Commercial painting in Toronto is a different project from residential work — different products, different scheduling constraints, and different priorities. A restaurant can't close for a week. An office can't have staff breathing paint fumes. A retail store needs the work done between closing and opening. Getting the pricing right means understanding what goes into each type of space.
Commercial painting cost by space type
| Space type | Typical cost range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office (open-plan) | $1.50 – $3.50 / sq ft | Walls and ceilings; after-hours scheduling typical |
| Office (private offices, boardrooms) | $2.00 – $4.00 / sq ft | More trim and detail work |
| Restaurant (dining room) | $3,000 – $8,000 | Often needs accent walls; grease prep critical in kitchens |
| Retail store | $2,500 – $7,000 | Brand colours, feature walls, display area considerations |
| Warehouse / industrial | $0.80 – $2.00 / sq ft | Large volume, simpler finishes, often epoxy floors |
| Medical clinic / dental office | $3,000 – $9,000 | Low-VOC paint required; detailed scheduling around patients |
What drives cost in commercial projects
After-hours scheduling
Most commercial spaces in Toronto need evening or weekend painting to avoid disrupting operations. This is standard practice and we schedule it regularly — but it adds 15–25% to the base price due to overtime labour. For larger projects, weekend scheduling often makes more sense than a full week of evenings.
Surface prep
Commercial spaces take harder use than residential ones. Kitchens and restaurants accumulate grease that must be degreased properly before paint will adhere. Retail stores and offices often have scuffed baseboards, damaged corners, and patched drywall that needs attention before a new coat goes on.
Height and access
Spaces with ceilings above 10 feet — open restaurants, warehouse showrooms, loft offices — require scaffolding or extension equipment. This adds cost but is non-negotiable for a safe, quality result.
Paint specification
Medical clinics and spaces with sensitive occupants require low-VOC or zero-VOC products. Commercial kitchens need moisture and grease-resistant coatings in food prep areas. We specify the right product for each application rather than applying a residential product and hoping for the best.
Services for commercial clients
Sky Painting works with businesses, property managers, and building owners across Toronto and the GTA. Our commercial services include:
Getting a commercial quote
Commercial quotes require a few more details than residential ones: approximate square footage, ceiling height, whether after-hours scheduling is needed, and any access or building-management requirements. Submit these through our online quote form and Reza will send a written estimate — usually within 24 hours.