Commercial Painting in Downtown Oakland: Preserving a Local Landmark
Follow San Pablo Ave out of the center of Oakland and you’ll soon come across a little slice of history. Ornate, and almost quaint, it stands in stark contrast to its towering modern neighbors.
We’re talking about the historic Maclise Drugstore Building (now the Haley Law Offices). Built in the 1880s, this beautiful flatiron was quite the landmark; an impressive piece of architecture in the growing Bay Area.
Given its history, local significance, and exquisite detailing, we were honored to be asked to paint it.
Picking the Right High-Performance Exterior Coating
Every exterior commercial painting project involves a few key elements:
Clear, thorough proposal
Careful communication
Scheduling/coordination
Obtaining any necessary permits
Color selection
Product selection
Surface preparation/repairs
Application
Final walkthrough to ensure the work meets and exceeds client expectations
For the color selection, we had a unique directive that added a whole new layer to the project. Our client asked us to bring the original palette back to life (from the 1880s), fully restoring the way it would’ve looked when new.
Thankfully, paint products have come a long, long way since the 19th century. After dialing in the colors, we chose an elastomeric coating to give it the best protection and style it’s ever had.
Take a Closer Look
What Is An Elastomeric Coating?
An elastomeric coating is an ultra-durable, high-build coating that creates a flexible, watertight covering after it cures. It’s especially ideal for stucco or masonry surfaces, like this particular building.
Here are a few other benefits that made it the right choice for the job:
Durable and long-lasting
Flexible, meaning that it won’t crack as the building shifts or settles over time
Water-resistant
Extremely thick
Elastomerics need to be applied properly, and with careful consideration of the existing paint and surface conditions. Our team has extensive experience, and we know that this product (and application) will stand the test of time.
Let’s Discuss Your Bay Area Commercial Painting Project
If you have any additional questions, or would like to discuss your own painting and maintenance approach in Oakland and the Bay Area, we’re ready to help. You can explore our commercial painting services here, or contact us directly.




