What is the difference between commercial painting and fleet painting in Ontario?

Commercial painting covers exterior and interior building surfaces for businesses — storefronts, warehouses, office buildings, and industrial facilities. Fleet painting covers vehicle surfaces — cab repaints, trailer graphics, colour changes, and branding. Both require different equipment, materials, and skills. Many contractors specialize in one or the other.

Do Ontario painting contractors need a licence?

Ontario does not require a specific provincial licence for painting contractors. However, painters working on commercial properties must be WSIB-registered if they have employees, carry adequate liability insurance (typically $2M minimum), and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) for safe work at heights. Painters applying chemical coatings may require WHMIS training. Always verify WSIB clearance and insurance certificates before hiring.

How much does commercial exterior painting cost in Ontario?

Commercial exterior painting in Ontario typically ranges from $3,000–$30,000+ depending on building size, surface condition, number of storeys, and paint specification. Storefront repaints for small retail (under 200 sq ft facade) typically run $800–$2,500. Get at least three quotes and confirm WSIB clearance for each contractor.

What should I look for in a fleet painting contractor in Ontario?

Look for: (1) WSIB clearance certificate, (2) commercial liability insurance, (3) experience with your vehicle type (flatbeds vs box trucks vs reefers have different preparation requirements), (4) primer and topcoat specification (2K urethane topcoats are industry standard for fleet durability), (5) vinyl graphics capability if you need compliance lettering after repaint. After any repaint, CVOR lettering and company identification must be re-applied per O.Reg 424/97.

Ontario Paint Services — Commercial & Fleet Painting Directory

Services Covered

What Ontario's commercial painting sector delivers.

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Commercial Exterior Painting

Storefront repaints, building facades, parking structures, and multi-unit residential exteriors. Includes surface preparation, primer, and top-coat application.

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Fleet Vehicle Painting

Full cab and body repaints for trucks, vans, trailers, and specialty equipment. 2K urethane topcoats for commercial durability. Colour matching available.

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Industrial & Protective Coatings

Epoxy floor coatings, corrosion-resistant coatings for steel structures, tank linings, and chemical-resistant applications for manufacturing facilities.

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Storefront & Window Graphics

Vinyl window graphics, perforated window film, and storefront branding panels. Designed for Ontario business owners who want visibility from the street.

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Line Marking & Pavement Painting

Parking lot line marking, fire lane painting, curb painting, and directional arrow stencils. Compliant with Ontario municipal requirements.

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Post-Paint Compliance Lettering

After any fleet repaint, CVOR and company name lettering must be re-applied per O.Reg 424/97. Compliance Lettering supplies pre-cut vinyl kits that go on the day of repaint.

⚠️ After a Fleet Repaint — Don't Forget CVOR Lettering

Repainting your cab or trailer removes all existing vinyl lettering. Before the vehicle goes back on the road, CVOR number and company name lettering must be re-applied per O.Reg 424/97 — minimum 3 inches tall, contrasting colour, both sides of the cab. MTO scale officers check this at every Level I inspection.

Required under Ontario Regulation 424/97 s.6 (Highway Traffic Act) · Last Verified March 2026

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Decals →

What to Check Before Hiring an Ontario Painting Contractor

Protect yourself. Verify these before signing any contract.

WSIB Clearance Certificate (not expired) — required if they have employees
Commercial liability insurance — minimum $2M for commercial work
Written quote specifying paint products (brand/grade/sheen)
Proof of OHSA Working at Heights training for elevated work
References from comparable commercial projects in Ontario
HST registration number (ensure they're a legitimate business)
Timeline with weather-hold clauses for exterior work
Warranty on labour and materials (1–3 years standard)

Service Regions Across Ontario

Commercial painting contractors active in these Ontario regions.

Niagara Region

Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Grimsby

Hamilton-Wentworth

Hamilton, Burlington, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Dundas

Greater Toronto Area

Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Vaughan, Markham, Pickering

Durham Region

Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Bowmanville, Clarington

York Region

Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Newmarket, Aurora, Markham, Stouffville

Halton Region

Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, Georgetown

Peel Region

Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon

London / Southwestern

London, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford

Ottawa / Eastern

Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Brockville, Cornwall

Georgian Bay / Simcoe

Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Owen Sound, Midland

🪟 New Paint — Add Storefront Window Graphics

A fresh exterior paint job is the perfect time to add or replace storefront graphics. Window decals, door lettering, and perforated window film from Niagara Stands Out ship Canada-wide and apply in under an hour — no installer required.

Made in Port Colborne, Ontario · Canada Post lettermail delivery

Window Graphics →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ontario commercial painters need to be WSIB registered?

Any Ontario painting contractor with employees must be registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Property owners who hire a non-WSIB contractor may be held liable for workplace injuries that occur on their property. Always request a WSIB Clearance Certificate before work begins — it confirms the contractor has no outstanding premiums and is in good standing.

How do I get a quote for commercial painting in Ontario?

Most contractors provide free estimates for commercial projects. Prepare: square footage of paintable surface, number of storeys, current condition (any peeling, efflorescence, or surface damage), and your preferred paint specification or budget range. Get at least 3 written quotes — verbal quotes carry no accountability.

After repainting a truck, what compliance lettering needs to go back on?

After any commercial vehicle repaint, the following must be re-applied before the vehicle returns to service in Ontario: (1) CVOR number — both sides of cab, minimum 3 inches (76mm) tall, O.Reg 424/97 s.6; (2) Company name and address — HTA s.16. Vinyl lettering kits from Compliance Lettering include both elements pre-cut and ready to apply on paint-day.

What paint products are used for Ontario fleet vehicle repaints?

Commercial fleet vehicles are typically painted with 2-component (2K) urethane or polyurethane topcoats, which offer superior hardness and chemical resistance compared to 1K products. Popular specifications include PPG Deltron, Axalta Chromabase, and BASF R-M systems. For trailers and box bodies, direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings over epoxy primer are standard. Ensure the painter specifies the exact product system in their quote.

Commercial & Fleet Painting Services Across Ontario