1. Planning & Pre-Construction

Every successful painting project starts with a clear plan. Our project managers begin by assessing your space, defining scope, and identifying performance requirements.

During this stage, we:

• Evaluate square footage, ceiling height, and surface types (drywall, masonry, metal, concrete, etc.).

• Identify environmental and operational constraints such as ventilation, humidity, temperature, or working hours.

• Determine durability and safety requirements — including fire ratings, VOC limits, and maintenance expectations.

• Create a timeline that coordinates with your business operations to minimize downtime.

Our planning phase aligns design intent with PCA Standards — particularly PCA P4-18 (Job Sequencing) and PCA P9-18 (Surface Preparation) — ensuring the right preparation, products, and schedule from day one.

2. Site Review & Surface Preparation

Before paint ever touches the wall, we conduct a detailed site inspection and surface assessment. This step ensures the substrate (the surface to be painted) is properly prepared to achieve full adhesion and a long-lasting finish.

Our site review includes:

• Inspecting for moisture, peeling, cracks, or contamination.

• Testing existing coatings for compatibility and lead or hazardous materials when applicable.

• Assessing texture uniformity, lighting angles, and substrate condition.

• Performing surface preparation according to PCA Standards — cleaning, sanding, caulking, patching, and priming as required.

Proper surface preparation is critical. According to PCA P5-18, paint is only as durable as the substrate it adheres to. Division 9 ensures every surface meets or exceeds industry expectations before painting begins.

3. Paint Selection: Choosing the Right Product for the Space

Selecting the right paint system is one of the most important parts of a commercial project. Paint does more than provide color — it protects against moisture, wear, UV exposure, and daily impact.

At Division 9 Development, we help clients select the right paint type, sheen, and system for their specific environment.

Understanding Paint Sheens & Where to Use Them

Paint sheen refers to how shiny or reflective a finish appears once dry — and it directly affects durability, clean ability, and light reflection. Below is a breakdown of the most common sheens, their characteristics, and ideal applications:

Sheen	Description	Best For	Notes
Flat / Matte	Non-reflective, soft finish that hides surface imperfections.	Ceilings, low-traffic areas, or older walls.	Not easily washable; best where minimal contact occurs.
Eggshell	Slightly more lustrous than flat, offers light washability.	Office walls, meeting rooms, lobbies.	Subtle finish that balances aesthetics and durability.
Satin	Smooth, velvety finish with light sheen and improved cleanability.	Corridors, retail spaces, classrooms.	Common in mid-traffic areas for easy maintenance.
Semi-Gloss	Noticeably reflective and highly durable.	Trim, doors, restrooms, kitchens.	Moisture-resistant and easy to clean. Excellent for high-traffic areas.
High-Gloss	Shiny, mirror-like finish with superior durability and scrub resistance.	Metal railings, cabinetry, accent walls, industrial applications.	Shows imperfections; best on smooth, prepped surfaces.

Using the correct sheen ensures your space not only looks great but also performs well under daily wear. PCA’s P15-18 Standard highlights the importance of sheen consistency and proper product selection based on environment and use.

Specialty Coating: What Is DRYFALL Paint?

Dryfall paint is a specialty coating commonly used in industrial and commercial ceiling applications. Unlike standard paint, Dryfall is formulated to dry mid-air and convert overspray into dry dust before it reaches the floor — drastically simplifying cleanup.

Key Features of Dryfall Paint:

• Fast Drying: Dries within 10–15 feet of spray distance.

• Easy Cleanup: Overspray dust can be swept or vacuumed from the floor — no masking or tarping large areas.

• High Reflectivity: Available in white and light tones to increase ambient light, reducing energy costs in warehouses and facilities.

• Durability: Adheres well to metal decking, concrete, and other industrial substrates.

Best Uses for Dryfall:

• Open ceilings in warehouses, factories, retail stores, and industrial facilities.

• Ceiling decks with exposed mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems.

• Projects where speed, efficiency, and cleanliness are priorities.

At Division 9, we use Dryfall in compliance with PCA P6-18 (Spray Application) standards to ensure proper film thickness, adhesion, and finish quality.

4. Application: Precision & Professionalism

With surfaces prepped and products selected, our certified painters begin the application phase, following PCA best practices for coverage, uniformity, and protection.

Our application process includes:

• Masking and covering non-painted surfaces for complete protection.

• Applying primer coats (where needed) for optimal adhesion and color uniformity.

• Applying multiple coats for consistent finish, coverage, and sheen.

• Monitoring environmental conditions — temperature, humidity, ventilation — to ensure compliance with PCA and manufacturer specifications.

• Continuous quality control inspections at every phase.

Our crews are trained in brush, roller, and spray techniques, using equipment and methods appropriate to each surface type — whether it’s drywall, metal, concrete, or acoustic ceiling panels.

5. Final Clean-Up, Inspection, and Turnover

After the last coat dries, Division 9 conducts a full PCA-standard final inspection. This includes verifying color uniformity, sheen consistency, and complete coverage.

We then:

• Remove all coverings and protective materials.

• Clean all surfaces and ensure the jobsite is spotless.

• Review the project with the client to ensure satisfaction.

• Provide a maintenance guide and product data sheets for future care.

Following PCA P13-18 (Project Closeout), we ensure your space is 100% ready for occupancy — clean, compliant, and professionally finished.

Why PCA Standards Matter

The PCA Industry Standards exist to define quality, clarify expectations, and ensure accountability in every professional painting project. At Division 9 Development, adhering to these standards guarantees:

• Consistency and professionalism across all jobs.

• Proper surface preparation, paint application, and cleanup protocols.

• Long-lasting, code-compliant results that reflect true craftsmanship.

• Clear communication and documentation at every stage.

In short, PCA Standards are the foundation for our reliability — and the reason clients trust Division 9 to deliver durable, beautiful, and expertly executed painting projects.

Why Clients Choose Division 9 Development

• Full-service approach: From planning to turnover, we handle every detail.

• Commitment to PCA standards: Industry-proven practices ensure long-lasting quality.

• Experienced commercial painters: Skilled in large-scale, high-performance coatings.

• Specialty expertise: Including Dryfall ceilings, epoxy coatings, and custom finishes.

• Clean, efficient, on-time delivery: Professional crews that respect your space and schedule.

Ready to Elevate Your Commercial Space?

If your facility, office, or retail space needs professional painting done right — Division 9 Development delivers unmatched craftsmanship from start to finish.

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