Burnaby Commercial
Painting Co
Pressure Washing & Surface Prep in Burnaby BC
Commercial Painting Burnaby

Pressure Washing & Surface Prep

High-pressure washing, surface degreasing, and mechanical prep for concrete, stucco, wood, and metal before any coating goes on.

Surface preparation is the foundation of every long-lasting commercial paint job — and pressure washing is the foundation of surface preparation. Most premature coating failures in Burnaby and Metro Vancouver trace back to inadequate prep: inadequate pressure, wrong technique, wrong chemical, or not washing at all. Burnaby Commercial Painting Co treats surface prep as a skilled trade, not a warm-up task.

Commercial vs. Residential Pressure Washing

Commercial pressure washing differs from residential in scale, equipment capacity, and chemical knowledge. We use industrial hot- and cold-water pressure washing equipment rated for 3,000–4,000 PSI at up to 5 GPM, compared to the consumer units common in residential work. Hot water (steam at 160–200°F) is effective on grease, petroleum, and biological contamination that cold water can't cut through efficiently. For large commercial exteriors — a four-storey strata building, a warehouse exterior, a parkade — we use commercial-grade equipment with extended wand reach and consistent pressure over sustained operation.

Chemical Applications in Commercial Pressure Washing

Some contaminants can't be removed by water pressure alone. Biological growth — algae, lichen, moss, and mildew — on north-facing and shaded stucco and concrete surfaces requires a biocidal treatment to kill the organism before pressure washing. Simply washing off surface growth without killing the root structure means regrowth in one season. We apply a commercial-grade biocide (sodium hypochlorite solution or quaternary ammonium compound, depending on the surface and the downstream coating system) with a controlled dwell time, then pressure wash the treated area thoroughly. For industrial surfaces with oil, grease, or cutting fluid contamination, we use alkaline degreasers at the appropriate concentration and application method.

Post-Wash Inspection and Mechanical Prep

After pressure washing, we conduct a surface inspection to identify any issues that water pressure reveals rather than creates: failed caulk at joints (the water will push into these failures), delaminating previous coatings (water pressure separates already-failing material), cracks in stucco or concrete (water infiltration makes them visible), and biological staining that requires additional chemical treatment. Any mechanical prep work — scraping, sanding, grinding, crack routing, caulk removal, and replacement — is documented and completed before priming and painting begins. We photograph as-found conditions and post-wash conditions on all commercial prep projects.

FAQ

Surface Prep FAQ

Common questions about pressure washing & surface prep in Burnaby and Metro Vancouver.

How much does commercial painting cost in Burnaby?
Commercial painting in Burnaby typically runs from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot for interiors, and $3 to $8 per square foot for exteriors, depending on surface condition, coating spec, and access requirements. A detailed written quote after a site visit is the only reliable number — call us and we'll schedule one.
How long does a commercial painting project take?
A single-floor office repaint might take two to three days. A mid-rise strata exterior runs two to four weeks. A warehouse interior is often done in phases over a week or two. We give you a project schedule before work starts so you can plan around it.
What is the difference between commercial and residential painting?
Commercial painting involves larger scale, industrial-grade coatings, specialized equipment like airless sprayers and swing stages, scheduling around active businesses, and WorkSafeBC compliance requirements. The substrate types, coating systems, and project coordination are all different from residential work.
How do I find a reputable commercial painter in Burnaby?
Look for a contractor who is licensed, carries commercial general liability insurance, and has WCB coverage for all workers. Ask for a detailed written scope before signing anything — vague quotes lead to change orders. We provide all of the above and you can request certificates of insurance.
How often does a commercial building need to be repainted?
Most commercial exteriors in BC need repainting every five to ten years, depending on coating quality, substrate, and weather exposure. Interiors vary widely — high-traffic areas like lobbies and stairwells every three to five years, low-traffic offices closer to eight to ten. Signs it is time: chalking, peeling at joints, fading, or failed caulk.
Do commercial painters work after hours or on weekends?
We do. After-hours and weekend scheduling is standard for occupied commercial properties. We coordinate with your operations or property management team to keep disruption to a minimum — shift changes, tenant moves, and strata council schedules are all things we plan around.
Let's Talk

Ready to Quote Your Surface Prep Project?

Call or send a project brief. Burnaby Commercial Painting Co will get back to you with a written scope and schedule.

Get a Quote(604) 670-8528

Serving Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and all of Metro Vancouver.

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