If you’re planning a painting project in Burlington, Mebane, or the surrounding Alamance County area, it helps to know what type of job you’re hiring for. Commercial and residential painting both require skill and attention to detail but the process, timing, and expectations can look very different.

Below is a clear breakdown so you know what to expect (and how to plan) whether you’re updating your home or refreshing a business space.

What Counts as Residential Painting?

Residential painting typically includes:

• Single-family homes
• Townhomes and condos
• Interior rooms (living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms)
• Exterior siding, trim, shutters, doors

In the Burlington area, we often see a mix of classic brick ranch homes and established neighborhoods where careful prep around older trim, patched drywall, or textured walls matters. In Mebane, many projects are in newer builds and growing subdivisions, where homeowners want crisp lines, modern neutrals, and durable finishes that hold up to everyday life.

What Counts as Commercial Painting?

Commercial painting often includes:

• Offices and professional buildings
• Retail and restaurants
• Medical and dental practices
• Warehouses and light industrial spaces
• Property management / multi-unit buildings

Commercial projects usually involve larger square footage, more coordination, and stricter scheduling especially when the space needs to stay open or safe for customers and employees.

Key Differences in Process

1) Prep and Protection

Residential: Prep is focused on protecting furniture, flooring, and personal belongings. You’ll typically see detailed masking, careful cut-ins, and extra attention to keeping the home clean and livable.

Commercial: Prep often includes protecting high-traffic areas, signage, fixtures, and equipment. Safety and access are a bigger factor, and crews may need to work around customers, staff, or building requirements.

2) Products and Coatings

Residential: Homeowners usually prioritize a beautiful finish, washability, and low-odor options especially for bedrooms, kitchens, and living spaces.

Commercial: Businesses often need coatings designed for durability and frequent cleaning, including options that stand up to scuffs, high-touch surfaces, and heavy foot traffic.

3) Crew Size and Equipment

Residential: Smaller crews, detailed work, and room-by-room progress.

Commercial: Larger crews and specialized equipment may be used to meet deadlines and cover bigger spaces efficiently.

Timing: How Long Will It Take?

Residential Timing

Residential projects are often scheduled to minimize disruption at home. A single room might take a day or two depending on prep and drying time, while whole-home interiors or exteriors can take longer.

Local note: In North Carolina, humidity swings can affect drying and cure times, especially during warmer months. That’s why timelines should account for ventilation, dry conditions, and proper time between coats.

Commercial Timing

Commercial projects are frequently planned around business hours. Many jobs are completed:

• After hours
• Overnight
• On weekends

This helps reduce downtime, but it also means scheduling and coordination are critical.

Expectations: What You Should Plan For

Residential Expectations

• Clear communication about room access and daily cleanup
• Respect for your home and belongings
• Detailed prep and crisp finish work
• Guidance on sheen and finish choices (matte vs. eggshell vs. satin, etc.)

Commercial Expectations

• A defined scope and timeline with minimal disruption
• Safety compliance and professional jobsite management
• Fast, efficient progress with consistent quality
• Coordination with property managers, tenants, or staff

Which One Do You Need?

If the project is in a home (even a rental), you’re likely looking for residential painting. If its a workplace, customer-facing space, or multi-unit property, commercial painting is usually the better fit.

Not sure? A quick walk-through and estimate can confirm the scope and help you plan the right schedule.

Request Your Painting Estimate Here and get a clear plan for your Burlington or Mebane painting project.