The Right Paint for Self-Storage Doors: Why Off-the-Shelf Isn't Enough
Specialized Self-Storage Coatings Deliver Maximum Performance and Cost Savings
Published on
August 2, 2024 at 11:00:57 AM PDT August 2, 2024 at 11:00:57 AM PDTnd, August 2, 2024 at 11:00:57 AM PDT
A Solution for Self-Storage
When it comes to choosing paint and coatings for self-storage facilities, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the brand names you recognize from big-box hardware stores or specialty paint stores are "good enough" or that they will save you money. The reality is that your hard-working storage doors and other surfaces endure daily wear and tear. Off-the-shelf paints may offer a brief improvement in appearance, but that appearance will quickly fade, affecting the curbside appeal of your location and necessitating more frequent repainting to maintain the look of your doors and protect the metal substrate.
Roll-Up Doors
Your storage doors are constantly being bombarded. UV radiation breaks down the paint's binder and colorants. Repeated flexing as the doors are raised and lowered. Geographical effects with temperatures ranging from broiling hot to below freezing. Dirt and pollutants build up on the surface which can accelerate the weathering.
Paint that is merely "good enough" won't withstand these conditions as well as a paint that is made to withstand them. With off-the-shelf paints you will need to repaint more often. The tints and colorants used in off-the-shelf paints can fade dramatically in just one season of scorching sun on a hot metal door. Paint will chalk (oxidize) faster as the binders break down.
All of this leads to fading colors, product failure and more frequent repainting to maintain a 'like-new' look. Touch-ups applied a few months after the initial paint job will stand out because previously painted surfaces will have already faded enough to make the difference noticeable. Flaking, chipping, and other damages will start to accumulate, necessitating frequent repair and repainting when you use average paint designed for home use.
Cost Efficiency of Self-Storage Performance Paints
Self-storage performance paints are more cost-effective for several reasons. When applied as specified on a properly prepared substrate, they significantly outperform commonly available off-the-shelf paints. This superior performance results in a more durable surface coating, reduced color fading, and greater shine retention, as well as enhanced protection against dirt pickup. Consequently, you will need to repaint less frequently. These paints also offer superior coverage and hide-ability typically requiring less paint to obscure the substrate. These factors help reduce application costs and lead to substantial savings in labor and materials over the life of each door.
Why Choose All From 1 Supply for Self-Storage?
We feature premium products by Endura-Clad with door paints, clear coatings, primers, cleaners and chalk removers designed especially for self-storage. Our coating solutions are durable, with shine, longevity, and fade resistance and field-tested at many self-storage facilities to ensure maximum performance. This is what we we do and why so many major nationwide storage companies have specified our products. Visit our paint category to learn more about our products.
By focusing on the unique demands of self-storage facilities, our specialized paints and coatings ensure your doors and surfaces remain in top condition, providing a professional and reliable appearance that reflects the high standards of your services.
Additional Reading
Self-Storage Roll-Up Doors: A Guide for Painters
This guide offers professional painters a comprehensive approach to evaluating, preparing, and painting roll-up doors using the Chem-Bake® system. It addresses the challenges of SMP coil-coated surfaces, provides tips on surface preparation, adhesion testing, and correct application techniques for achieving a durable, smooth finish on self-storage roll-up doors.
Part Failure Part 2: Other Causes, Testing & Wrap-Up
There are a lot of reasons why paint fails. We'll wrap up a few other causes here and then cover solutions and other topics in subsequent articles. Aged Paint: When paint ages past its life expectancy, it becomes brittle and prone to failure. Recoating over such a surface increases the risk of peeling, cracking, or flaking, as the old paint may not adhere well. Proper preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, is essential to ensure the new coating bonds effectively and lasts longer. We also touch on what can be done with a peeling paint job and wrap up with issues of worksmanship.ID#PF0001
Paint Failure Part 1: Diagnosing the Root Causes
Paint failures due to a variety of preventable issues can lead to substantial material and labor costs, and in some cases replacement of roll-up doors. Understanding why common problems like peeling, chalking, fading, cracking, and blistering occur is crucial for facility operators and painting contractors. By identifying the root causes of these issues, such as improper surface preparation, inadequate application techniques, or environmental factors, these paint failures can be avoided. For paint contractors implementing best practices can yield better results, and help avoid problems that can cost you both money and reputation. A variety of resources are provided to help diagnose and avoid common paint failure situations. These resources include guides, frequently asked questions, tips with images to diagnose the cause of a particular failure, and recommendations. ID#PF0001
Disclaimer: The information provided in the Self-Storage Learning Center is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, All From 1 Supply makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information. Use of this content is at your own discretion, and we encourage independent verification before making decisions based on the material.
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