Blog

April 24, 2024

Montgomery College, the number one community college in Maryland and one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation, has expanded its campus through the completion of the highly anticipated East County Education Center (ECEC) led by general contractor Henley Construction.

March 7, 2024

As Women in Construction Week unfolds this first week of March, Cochran & Mann, a commercial painting company serving Maryland, Virginia, and DC, takes pride in recognizing the contributions of women within our industry. We are honored to celebrate our team members' diverse talents and expertise, including the remarkable women who play key roles in our success.

February 22, 2024

In every workplace, there's that one person who just lights up the room with their energy and drive. At Cochran & Mann, that person is Miranda Hobbs. Miranda's journey with the company started back in high school when she joined as an Assistant Project Manager, working alongside her uncle, Will Cochran Jr. 

January 23, 2024

Enhance your property with these top 2024 commercial painting trends. 

Your commercial space is a reflection of your business and brand. Keeping up with the trends and enhancing your outdated corporate and commercial properties plays a pivotal role in fostering the right ambiance and impression for your customers, clients, and guests. At Cochran & Mann, we are excited to help bring your vision to life with these top commercial painting trends in 2024.

December 22, 2023

Dutch's Daughter, a Frederick, MD restaurant destination, adds expansion with rooftop dining. 

Cochran & Mann provides interior and exterior painting services for Dutch's Daughter expansion, maintaining the highest standard of excellence for one of Frederick's finest restaurants.

November 30, 2023

With Cochran & Mann's expert project management and advanced exterior paint products, your exterior painting project doesn't need to wait for Spring.

As temperatures drop in the Mid-Atlantic region, exterior painting projects often come to a halt. However, at Cochran & Mann, we leverage over 30 years of expertise in commercial painting to give our clients the best results - no matter the season.

October 30, 2023

October 2, 2023

Cochran & Mann provided interior paint and wall coverings for over 170,000 square feet for the Volkswagen Group of America's North American Headquarters in Reston, VA.

For this landmark project, which houses the corporate offices for iconic brands such as Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bugatti, and Volkswagen, Cochran & Mann delivers a level of sophistication and precision that aligns with the heritage of these automotive giants.

September 18, 2023

For commercial real estate companies and property management firms, maintaining your properties and client’s spaces is the highest priority. This task is all the more challenging when you have multiple properties and a variety of client needs. St. John Properties, a prominent player in this arena, utilizes preferred contractors to keep their properties top-notch.  

June 23, 2023

Frederick, MD, Cochran & Mann is delighted to share news of several promotions within their organization. This move furthers their goal of continued growth and broadening their client base, markets, and future opportunities. Charles R. Turrell, also known as Charlie, and Keith A. McDonald have both been promoted to Vice president. They have both demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in their roles.

April 18, 2023

Cochran & Mann will provide exceptional painting and wallcovering services to over 539,000 sqft of mixed-use and collaborative spaces in the Harbor Point area along the Baltimore waterfront.

Frederick, MD – Cochran & Mann, a commercial painting and wallcovering contractor based in Frederick, MD, is proud to continue over 30 years of success by working with Armada Hoffler Construction to complete the new T. Rowe Price Global Headquarters along the Baltimore waterfront.

March 7, 2023

January 24, 2023

December 15, 2022

November 17, 2022

Cochran & Mann will provide exceptional painting and wallcovering services to over 865,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use and retail spaces, residential units, and garage parking areas in Reston.

Frederick, MD – Cochran & Mann, a commercial painting and wallcovering contractor based in Frederick, Md., is proud to continue over 30 years of success by working with Boston Properties, Inc. to complete the Block D section of the new Reston Town Center Next project.

October 26, 2022

Frederick, MD — Cochran & Mann is proud to announce the promotion of Lisa Palmer as our new Chief Estimator.

September 22, 2022

Most property managers hire professional painting and wallcovering contractors for painting projects. For them, the benefits of hiring commercial painting services far outweigh the perceived costs. Painting a building takes more time, calls for more expertise, and carries more health and safety risks than painting a small home. 

Are you on the fence about whether to get your commercial building professionally painted or do it yourself? Keep reading for seven reasons why you should hire a professional for your next commercial painting project. 

July 27, 2022

While on the hunt for a contractor to paint your office space, you may stumble across companies that label themselves as commercial, industrial, or residential painters. At first glance, you might think these companies are the same. After all, painting is painting no matter where it’s done.

May 24, 2022

Every building has a unique look and requires specialized needs to meet the demands of the industry it operates in. An office should be designed to boost productivity while a sports & recreation space should be designed to motivate and energize. Through exceptional painting and wallcovering craftsmanship, Cochran & Man has met these needs by providing the finest finishes at the highest value across industries.

May 6, 2022

Frederick, MD — Cochran & Mann President Mike Cochran was recently featured by the American Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Metro Washington. The spotlight includes insights and a behind-the-scenes look at Cochran & Mann and the painting and wallcovering industry.

April 13, 2022

PPG, a long-standing partner of Cochran & Mann, recently announced their newest virus- and bacteria-fighting paint: Copper Armor. This innovative interior coating utilizes Corning® Guardiant® copper technology to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria within two hours of exposure.

In October 2021, Copper Armor received national EPA registration and continues to receive registration at the state level. The coating underwent rigorous testing protocols to make its positive public health claims. Copper Armor is proven to kill germs and microorganisms to protect against disease-causing agents such as Staph, MRSA, E. coli, and SARS-CoV-2.

February 21, 2022

A full-time employee will work over 2,000 hours a year. A large amount of that may be spent in the office, so you’ll want to make their spaces as comfortable and thoughtfully designed as possible to help them stay focused and productive. A dark, dull, and cramped office just won’t cut it. We’ve compiled some tips to help you create an office space that employees want to work in.

November 24, 2021

Cochran & Mann has been dedicated to excellence in the painting and wallcovering industry for thirty years. This dedication to quality is evident not only in our own work but the partnerships we have formed over time. These carefully selected and well-developed relationships with our partners and suppliers allow us to add value to our client’s projects. Craftsmanship and loyalty are cornerstones that form the foundation of a long and rewarding history as the leading paint and wallcovering company in the Washington, D.C. area. 

November 23, 2021

At Cochran & Mann, we feel fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful community. Over the past 30 years, we’ve gotten to work with a variety of incredible people on a variety of incredible projects. We always look for ways to give back to that community, whether it’s financial, materials, or our time.

October 28, 2021

Cochran & Mann has been nominated for Painting & Wallcoverings Subcontractor of the Year by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Excellence in Construction Awards.

October 28, 2021

Boys and Girls Club

Cochran & Mann was very proud to partner with DAVIS Construction for the renovation of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington. This project was completed pro bono by all involved. It was an opportunity for Cochran & Mann to bring a high level of expertise in painting to bear on improvements to the administrative offices of the Boys & Girls Club. 

August 26, 2021

Craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail are evident in each project undertaken by Cochran & Mann. Our reputation for high-quality commercial painting and wall covering has been built on a foundation of learning from completed works and applying that knowledge to innovate. 

August 24, 2021

Three decades of success in any business or industry is quite an accomplishment. Even the most successful companies listed on the S&P 500 only last for 18 years on average. The Cochran & Mann team spent some time reflecting back on the last 30 years of business and what has led to their unprecedented longevity of success. It all boils down to a simple phrase — “People painting with a passion.”

July 29, 2021

It’s hard to imagine a post-COVID office space, even as companies reopen and figure out how work will work. People are now much more aware of their environment’s cleanliness as they attempt to keep safe while socializing and working from a distance. Some still work remotely, but many are starting to come into the office.

July 27, 2021

Cochran & Mann will provide their exceptional painting and wallcovering services to the two residential buildings under construction in Arlington.

Frederick, MD — Cochran & Mann, a commercial painting and wallcovering subcontractor based in Frederick, Md., is proud to continue 30 years of success by working with JBG SMITH to complete the southern tower of 1900 Crystal Drive residential buildings.

July 22, 2021

While the Cochran & Mann team is like a family to its employees, Charlie and Brandon Turrell have a special connection within that dynamic: they’re father and son. With a combined 10 years of working at Cochran & Mann, the Turrell duo has shared their passion for painting, connecting with clients, and a job well done. 

May 18, 2021

Over the last 30 years of business, Cochran & Mann has created deep, long-lasting partnerships with hundreds of businesses and vendors. Partnerships are what allow Cochran & Mann to thrive, and it has been a pleasure to have watched the growth and evolution of our many partners over the years.

April 27, 2021

It didn’t take long for Project Manager Ben Davies to become a favorite among Cochran & Mann clients and coworkers. The fact that he specializes in schools and health care facilities and that his most memorable project is working for Blue Heron Elementary School speaks volumes about who Ben is and how he reflects Cochran & Mann's company values. 

March 30, 2021

Cochran & Mann is proud to be honoring its own this week, as six project management professionals from our ranks have just completed the Crestcom BPM Leadership Program. 

March 15, 2021

We can’t believe it. Here at Cochran & Mann, we are celebrating 30 years of business. It’s been a long journey to become the painting and wallcovering contractor of choice for Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Maryland general contractors.

January 28, 2021

Each year brings popular new colors and styles as trends and preferences shift. If you’ve ever walked into a house or business last painted in the 90’s, you know how important keeping up with paint color trends can be. Consider how popular colors have changed over time for context on what 2021 will bring. This year, expect to see a lot of Aegeon Teal, Swiss Coffee, and Urban Bronze. But more than specific colors, designers expect to see consumers choose colors that make them feel at ease. 

July 24, 2020

Since Cochran & Mann first opened our doors in 1990, we have remained committed to delivering quality commercial paint services on every job site. As a family-owned business for more than 30 years, our principles of transparency, reliability, responsiveness, craftsmanship, and loyalty are the pillars of our continued success.

June 24, 2020

COVID-19 remains an urgent health crisis across the United States and the globe, but there are signs of progress as many states, counties and local municipalities are beginning to open up as part of their respective recovery plans. 

June 2, 2020

Benjamin Moore had humble beginnings before turning into the industry-leading, global paint supplier that it is today. In 1883, the family-owned business was started by the Moore brothers with a commitment to sell paint through independent sellers. Since then, Benjamin Moore has remained true to independent sellers and committed to giving back to the communities that they serve.

April 7, 2020

PPG has come a long way since it was founded way back in 1883. The company now occupies a rarified space as a Fortune 200 organization with approximately 47,000 employees and over $15 billion in 2019 net revenue.

March 4, 2020

Founded in 1921, Tnemec Company Inc. is one of the largest, privately-held protective coatings manufacturers in North America. Tnemec specializes in protecting surfaces and structures from corrosion with high-performance coatings and linings.

February 19, 2020

PPG Paints has transformed its brand and customer experience approach to better serve its educated and highly connected commercial coatings global customer base.

January 15, 2020

When it comes to commercial renovation projects in winter, beware of what you read online, particularly when it comes to commercial painting and coating exterior projects. There’s a lot of bad information out there that if followed can compromise the exterior elements of a commercial renovation project and damage your company’s reputation.

January 8, 2020

Start the New Year with strong business resolutions that help drive sales, increase employee satisfaction, boost productivity, and make the workspace a positive environment. Here’s a short list of workspace tips to begin the New Year.

December 25, 2019

Commercial property owners need to keep pace with emerging design trends to keep their tenants happy with a workspace that’s tailored to their specific needs and company culture.

December 11, 2019

When it comes to style, durability, and functionality, the best interior coatings are applicable across many commercial buildings. Whether the coating is for an office, library, hall, or warehouse environment, you have plenty of options to choose from.

November 27, 2019

A new commercial paint job is powerful and can help boost team morale in nearly any workspace. The power of color is a tool that’s used to enhance and improve the way employees interact with customers and with each other.

November 8, 2019

You work hard. Why not let your office walls work hard with you? Everyone wants to maximize their workspace, and with magnetic wallcovering you’re able to do so to the fullest extent.

October 9, 2019

Fast Company wrote a widely shared article about why you should never paint office walls white, whether it’s your cubicle or a commercial conference room.

September 25, 2019

“Value and craftsmanship delivered.” 

That’s the promise Cochran & Mann makes to its customers. And because of their commitment to excellence, proven track record, and trust they’ve built within their community, Cochran & Mann has been voted the Painting & Wallcoverings Subcontractor of the Year by its peers. This is Cochran & Mann's seventh time winning this award. 

September 18, 2019

Corrosion occurs when a metal is exposed to natural electrolytes, such as salt, oxygen, and water. This exposure forms oxides on the surface of the metal piece, which causes corrosion. (The oxides occasionally combine with sulfides and carbonates.)

August 30, 2019

Whether it’s for functionality or aesthetics, active commercial property owners are constantly keeping up with commercial design trends so that they can make their workspace better suited for their organization's needs.

August 21, 2019

The Cochran & Mann team has grown thanks to the addition of two new associate project managers, Kelly Erfurdt and Kevin DeMaille.

August 14, 2019

A common question that Cochran & Mann techs are asked is, “Do you recommend paint or wallcovering?”

It depends on your commercial building and goals.

July 10, 2019

Offices and corporate settings continue to be designed with strategy and collaboration in mind. This type of planning certainly applies to picking corporate paint colors that will foster creativity, lighten the mood, and create an environment where employees and clients can feel comfortable and be more productive.

June 5, 2019

The exterior of a commercial building is subject to harsh environment, daily wear and tear, and other factors. To protect the exterior aesthetic of a commercial building, finishing coats are necessary. These functional paint top coats offer protection and keep the exterior of a commercial building looking new.

May 29, 2019

Every industry benefits from mitigated risk — especially when it comes to safety. The construction industry is particularly susceptible to unsafe work conditions that can cause bodily harm — and even fatalities — because of the nature of the projects, work environment, and the tools used to complete daily duties.

And though commercial painters and wallcovering professionals are in a low-risk sector of the construction industry, the safety of field workers is still a high priority for Cochran & Mann.

May 15, 2019

If you've never heard of intumescent paint, you might not understand why it is so important in the fireproofing process or the reason behind choosing it for your commercial design project. 

April 24, 2019

At Cochran & Mann, we understand that the aesthetic of your building is important. The right combination of colors can ensure your commercial space looks ready to impress potential clients and create a welcoming environment for your employees.

April 10, 2019

Many wallcovering manufacturers, retailers, and do-it-yourself websites give loose step-by-step advice on how to hang wallcoverings in commercial buildings. However, commercial wallcoverings are a huge project that should be done by a professional.

March 25, 2019

We’ve come a long way from two guys in a truck, but our down-to-earth accountability and old-school attention to detail has remained constant. That’s why we’re one of the premier commercial painting companies in the area.

Check out why you should consider us for your next commercial project:

March 13, 2019

At Cochran & Mann, we understand the importance of ensuring your commercial building looks ready to impress potential clients at all times. That’s why we are happy to provide our customers with quality commercial painting and wallcovering services.

However, sometimes you need to branch out and hire an additional company to meet your building maintenance needs. Here are five questions to ask before hiring a commercial craftsman.

February 20, 2019

For some businesses, there is an obvious need for an attractive interior space. For example, if you are operating a hotel you know that your guests are going to care about how things look.

In contrast, if you own a manufacturing facility, your offices may be much more bare-bones. But it is important to understand the value of an appealing interior for your business, regardless of what kind of business you have.

November 21, 2018

A paint finish is determined by how well a paint reflects light. Flat paints have little luster or shine and reflect very little light. An eggshell paint finish has a little bit of luster, and semi-gloss is shinier than both flat and eggshell but not as shiny as high-gloss.

November 14, 2018

Carlos began in the construction industry in 2010. He was hired as a carpenter apprentice for a concrete contractor in the Washington D.C. metro area. After a year, he was promoted to a carpenter.

November 7, 2018

Whiteboard paint is an underrated alternative to traditional dry-erase boards. This innovative paint helps dry-erase markers draw more vividly and evenly across the surface. It also makes for easier erasing and cleaning (without hard scrubbing) in educational and office settings, as well as nurseries and daycares.

October 16, 2018

Your commercial building is an expensive asset you expect to be able to use for years to come, but if you don't take care of it, it won't last as long as you'd like. A huge problem with metal buildings is rust and corrosion as the structure is consistently exposed to the natural elements.

October 10, 2018

To truly impress visitors, interior design in commercial spaces should include extraordinary wallcoverings. A memorable lobby starts with Zolatone paint. 

September 12, 2018

If you’re looking to add bold patterns, interesting colors, or artistic finishings to your commercial space, wallcovering is the answer.

August 29, 2018

Ready for a chemistry lesson in painting?

Acid staining is a finishing technique for concrete that mixes water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. This mixture penetrates and chemically reacts with the hydrated lime in the concrete.

August 15, 2018

“Selling Cochran & Mann. That’s what I like doing the best. I believe in my company, so it’s easy. I’m not...being fake about it. I enjoy my job.”

August 1, 2018

According to Sherwin-Williams, primers are a multifaceted aspect of the painting process. Primers achieve a smooth, professional look and block future stains, marks, and odors. The first coat also assures adhesion, speeds up and improves topcoat, and prevents peeling. Primers also attain the truest color of paint.

July 25, 2018

According to Materials Performance, “Steel corrosion is...the biggest durability issue for reinforced concrete structures.” Corrosion is a gradual process that harms steel and steel-reinforced concrete structures, including commercial buildings. 

While paint coatings help, it's best to start at the beginning of corrosion management.

July 4, 2018

Urethane coating (also known as a polyurethane finish) is a reliable and economical choice when it comes to choosing a high quality top coat for commercial buildings.

June 27, 2018

If your commercial building has minor cracks in the drywall or you want a smoother wall finish, professional skim coating is the answer.

June 13, 2018

Wood stain is a substance that's used for the coloring and improved sustainability of wood-based products.

June 6, 2018

While you should leave a lot of the prep work to your chosen commercial painting company, a few things can be done on your own time to ready your building for painting.

May 30, 2018

According to Consumer Reports, “Color experts keep an eye out for trends, traveling around the country and abroad, and taking cues from the arts, fashion, pop culture, and the automotive industry, among other areas.”

May 16, 2018

Whether you’re a developer or a commercial building owner, choosing exterior paint colors for commercial buildings is an important task. It identifies your space, which means the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly (or too darkly).

April 25, 2018

As she grew up, Janina Del Gallo moved around the South, including Charlotte, North Carolina, and Athens, Georgia. She graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, with a bachelor’s in business finance.

April 18, 2018

Working for a commercial painting company like Cochran & Mann is an exciting career path. Projects range from the aerospace and military industries to automobiles and collegiate athletic centers.

April 4, 2018

If you’re looking to become the best painting contractor, education is a key component to our craft. Cochran & Mann counts down the top commercial painting certification programs and training courses in the United States to give you a jumpstart:  

March 28, 2018

Originally from Sevilla, Spain, Adrian Gongora grew up helping his father with his local banana import-export business.

"Since I was a kid, I was working all the time in the office with my father, but really, I love painting," he said.

March 7, 2018

Commercial painting and wallcovering is more than stroking a brush against a wall or putting up a mural. It's about people. It's about safety. It's about taking pride in your work and blending creativity with technique to create a quality project. 

February 28, 2018

After deciding to stay in the United States permanently, Yovani Pineda set his sights on the commercial painting industry after discovering how successful painters could be -- with the right skillset and a willingness to learn -- in a short amount of time.

February 14, 2018

In every commercial painting company, people are key to maintaining a successful work environment. From leadership to on-the-floor, we explain who does what on the executive senior team for our commercial painting company:

February 7, 2018

When it comes to finding the right painter for the project, property managers and building owners need to understand the basics of their commercial building type, building surface and materials, and qualities of a worthwhile contractor.

January 1, 2018

At Cochran & Mann, we try to break the stereotype of bad contractors. As a well-oiled machine of painters and trade leaders, we deliver quality projects with a smile from start to finish. However, some companies are still wary of hiring a subcontractor to do the job. To avoid slow productivity and higher costs, here’s how you can benefit from teaming up with good guys like Cochran & Mann:

December 22, 2017

Cousins Will and Mike Cochran grew up together, working summers through high school and college in the painting trade.

With a six-year head start on Will, Mike worked the management side of painting for his uncle, Bill, who’s now retired. This spurred his interest in leadership, but due to an impending shutdown of the company they all worked for, the trio lost their jobs.

As a solution to unsteady work, the family teamed up with Ron Mann, who’s since retired, and his son, Ron Mann Jr., to develop Cochran & Mann in 1989.