What a Wonderful Year

2016 was an amazing year for Celtic Commercial Painting. From the diversity of projects to adding more services and celebrating our fourth anniversary. We’d like to take this opportunity to share some of our fondest memories of this past year. It’s years like this last one that make us even more excited to see what 2017 has in store for us.

GAR – Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, Post 20 in Aurora
This beautiful structure on Downer Place in Aurora was built in 1878, shortly after the Civil war as a meeting space and tribute to Union soldiers. Until 1903, it was the only public library in Aurora. In the 1990’s, the foundation was deemed unstable and fundraising efforts began to restore the building to its former glory. Celtic is proud to have been part of that restoration process. We assisted with refinishing damaged and deteriorating wooden casings around windows and a stairwell. The results were fantastic. This last Memorial Day the hall reopened and houses a museum with approximately 1200 artifacts and numerous interactive exhibits. We urge everyone to spend some time there!


Hindu Temple
Near our offices in Woodridge, there is a huge Hindu temple. Established in Lemont in 1977, the complex sites on a hill, overlooking the surrounding community. The larger Rama Temple is a massive structure painted white with accents of gold. We came in and patched and repainted the building using the customer specified paint. For the gold, we smoothed the surface and used a sprayer to apply the new gold metallic paint. Overall, it’s very impressive – as you can see from the pictures.


Nissan Dealership
Recently, an old manufacturing facility on Kedzie was transformed into a modern Nissan dealership. The entire building was mired in years and years of grease and grime. We attacked and cleaned away all dirty residue before priming and painting. The result? A structure complete with exposed metal ceilings and older masonry was transformed into a bright and inviting facility.


4 Year Anniversary
Over the last four years, Celtic has been busy with meeting and often exceeding clients’ expectations. Because of this, we’ve been able to reach our goals – and set new ones. Our operations center has doubled in size, along with increasing our employee base. This last year alone, more than 600 projects were completed. Every year since our inception, we’ve grown at least 20 percent. We are looking forward to serving all of our clients for many years to come.


Eco-Blasting
Celtic invested in eco-blasting equipment this year. This vapor abrasive blasting equipment is faster and easier to use than traditional dry blasting methods. Because of this, we can use it inside too – whether it’s buildings, train cars or silos. This system is gentle enough to clean virtually any surface, from aging masonry to paint, rust and grease coated metals. No job is too big, too small or too difficult for us to take on.

CELTIC IS PROUDLY CELEBRATING THEIR 4TH ANNIVERSARY - And is looking forward to many more!

We’d like to take a moment and share our celebration with you. We are so proud to have been your painting contractor of choice for the last four years. Because of our very satisfied clients, we have been able to achieve some phenomenal goals. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far:

• Doubled the size of our operations center – we took over the office space next to our original location to better handle our increased workload
• Exponential sales growth – every year since our inception, we’ve grown at least 20 percent
• Added an eco-blasting division – with this new equipment, we can handle even more projects and were able to reduce costs by eliminating rental equipment. As an added bonus, this kind of blasting is friendly to the environment and works very effectively
• Increased our employee base with more sales and project manager personnel – which means quicker response times to inquiries and better scheduling, getting your project accomplished when it’s optimum for you
• More than 600 projects completed – this year alone!

Did you know that one way to bring the outside into an inner space is with wall graphics? Imagine having rooms with no natural light brought to life with art that is applied directly to the wall. Waikiki or the Adirondacks in fall are the view from the desk. Or perhaps your company logo and tagline or motto right in the line of sight when customers walk in. These are just some of the projects we can help you with.

Ultimately, what does our anniversary mean for you? Peace of mind, most of all. Rest assured that Celtic Commercial Painting is here to serve all your painting, blasting and coating needs, and will be for years to come.

All About the Base – It’s No Trouble - A snapshot of metal primers

Metal is durable – which is one of the reasons why it is a popular building material. Eventually, time and the elements will wear away at the metal and it will need to be repaired or replaced. To delay that from happening for as long as possible, paint manufacturers have developed primers and coatings that protect the metal surface.

These materials penetrate and bond well to surfaces, they are strong and long lasting, making well worth the investment. Since not all metals are the same, different primers and coatings are surface specific. For instance, we use a multi-surface acrylic paint on aluminum and galvanized metal, because it bonds to these surfaces incredibly well. Since it is water based, it’s the perfect alternative to solvent-based primers and paints. Which means it’s also environmentally friendly and it’s a low chemical emission certified product.

Steel structures require a different approach, especially if since rust tends to be a major issue. In these situations, we prefer a penetrating epoxy primer that is exceptional at sealing the surface. If there is a situation where an area is really tight and not all the existing rust can be removed, this product penetrates down into the steel and helps prevent the rust from spreading across the surface even more. It can also double as the finished coat, which offsets the fact that it’s a bit more expensive than other primers. Also, it’s available in a variety of sheens and colors, which makes it a great choice for building owners and managers. If you happen to have a facility that is inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture, this product is approved. It’s also suitable for Department of Energy nuclear fuel and weapons facilities.

To learn more about painting your metal surfaces, give Celtic a call at 630-783-1400. We’re happy to answer all your questions.

Intumescent Coatings Protect Your Property

For commercial facilities, fire is a special concern. Sure, every business has carefully placed smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinklers and extinguishers. Did you know there is another line of defense against fire? It’s your paint. Intumescent paint gives additional protection against fire. These coatings have the appearance of regular paint and when exposed to fire or high heat, they protect the material they are applied to.

HOW THEY WORK

This type of protective paint can be applied to almost any type of building material available. It is often used on substrate materials, such as structural steel components to help maintain integrity during a fire and until its extinguished. When steel reaches approximately 1022 degrees Fahrenheit, it begins to lose integrity and is at serious risk of permanent damage. Intumescent paints form a layer of char when exposed to high heat or flames. This layer is a very poor conductor of heat and can help prevent steel from reaching damaging temperatures for up to four hours. This gives firefighters time to get in and do their job, as well as giving tenants and occupants the opportunity to get out of the building.

WHEN TO USE INTUMESCENT COATINGS

Every state has their own guidelines, codes and laws when it comes to protective coatings – including Illinois. In some cases, the coating is required on structural components in ceilings or commercial garages. One local example is regulations concerning new day care facilities. When an intumescent coating is used on surfaces that don’t comply with code (wood paneling, for instance), it raises the fire rating of the material and makes it compliant.

While these coatings are used on steel most often, they can also be applied to drywall, wood, concrete, masonry, plastics and other substrates. Commercial facilities that have higher fire risks can definitely benefit from intumescent epoxy coatings, which will provide the desired fire protection, but also stand up to extreme weather and other environmental conditions.

At Celtic Commercial Painting, we have the knowledge, skills and training to properly apply these coatings. We are also well versed in Illinois and Chicago building codes and can help you stay in compliance. For more information, call 630-783-1400.

What an Elastomeric Coating Can Do for Your Roof

Metal roofs are strong and withstand extreme weather, making them a popular choice for many businesses. As durable as they are, metal roofs also need some TLC to keep them in optimum condition. This is where elastomeric coatings come into play and there are a number of bonuses to using this kind of coating.

• Control costs. Instead of replacing a metal roof, coat it. Metal roofs are a premium roofing system. By coating them, you seal minor leaks and add to the longevity of the roof, up to 25 years in some cases. This eliminates the need to tear off the old roof and install a new one.

• Energy efficient. Elastomeric coatings are reflective, so cooling costs go down. If the building has a darker roof to begin with, the cost savings will be even more dramatic. The darker the roof, the more heat is absorbed. Be sure to use a coating that is Energy Star listed. 

• Environmentally friendly. There are no harmful primers or etchers that need to be used in conjunction with the coatings. In many cases, it’s a matter of cleaning then applying the coating. Also, by not tearing off an old roof, there is that much less material going into a landfill.

• Weather ready. It’s a basic fact that a roof will expand and contract, depending on the temperature. Elastomeric coatings stretch and bend, moving with the roof and staying sealed while doing so. From hot summer days to the coldest of winter nights, the compound holds up.

Without a doubt, these compounds are versatile and much more than a paint with super powers. They provide distinct benefits to business owners and managers. It outfits a building with a formidable weather barrier, as well as sticks to many substrates and roofing materials. Rust pockets in your metal roof? No problem. The rust is cleaned away, the metal is protected from future rust with an inhibitor and then the coating is applied. Alternatively, if you have a layer of foam insulation on your roof, we can provide the UV coating protection needed to maintain it.

Here at Celtic, we us a single-component, water-based, fire-rated elastomeric coating on our jobs. The coating has to be sprayed to a specific thickness, which depends on the type of roof it’s being applied to. For this reason and to get the most out of your roof coating system, be sure to use a professional to apply the product. For more information or to schedule a quote, call 630-783-1400. We are happy to answer any questions you have.

Industrial Painting: Better Surface Protection Helps Prevent Future Issues

Industrial painting projects need additional skills than other painting projects. The structures and equipment require special cleaning, preparatory and coating materials. This is especially true since industrial equipment is often exposed to a variety of corrosive elements, both natural and manmade. Contractors need to have the knowledge to pair the right coating with the job, to ensure the longevity and protection of the finished product. 

As with all projects, the devil is in the details. Proper planning helps provide good outcomes – meaning no detail is too small or can be overlooked. For instance, a silo used for food storage presents its own set of challenges. The interior walls need to be thoroughly cleaned with a cleaner that is safe to use around food products. All residue has to be completely eliminated before any coatings can be applied. The coatings also have to be approved for food storage and contain no harmful elements.

Interference with day to day business also has to be kept to a minimum. It’s rare that a company will completely close to have painting done. At Celtic, we work closely with management to make sure project impact on daily business is as low as possible. Here again, this means careful planning. We know where – and how – to protect areas outside of the immediate project. 

For example, imagine there’s a pump room that needs recoating. The equipment is showing signs of rust, huge areas of old paint have flaked off and the floor is grimy with oils and dirt. Prep work, including sealing off the room from other busy areas, starts the job off. Stripping away years of grit, oils and paint keeps the job moving. Depending on the type of material being painted, primers, sealers or inhibitors are applied to lengthen the life of the finishes. The walls are where the painting process begins, followed by the equipment and the floor finishes off the project. 

Celtic Commercial painting has the knowledge, experience and training to consistently get your projects done correctly the first time. Call us at 630-783-1400 to get your industrial painting started today.

Going Green - Low and Zero Voc Paint

Low and zero VOC paints are touted by manufacturers and regulatory agencies alike as being better for both the environment and consumers. As professional painters, we are often asked what the differences are in the paint and if it’s important to choose eco-friendly paints. Here, we’ve put together answers to some of the most often asked questions.

What does VOC stand for?

VOC stands for ‘volatile organic compound’. In chemistry speak, volatile is a description of a liquid that evaporates at room temperature. The word organic means that the compound contains carbon molecules. As the paint dries, the compounds give off a high number of these molecules into the air. This can affect air quality.

Why are VOCs added to paint in the first place?

There are a variety of reasons for VOCs. Some act as a fungicide, which helps prevent mildew and helps extend the shelf-life of the paint. 

Just what is a VOC?

VOC is actually a regulatory term that varies in meaning from state to state and country to country. The Environmental Protection Agency, in addition to other regulatory agencies, have identified certain VOC for regulation. Some of the most common VOCs added to paint are formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, and benzene.

What is a low or zero VOC paint?

Low or zero VOC paints contain fewer volatile organic compounds. For instance, interior, non-flat coatings have to have lower than 100 grams of VOCs per liter, according to the Ozone Transport Commission, the regulatory agency whose guidelines Illinois follows. California has taken it even further and only allows 50 grams per liter.

Are low or zero VOC paints as good as the original paints?

Paint quality and performance are continually improved. When the low VOC paints were first introduced, people could easily tell the difference, especially during application. Now, the coverage and ease of use is top notch.

Are eco-friendly paints easy to find? 

Great news - most paint manufactured today contain low or zero VOC counts. 

Have more questions?

Give Celtic Commercial Painting a call. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you transform your building or business. Phone us at 630-783-1400 or find us online at www.celticcp.com. 

Transform Your Space with Vinyl Graphics

One of the hottest trends in branding and decorating today is vinyl graphics. Ever walk into a building and see a great mural or panels of pictures that really pop? Chances are good that those were vinyl graphics. These graphics are large prints of pictures, logos or other designs that are applied to walls, ceilings, floors, or wherever else the customer desires.

Consider this as a form of advertising from the ground up. People generally watch where they walk, so the floor is a great place to catch their eyes. From there, move on to walls, room dividers or even ceilings. Here is what vinyl graphics can do for your business:

Gives Direction. Think of this, often people get a little confused as to which way to turn when exiting an elevator. Make it simple for them by putting logos and directional arrows on the wall opposite the elevator. No wall space there? No problem. Put the graphics on the floor.

Gives Information. Display the company motto or core values on otherwise empty wall space. Since the graphics are fairly easy – and inexpensive – to replace, highlight the goals for the year. For instance, if improving customer service is a top priority, a wall graphic can remind employees to strive to meet this goal. 

Provides Decoration. Wall, floor and window graphics are gaining in popularity as a means to providing life and interest to a bland space. Kick your environment up a notch by adding design that means something to you, your customers and the people you work with.

These vinyls are easy to install, often quicker and simpler than traditional wallpaper. Floor graphics get a coating to seal them in so they resist fading and wear. Take a look at the following project highlight to see the different ways that Celtic has transformed interior spaces with graphics. Then give us a call to begin your own design!

Machinery Painting - Protect Your Investment

Over time, dirt, grease and corrosion build up on equipment, whether it is inside or out. Cleaning and protecting machinery can extend its life and save money in the long run. There is also the added benefit of it making the whole area look great. 

When people think of cleaning, images of solvents, soaps and plenty of water come to mind. Pretty simple, but also pretty messy. Industrial cleaning usually requires different techniques, especially if the machinery in question is sensitive to water or the area it’s housed in has to stay dry. At Celtic, we have the best techniques and practices that allow us to refurbish the looks of almost any piece of equipment.

In some locations we can use media blasting, which quickly and efficiently removes layers of dirt, grease and old paint. Our media is a low-dust formula and is safer for the operator, business’ employees and the environment. This is a great option that works in many circumstances.

Sometimes, though, the best way to get the job done is with basic hand tools. Wire brushes, scrubbing pads, sanders and grinders are all tools of the trade. That, and. Sometimes degreasers or other solvents are sprayed on to help soften residue. This also means plenty of elbow grease is used along the way.

Once everything is cleaned up, we prep it for paint. This generally includes a rust inhibitor or other protectant layer and is part of the primer. Then the paint is applied. The paint adds another layer of protection, as well as making the equipment look new. 

Our goal is to make your machinery look great and last as long as possible. All work areas are clean and controlled environments, good for both our people and yours. Our clients experience as little interruption to their daily operations as possible. Contact us for more information, discuss your needs or get your questions answered.

Let Winter Rage Outside – Upgrade Interior Spaces Now

While the weather outside may be frightful, now is the perfect time to upgrade interior spaces. This type of overhaul can spark new motivation in employees and it shows customers how much you care about your work area. There are many new paints and wall coverings available now and one is sure to suit your needs perfectly.

Accent walls are a good way to introduce pops of color and make a room interesting. If you’re working with large expanses of wall, consider just making a section of one wall the accent piece. The visual stimulation is still there, but viewers won’t be overwhelmed by the color. Metallic paints are also a good choice, since they can reflect light in the room, making it feel brighter and more open.

Wallpaper has come a long way in recent years – especially with advances in printing techniques. Colors are vibrant and tend to stay that way, since many products are UV resistant. They are also well suited to high traffic areas that get cleaned often, as vinyl wallpaper can withstand more scrubbing and chemicals than paint.

Vinyls and murals are making a big splash in the decorating world. With advances in HD photography and printing, almost any image can be applied to a wall, floor or ceiling. This is a great way to bring your logo inside or to have the image of a company’s CEO greeting everyone as they walk in. Applying a picture to an entire wall is quicker far more cost effective than having a mural artist come in and painstakingly paint one.

Consider painting light fixtures and ceilings, too. These are often overlooked, but one refinished, have an impressive impact. Metallic paints come into play here, too, making fixtures look completely different and new. For instance, an old fluorescent hanging lights get a makeover when silver or bronze paint replaces the original white. Color and texture is great for ceilings, too. Use lighter colors to seemingly raise ceilings and darker ones to make them appear lower and cozier.

There are plenty of options for just about every budget and here at Celtic, we’re happy to help you. Whether you already know what you want or need some assistance narrowing down the options, just give us a call.

Epoxy Flooring

Every day, floors are subjected to multiple abuses from impacts (falling objects), abrasions (materiel being dragged or pushed), chemical intrusions (spills or cleaners), to thermal agents (variations in temperatures). If your floor is concrete, you’ll need to protect it, as it can only withstand a certain amount of wear and tear. 

Concrete floors are naturally porous and will deteriorate over time, slowly eroding into dust. With the right protection, the floor will last much longer – and look great. Epoxy coatings grip onto the concrete and offer long term protection, keeping long term costs lower. Just like other floor coverings, there are many options and application types to choose from. 

Just like with painting, proper preparation is the key to ensuring a great finished product. The existing floor is roughened up a bit, which gives the resin in the epoxy something to grip on to. Once the concrete is ready, the two-part epoxy is applied to the floor. Color flakes are added when the last coat is still damp and before the clear coat is laid. 

We can also apply your graphics so they look like they are part of your floor. Just imagine – your logo at each entrance, in front of cash registers or anyplace else you’d like to have them. 

What a Wonderful Year!

2015 was a hectic, busy and fantastic year for Celtic Commercial Painting and we’d like to take this opportunity to share that year with you. With everything we’ve been able to complete this year, it was difficult to pick and choose a few to highlight here, but here are the ones most talked about around the office. 

  

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

Ogilvie Transportation Center

The interior of the center was given a bright new look earlier this year. We worked closely with the station owners, architects and PPG Industries to complete this transformation while minimizing impact on the daily running of the center.

Pheasant Run Resort

Located in picturesque St. Charles, Illinois, the resort is one of the largest conference centers, family resort and entertainment venues in the Midwest. Here we repaired areas prone to seepage then painted the exterior walls. Overall it was a very successful project!

Holiday Inn Rosemont

The hotel was beginning to suffer from rust showing through the paint and the decision was made to give it a new look. We used Modac and Sherlastic coatings, which are designed to work on a wide variety of surfaces exposed to the elements.

The Bernardin

The River North neighborhood is home to the Bernardin. The building offers a luxurious, one-of-a-kind roof top pool for its residents. Here, we painted trellises, privacy screens, columns and added distinctive details to this Chicago high-rise.

Home Run Inn

One location of this long-time Chicago favorite was given an interior makeover this year. We blasted away multiple layers of paint and revealed the natural brick wall underneath. This brickwork was then sealed with a clear finish, giving the restaurant an old-world charm.