How Often Should You Repaint Your Commercial Building?

Is your commercial building starting to look a little tired from the outside—or even the inside? Repainting might not be top of mind, but it can have a bigger impact than many business owners realise. From improving kerb appeal to protecting building materials, knowing how often to repaint your property can help you plan ahead and maintain its value.

In this blog, we’ll explore how often commercial properties should be repainted, the factors that influence repainting schedules, and why working with commercial painters in Mackay is an important part of ongoing property maintenance.

Why Repainting Matters for Commercial Properties

Repainting a commercial building goes beyond just a fresh look. It’s a proactive step that supports structural preservation, branding, and the overall perception of your organisation. A well-maintained paint job can:



• Help protect surfaces from moisture, UV exposure, and corrosion.
• Maintain professional appearances for clients and tenants.
• Support your brand with fresh, consistent colour schemes.
• Reduce the risk of long-term repair costs caused by neglected finishes.

For properties in areas like Mackay, where humidity, sun exposure, and salt air can take a toll on building exteriors, regular maintenance is even more important.

General Guidelines: How Often Should You Repaint?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but as a general guide:

• External painting is recommended every 5–7 years.
• Internal painting can last 5–10 years, depending on wear.
• High-traffic areas, like entrances or hallways, may require touch-ups more frequently.
• Roof painting in Mackay may be needed every 10–15 years, particularly for metal roofs exposed to sun and rain.

The actual schedule will depend on the type of building, its location, usage patterns, and the type of paint originally applied.

Key Factors That Influence Repainting Frequency

Each commercial site is different, so it's helpful to assess the following factors when considering whether it’s time for a repaint:

Building Location & Environmental Exposure

Properties located near the coast, like many in Mackay, face increased wear from salt-laden air, UV radiation, and storms. Buildings exposed to strong sunlight may also show fading and cracking more quickly than shaded sites.

Type of Business or Industry

Certain industries involve more dust, chemicals, or moisture, all of which can affect paint longevity. Warehouses, industrial sites, and food-related businesses may need more frequent painting due to these conditions.

Foot Traffic & Interior Use

Inside the building, the frequency of repainting depends on how each space is used. Offices may retain a clean finish longer, while retail shops or clinics might require repainting more often due to higher foot traffic and visible wear.

Paint Quality & Previous Application

The longevity of your paintwork depends on the quality of paint used and the surface preparation before it was applied. Professional applications generally last longer, especially if surfaces were properly cleaned, primed, and sealed.

Building Materials & Surfaces

Timber, brick, metal, and render all weather differently. For example, uncoated metal roofs are more prone to rust without proper maintenance, while timber can crack or warp when not sealed regularly.

Signs It’s Time to Repaint

Even with good maintenance, most commercial buildings will show signs that a new coat of paint is due. Common indicators include:

• Fading or discolouration from UV exposure.
• Peeling, bubbling, or cracked paint.
• Staining or visible water damage.
• Mould or mildew growth in damp areas.
• Rust appearing on metal components.
• Dull or outdated colours that no longer align with your brand.

If you notice any of these, it might be time to contact commercial painters in Mackay for an inspection and quote.

The Role of Roof Painting in Building Maintenance

When planning a repainting schedule, it’s worth considering the roof as well. Roof painting in Mackay not only refreshes your property’s appearance but also provides protection from heavy rain, heat, and salt exposure.

Benefits of repainting your commercial roof include:

• Extending the roof’s lifespan by protecting it from rust or degradation.
• Improving energy efficiency with reflective coatings.
• Enhancing overall kerb appeal for multi-storey properties.

Metal roofs in particular benefit from repainting every 10 to 15 years, depending on their condition and previous treatment.

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Developing a repainting plan as part of your broader building maintenance strategy can help prevent reactive repairs and unplanned expenses. Consider:

• Annual visual inspections to catch signs of damage or fading.
• Scheduled repaints every 5–7 years for exteriors and high-use interiors.
• Roof inspections every 2–3 years, even if repainting isn’t immediately required.
• Maintenance painting for problem spots between full repaints.

Keeping a record of when painting work is done, what products were used, and any underlying damage found can also be helpful for long-term planning.

Professional Painting vs DIY or Patch Jobs

While it may be tempting to take a DIY approach to repainting or ask maintenance staff to handle minor work, professional painting offers more consistent and durable outcomes.

Benefits of hiring commercial painters:

• Use of commercial-grade, long-lasting paint suited to Mackay’s climate.
• Safe access to high or difficult areas.
• Detailed surface preparation that improves adhesion and longevity.
• Reduced downtime with efficient, scheduled workflows.

Professional painters can also offer colour advice that aligns with your branding and provide coatings that withstand environmental exposure.

Repainting as a Branding Opportunity

A repaint is also a chance to refresh your business image. Updating colour palettes or applying branded signage can breathe new life into your premises. This is especially important for:

• Attracting new tenants or customers.
• Repositioning your business in the market.
• Modernising outdated colour schemes.
• Aligning multiple locations with consistent branding.

A professional painting team can work with your business hours and schedule to avoid disruption, including after-hours or staged work.

Repainting & Property Value

Maintaining the exterior and interior paintwork of your commercial building helps preserve its market value. Whether you're planning to sell, lease, or simply future-proof your investment, fresh paint adds both perceived and functional value.

Well-maintained buildings:

• Present better during inspections or appraisals.
• Are more appealing to prospective tenants or buyers.
• Require fewer reactive repairs in the long term.

Regular repainting can be seen as part of a strategic asset management plan.

Book Your Commercial Repainting Schedule in Mackay

At Wix Painting Services, we help maintain and transform commercial buildings across Mackay, offering expert interior, exterior, and roof painting tailored to Queensland’s climate. Whether it’s time for a full repaint or you’re simply planning ahead, we provide lasting solutions backed by professional service. Contact us today to schedule a commercial painting assessment and keep your property looking its best.