Can I Hire Painters for a Large Warehouse in Ottawa? Yes – But Only If They Meet These Standards

As the owner of Axcell Painting, a company that’s been serving Ottawa’s commercial and industrial sector since 2000, I get asked this question all the time. The short answer is yes — but hiring just any painter for a 50,000+ sq ft warehouse is one of the fastest ways to lose tens of thousands of dollars and create weeks of headaches.

Over the last 25 years, we’ve painted warehouses for some of the biggest names in retail and distribution — including Walmart, Costco, Chapters/Indigo, Sephora, and numerous 24/7 logistics facilities across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. We’ve also handled high-security government contracts and food-grade environments where zero contamination is non-negotiable.

Here’s what actually separates a residential painter from a true industrial warehouse painting contractor in Ottawa — and why most companies get it wrong the first time.

Why Warehouse Painting in Ottawa Is Completely Different

- 40–60 ft ceilings that require boom lifts and scissor lifts (not ladders)

- Projects that must be completed while the facility stays fully operational (24/7 operations don’t stop for paint)

- Food-grade, low-VOC, dry-fall, intumescent fireproofing, and anti-corrosion coatings that most painters have never touched

- Strict compliance with Ontario’s Working at Heights laws, Ministry of Labour, TSSA, ESA, and City of Ottawa fire codes

- Cold Canadian winters that affect cure times and require temperature-controlled application in some cases

Real Ottawa Warehouse Projects We’ve Completed

- Costco & Walmart distribution facilities – multi-phase interior repaint while fully stocked and operational

- Chapters/Indigo warehouse – high-bay racking and 50 ft ceilings using low-VOC dry-fall paint that falls like dust and vacuums up easily

- Food-grade facilities – epoxy flooring and washable coatings applied during off-hours with zero product contamination

- High-security government contracts – background-checked crews and strict protocols

The Hidden Costs Most Warehouse Owners Miss

1. Lift and scaffold rental (often $15,000–$40,000 for a large job)

2. Underestimating paint volume on high ceilings and metal deck (we’ve seen 30–50 % shortfalls)

3. Lost revenue from unplanned downtime if the contractor can’t work around your schedule

4. Fines or stop-work orders if the crew isn’t compliant with Working at Heights or WSIB

We build these into every quote upfront so there are no surprises.

How We Keep Your Warehouse Running During Painting

- Multiple phased crews working nights and weekends

- Full containment with plastic sheeting and negative air systems

- Fast-setting low-VOC and dry-fall coatings that allow same-day return to service

- Pre-scheduled lift deliveries so we’re never waiting on equipment

My #1 Piece of Advice Before You Sign Any Contract

Never hire a painting contractor for a warehouse unless they can show you, in writing:

- Minimum $5 million general liability insurance

- Full WSIB coverage for every worker on site (no “cash guys”)

- Valid Working at Heights training certificates for every crew member

- Lift operator tickets (zoom boom, scissor lift, forklift)

One uninsured fall from 40 ft or one WSIB claim can bankrupt your project — and your company.

Ready for Your Ottawa Warehouse Project?

If you’re planning a warehouse repaint in Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Nepean, or anywhere in the National Capital Region, let’s talk before you get quotes from the wrong contractors.

At Axcell Painting, we’ve been the trusted choice for Ottawa’s largest retailers and distributors for over 25 years because we treat your warehouse like the profit center it is.

Contact us for a free site assessment and a quote that actually accounts for the real challenges of industrial painting in Ottawa.

Axcell Painting – Ottawa’s Industrial & Warehouse Painting Specialists Since 2000

Call (613) 722-1059 or visit axcellpainting.com