Your shop front is the face of your business. If it looks old or faded, people might think your business is old, too. A fresh paint job is like giving your shop a superpower! This is why a shop front spraying contractor is so important.
Did you know that in 2023, more than 70% of shoppers in the UK still bought things in a physical store, not just online? This means your street appearance is a huge reason they stop! We want to make sure you hire the right team. Asking these 15 simple and specific questions will save you a lot of worry later on.
Give your shop front a fresh new look today! click here to hire expert shop front spraying contractors in Bristol and make your business stand out.
Money, Guarantee, and Long-Term Value
First, we talk about money and the long-term value. You need to know the true cost, not just a low starting price. A good shop front spraying contractor is clear about everything.
1. Does your warranty cover UV fading and colour retention?
When you hire someone, you need a promise. A great contractor should offer a written warranty. But for spraying, the guarantee must cover the colour staying true. Standard paint warranties might only cover peeling.
You must ask if the guarantee includes UV stability so the colour won’t fade in the sun. It is very important that you know what it covers and how long it lasts ahead of time. You should look for a warranty of 5 to 10 years or more. Get this paperwork in writing before the job starts.
2. Is on-site repair of minor dents and scratches included in the final price?
Shop fronts often have small dents or scratches from normal use. This is called cosmetic damage. If the price is low, it usually means the contractor will spray right over these small damages.
Trustworthy contractors will include minor repairs, like filling small dents in the aluminium, as part of the preparation. This makes the finished job look truly factory-new. Ask if this extra prep work is included in the final price to avoid surprise charges.
3. What is the payment schedule, and do you require a large deposit upfront?
It is important to discuss payments before the work begins. Some solid advice is to never pay the full price of a project up-front. A decent shop front spraying contractor just like Commercial Spray Paintings UK shouldn’t ask you to do that. Be aware of how much is due and when.
Most companies ask for a small deposit to buy the materials. The rest of the money should be due only after the job is finished and you are happy with the work. We have all the payment details clearly written in our contracts.
4. Will I save more money by spraying than by replacing my shop front?
You should ask the contractor to confirm the cost difference. Spraying your existing shop front is usually a huge cost saver. It can often save you up to 80% of the cost of buying and installing a brand-new metal or UPVC shop front. You must be sure that their price shows this big saving compared to replacement. This is the main reason why spraying is so popular.
5. What maintenance tips will you give me after the job to make the finish last?
The job isn’t done when the painting stops. A good contractor cares about the paint lasting. After the work is finished, they should give you simple advice on how to clean your newly sprayed shop front. They will tell you what kinds of cleaners or chemicals to use (or to avoid!) so you don’t accidentally damage the new paint. This shows they are committed to your long-term satisfaction.
Tech and Finish Quality
Now we talk about how the job is done. Spraying is a special skill that needs the right materials. The quality of a shop front spraying contractor shows in the smooth finished look.
6. Will you use a two-pack (2K) coating, and do you prime all bare metal?
The paint quality is key. For metal shop fronts, a two-pack (2K) coating is best. This is an industrial paint with a special hardener that makes it tough and durable. If they use regular paint, it will not last. You must also ask if they prime bare metal. If they spray over bare metal without a specialized primer, the paint will surely peel.
I never thought I’d share this, but the last time I saw a poor job, they skipped the primer, and the paint peeled right off! Now, looking back, I understand why it had to happen; you must demand the right technical steps.
7. How do you achieve a zero-overspray finish on all seals and glass?
Spraying is messy if not controlled. You want the paint to stop exactly where the frame meets the glass and the rubber seals. This is hard to do perfectly. A reputable contractor will explain how they mask everything. Ask specifically how they use fine-line tape and protective films to create clean edges and prevent overspray. The clean edges on the seals are what make the job look professional, not rushed.
8. Can you provide a colour match sample on a piece of my existing frame?
A general contractor might just show you a colour chart. A specialist in painting contractors in Bristol will be able to mix a small amount of the chosen paint. They should spray it onto a small, hidden piece of your actual shop front material.
This is the only way to confirm the exact colour and finish (matte, satin, or gloss) before they spray the whole front. This process shows they are professionals and confident in their work. It means you will not be surprised by the final colour.
9. How do you prepare UPVC or plastic surfaces differently from metal?
Spraying is not just for metal. Many shops have UPVC doors or plastic components. These materials need a different kind of preparation. Ask the contractor to explain this difference. If they treat plastic and metal the same, they are not a specialist. Plastic usually needs a different bonding agent or plasticizer to ensure the paint sticks forever.
10. How will you ensure the final finish is completely smooth with no brush marks?
The whole point of spraying is the smooth finish. If they use a brush or roller for any part of the main frame, the finish will not look factory-new. Ask them to guarantee they use spray guns for all visible surfaces. They must also explain how they prevent paint “runs” or drips during the application.
Logistics, Safety, and Trust
Finally, you need a team that you can trust. A true specialist will have the right tools and local reputation. They must also work safely and quickly.
11. What is the full process for cleaning up at the end of the day and the job?
Cleanliness is what separates a great contractor from the rest. Ask how they will leave your shop each day. You don’t want to step over tools and rubbish. The team should do a dedicated clean-up every single day. When the job is done, they should leave your property cleaner than they found it!
12. Do you have public liability insurance, and how can I see proof of it?
Ask to see their insurance papers. Any good commercial painting company in Bristol will have this ready to show you. This insurance protects you if a customer trips over their equipment or if paint mist accidentally damages a nearby car. No credible contractor will refuse to show you proof of their insurance.
13. How long have you been in business, and can I speak to a recent local client?
A contractor that has no history or prior references raises red flags. Research the contractor’s name and company online. Ask to speak to two clients who have used them for a shop front spraying contractor job.
If you’re getting resistance on the topic of references, beware! A strong track record in painting contractors in Bristol is important because they understand the local climate and building types.
14. What are the specific start and finish times for night work, and where will the equipment go?
A professional team will offer to work when you are closed to prevent disruption. You must ask for the specific start and finish times. This ensures your team can open the shop without paint fumes. Also, where will the noisy air compressors be located? They should talk to you about using your back entrance or a specific, quiet parking spot for their gear.
15. Will the same team be here through the whole project, and do you use subcontractors?
Ask if the same workers will be on your site from start to finish. This creates consistency and better quality control. Many contractors use subcontractors (workers from another company). A specialist often uses their own trained, full-time staff. Ask if the team working on your job are full-time employees or temporary subcontractors.
Conclusion
The thought of renovating might feel hard, but with a bit of research and these fifteen unique questions, your project can go a lot easier than you think. You deserve a bright, inviting storefront that brings in more customers.
We have the expertise, the correct equipment, and the energy to get your commercial painting in Bristol projects done in a timely and quality manner. Hiring the right shop front spraying contractor is the first step, and we’d love to show you our work!
Would you like us to provide you with a free quote or give you a chance to get a free site survey and answer all of your specific spraying questions today?
