Surface Preparation

Welcome to Paint Platoon USA, your trusted partner for commercial and industrial painting services in the Chicago Metro area and beyond. We know that surface preparation is the foundation of every successful painting or coating project. Proper preparation ensures durable, high-performance finishes that look great and last for years.

As a Chicago-based commercial and industrial painting contractor, we provide customized surface preparation services tailored to the unique requirements of your project. Whether you’re prepping dirty industrial steel ceilings, exterior tilt-up walls, or interior drywall, our team uses industry-leading techniques and tools to ensure your surfaces are ready for a flawless finish.

In addition to our expertise, we take pride in our industry certifications, memberships, and training programs that set us apart:

• AMPP Certified Coating Inspectors on staff to ensure your coating systems meet stringent industry standards.

• NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) trained painters, ensuring our team is skilled, knowledgeable, and up to date on best practices.

• Certifications through MPI (Master Painters Institute), including training in proper surface preparation and coating applications for various materials.

• Active members of the PCA (Painting Contractors Association), which reflects our commitment to excellence and adherence to industry best practices.
  

Surface preparation is the most critical step in the success of any painting or coating project, as it directly impacts the adhesion, durability, and performance of the final finish. At Paint Platoon USA, we emphasize thorough and precise preparation methods to ensure that every coating we apply achieves its maximum lifespan and aesthetic appeal.

Here’s why proper preparation is key:

• Ensures Optimal Adhesion: Prepping surfaces removes contaminants and creates the right surface profile for coatings to bond securely.

• Prevents Premature Coating Failure: Whether it’s peeling, bubbling, or cracking, improper preparation is often the root cause of coating issues.

• Addresses Underlying Issues: Surface preparation identifies hidden concerns, such as rust, cracks, or moisture damage, that could compromise the final result.

• Enhances Appearance: Clean, properly prepared surfaces ensure a smooth, even finish that enhances your property’s aesthetic appeal.

At Paint Platoon USA, we go beyond industry norms to deliver exceptional results. Here are the credentials that set us apart and ensure our work meets the highest standards:

AMPP Certified Coating Inspectors

Our AMPP Certified Coating Inspectors (Association for Materials Protection and Performance) bring expert oversight to every project, ensuring that coatings are applied to meet strict performance and safety standards.

NCCER-Trained Painters

Our painters receive hands-on training and certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This ensures our team is skilled in the latest techniques for surface preparation, coating application, and safety protocols.

Master Painters Institute (MPI) Certifications

Through our MPI certifications, our team has advanced training in:

• Selecting the optimal coatings for different materials.

• Proper surface preparation techniques for metal, wood, drywall, and concrete.

• Achieving long-lasting finishes that meet or exceed industry standards.

Active Members of PCA

As members of the Painting Contractors Association (PCA), we stay at the forefront of evolving industry standards and trends. Our membership reflects our commitment to quality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

We provide a wide range of surface preparation methods, tailored to the specific needs of your materials, environment, and project goals. Below are some of the techniques we use and the surfaces they’re best suited for:

1. High-Pressure Water and Detergent Cleaning

This method is ideal for removing dirt, grease, mildew, and surface contaminants from:

• Building facades (brick, stucco, E.I.F.S., tilt-up concrete).

• Industrial steel ceilings and decking.

• Machinery and equipment, including tanks and silos.

Using a combination of high-pressure water and specialized detergents, we ensure the surface is clean and ready for coating.

2. Power Tool Cleaning

For corroded metal surfaces or areas with peeling coatings, we use power tools like grinders, sanders, and wire brushes to remove loose material and create a smooth surface. Ideal for:

• Structural steel beams and supports in industrial facilities.

• Metal machinery or outdoor tanks and piping.

• Prep work for epoxy coatings on industrial steel ceilings.

3. Sponge Blasting

This environmentally friendly method uses reusable sponge media to clean and profile surfaces. It is perfect for:

• Delicate substrates, such as historic brick or masonry.

• Dust-sensitive environments, like interior drywall or ceilings in commercial spaces.

• Removing old coatings from concrete floors and metal surfaces.

4. Shot Blasting for Concrete Floors and Line Striping

Shot blasting is the gold standard for floor preparation when installing epoxy floor line striping. This technique uses high-velocity steel shot to clean and profile concrete surfaces, ensuring maximum adhesion of epoxy coatings.

Key benefits of shot blasting for line striping include:

• Precise Surface Profiling: Creates the ideal texture for epoxy to bond securely.

• Contaminant Removal: Eliminates grease, dirt, and old coatings for a clean surface.

• Durable Results: Ensures that epoxy floor lines stay intact, even in high-traffic areas.

Common applications for shot blasting include:

• Warehouse floors where line striping is needed for safety and organization.

• Factories and production floors requiring traffic flow indicators.

5. Waterwashing with Detergents or Mildewcide

This method is highly effective for exterior surfaces affected by mold, mildew, or algae. It’s ideal for:

• Stucco and E.I.F.S..

• Precast and tilt-up concrete walls.

• Wood siding and brick facades.

6. Hand Tool Cleaning

For small or intricate areas, we use hand tools like scrapers, wire brushes, and sanding blocks. Best suited for:

• Trim work and moldings.

• Localized peeling paint repairs on walls or ceilings.

• Rust spots on metal surfaces.

7. Abrasive Blasting (Sandblasting)

For heavy-duty preparation, abrasive blasting is ideal for removing old coatings, rust, and contaminants. This method is commonly used for:

• Industrial steel ceilings and decking.

• Tanks, silos, and heavy equipment.

• Concrete tilt-up walls requiring heavy profiling.

8. Surface Repair and Patching

Before applying any coatings, we ensure that surfaces are in perfect condition by:

• Patching holes and cracks in drywall or plaster.

• Repairing spalled concrete on floors or walls.

• Sealing joints and gaps in precast or tilt-up concrete

Different materials require unique preparation steps to achieve optimal results. Here’s how we approach surface preparation for various substrates:

Metal Surfaces

• Remove rust, corrosion, and old coatings using abrasive blasting or power tools.

• Degrease surfaces to eliminate oil and grease.

• Apply primers to prevent future corrosion and improve coating adhesion.

Concrete and Masonry

• Clean with high-pressure water or abrasive blasting to remove contaminants.

• Repair cracks and spalling for a smooth, even surface.

• Seal porous surfaces to prevent moisture infiltration.

Wood Surfaces

• Sand to remove old coatings and smooth the surface.

• Clean and sanitize to remove dirt or mildew.

• Seal knots and imperfections to prevent bleed-through.

Stucco and E.I.F.S.

• Clean with low-pressure water and detergents to remove dirt and mildew.

• Patch cracks and damaged areas for a uniform finish.

• Prime the surface to improve paint adhesion.

Machinery and Equipment

• Degrease and clean with solvents or detergents.

• Abrasively blast to remove rust and old coatings.

• Apply industrial primers and coatings designed for heavy use.

While Paint Platoon USA is proudly based in the Chicago Metro area, we also provide surface preparation and painting services nationwide. Whether your project involves industrial steel, commercial interiors, or large-scale exterior surfaces, we deliver results that exceed expectations, no matter where you’re located.

When it comes to surface preparation, trust the experts at Paint Platoon USA to lay the foundation for a successful, long-lasting coating project. With AMPP Certified Coating Inspectors, NCCER-trained painters, and industry-leading techniques, we ensure every surface is prepped to perfection.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Whether you’re located in Chicago or anywhere across the USA, Paint Platoon USA is your trusted partner for surface preparation and professional painting services.

Paint Platoon USA – Setting the gold standard for surface preparation and coatings.