If you manage a factory or a big warehouse, your building’s look is very important. But maybe your building looks dull and tired now. Repainting large metal roofs or cladding is a huge job. It costs a lot of money and stops work for a while.
In the UK, repair and maintenance costs for industrial properties are high and expected to increase by around 15% by 2030 (BCIS, 2025). Industrial Spray Painting, when performed by experienced professionals, provides a durable finish lasting 15–20 years. Poor-quality jobs can fail within 3–5 years, doubling repair costs.
We know hiring the right company feels tricky. You need to trust them with your huge asset. That is why we put together this list. These are the top questions you must ask. They will help you find the best industrial paint contractors for your needs.
Professional Background and Trustworthiness
Before any work starts, you must trust the company you hire. They will be working on your most valuable asset. The first step is to confirm they are safe, legal, and experienced. Asking about their background is the foundation of a successful project.
1. Can you show me proof of your insurance and licenses?
This is the number one question. A professional company must have two main types of insurance. First is Workers’ Compensation. This policy protects their workers if they get hurt on your site. Second is General Liability Insurance. This covers you if the crew accidentally damages your building or other property during the job. Ask to see the actual insurance certificates; do not just take their word for it.
2. What experience do you have with buildings exactly like mine?
Painting a metal factory roof is very different from painting a small unit. You need specialists. Ask them to name past jobs that are similar in size and materials to your project. You need to know that they are experts in factory painting services. Ask for three references from clients whose buildings they finished in the last two years.
3. Will you use your own full-time staff or hire subcontractors?
Many large firms hire outside teams (subcontractors) for work. This can lead to lower quality and poor communication. Ask directly if their crew works only for their company. When the staff are their own employees, it usually means better training and more consistent quality control throughout the industrial spray painting job.
Safety and Compliance
Safety must be the main priority for any job that involves working at height. Since the team will be working many meters up, you must be sure they follow all the rules. Talking about safety now will show you their commitment to protecting their team, your staff, and your property. This knowledge leads directly to how they manage the actual job site.
4. How do you plan to handle the Risk Assessment (RAMS) and access safety?
Every large job needs a detailed safety plan called RAMS. Ask them to explain how they will safely access high areas. Will they use scaffolding, platforms, or rope access? They must explain how they prevent tools or paint from falling on people below. Make sure their team, especially the industrial spray painters in Manchester, has specific safety certifications for high-level work.
5. What is your plan to protect my property and stop business delays?
Your business must keep running. Ask how they will protect your air conditioning units, windows, and nearby cars from paint dust (overspray). I never thought I’d share this, but here we go: Many clients only think about the finished paint, but overspray can damage thousands of pounds’ worth of cars or equipment if the contractor is sloppy. They must use proper screening and barriers.
6. Who is responsible for getting all the local work permits?
Sometimes, big construction work needs special permission from the local council. This is especially true if scaffolding is needed over a public footpath. The contractor should handle all of this. They should know the specific rules for commercial and industrial painting services in Manchester and include any permit costs in their written quote.
Technical Skill and Paint Quality
The quality of the final paint job depends entirely on two things: the preparation and the materials used. If these steps are cut short, the paint will fail fast. You need to check their technical skill before they even start mixing paint. This technical skill tells you how long the finish will truly last.
7. How will you prepare and clean the surface before you spray any paint?
This is the most crucial step! Even the best paint will peel if the surface is not clean. Ask them to explain their full process: Will they pressure wash? Will they remove all rust and loose paint? They must create a perfectly clean and smooth surface. Skipping the right prep is the fastest way to offer a cheap but short-lived quote for industrial spray painting.
8. What brand and type of industrial coating do you use, and why is it best?
Industrial painting requires tough, specialized coatings. Ask for the exact brand name and product code they plan to use. These paints are made to resist chemicals, UV rays, and bad weather. They should be able to explain why that specific paint is the right one for your building material (metal, composite, etc.) and the North West climate.
9. How many coats of paint will you apply, and what is the thickness?
A high-quality job usually requires two colour coats after the primer. A cheap quote might plan for only one coat to save time and paint. Ask for the final required paint thickness, which is measured in microns. Getting this number in the contract ensures the longevity of your factory painting services.
10. Can you describe the spraying equipment you use for this specific job?
Different tools are used for different jobs. Ask if they use Airless spraying (fast for large, flat walls) or HVLP (better for details and less overspray). Their answer will show you if they truly understand the right technique for your large commercial industrial painting in Manchester project.
Costs, Warranty, and Local Expertise
Finally, you need to tie the quality of work to the price and guarantee. The cheapest bid is rarely the best value. This last set of questions helps you measure the long-term value against the upfront cost.
11. What exactly does your warranty cover, and for how long?
You need a strong written guarantee. Ask for the duration of the Product Warranty (how long the paint lasts, usually 10-20 years) and the Workmanship Warranty (how long they guarantee their work, usually 1-5 years). The best warranty is one that is backed by both the contractor and the paint manufacturer.
12. What specific local challenges have you managed in the Manchester area?
And that’s when it hit me. A company from far away might not understand the local weather. A contractor who specialises in industrial spray painting near Manchester knows about the heavy rain, moisture, and specific planning needed for the local climate. Ask them about their latest local job to prove their regional expertise.
Conclusion
Choosing a company for industrial spray painting is a major decision. By using these 12 questions, you can move past simple price comparison and focus on long-term value. You will quickly find the expert teams who are serious about safety, quality materials, and durable results. Do not settle for a quick fix that will cost you more later. Choose a partner that will protect your asset for decades.
Ready to invest in the quality your building deserves?
Contact USP Coatings today for a free, no-obligation consultation and see how our expertise can protect your business for the long term.
