Cladding Spraying: Commercial & Industrial Buildings

Cladding spraying is the process of applying a protective, colour-matched coating directly over existing wall cladding — typically profiled steel or aluminium — to restore its appearance and weatherproofing without the cost and disruption of full re-cladding. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the working life of commercial and industrial building envelopes.

Why Does Cladding Deteriorate?

Most commercial and industrial cladding in the UK is profiled steel with a factory-applied plastisol, PVF2 or polyester paint finish. Over the years, UV exposure, moisture, atmospheric pollution and thermal cycling take their toll. You will often see colour fading, chalking (a powdery residue when you run a finger across the surface), micro-cracking and, eventually, surface corrosion. Cut edges — where the steel was profiled or trimmed on site — are particularly vulnerable because the protective coating does not wrap around the raw metal.

Left untreated, surface corrosion spreads beneath the existing paint film, blistering lifts the coating away from the substrate, and water finds its way through fixings and laps into the building. At that stage the options narrow to expensive panel replacement.

How Cladding Spraying Works

We follow a methodical process to ensure adhesion and long-term performance:

1. Survey and preparation plan. Every elevation is inspected for corrosion, failing fixings, sealant breakdown and structural issues. Any repairs are carried out before coating begins.
2. Cleaning. Cladding is pressure-washed or chemically cleaned to remove dirt, moss, algae and chalking. This step is critical — coatings will not bond to contaminated surfaces.
3. Priming. A specialist adhesion primer is applied to the prepared cladding. On corroded areas, an anti-corrosive primer is used first.
4. Spray application. The finish coat — usually a high-build polyurethane, silicone-modified polyester or acrylic-based system — is applied by airless spray in controlled, even passes. Most systems require two coats to achieve the specified dry-film thickness.
5. Inspection and sign-off. Dry-film thickness readings are taken across the elevations to confirm the coating meets manufacturer specifications.

The entire process typically keeps the building fully operational. Sheeting and masking protect windows, doors and surrounding areas from overspray.

Which Coatings Are Used?

The choice of finish coat depends on the substrate, the building’s location and budget. Common systems include:

• Polyurethane (PU) coatings — excellent UV stability and gloss retention; widely used on prominent elevations.
• Silicone-modified polyester — good all-round durability at a moderate price point.
• Acrylic-based systems — water-based, lower-VOC options suitable for many applications.
• Anti-carbonation and anti-corrosive primers — used as part of the system where corrosion or concrete carbonation is present.

All coatings we use are from established UK manufacturers and are specified to suit the individual building. Colour matching to RAL or BS references is standard, which means you can restore the original appearance or change it entirely as part of a rebrand.

When Should You Consider Cladding Spraying?

There are a few clear signals that your cladding would benefit from recoating:

• Visible colour fade or chalking across large areas.
• Surface rust forming at cut edges, around fixings or at panel laps.
• The building looks dated and you are considering a sale, lease renewal or rebrand.
• Insurance or building condition surveys flag cladding deterioration.

Acting early — before corrosion penetrates the substrate — keeps the job straightforward and the cost down. Once panels perforate, spraying alone will not solve the problem and partial re-cladding may be needed.

Cladding Spraying vs Full Re-Cladding

Full re-cladding involves stripping existing panels back to the structural steelwork and fitting new. It delivers a brand-new envelope but comes with significant cost, scaffolding, potential asbestos considerations on older buildings and weeks of disruption. Cladding spraying is the sensible middle ground when the substrate is structurally sound but the finish has failed. It restores weatherproofing and appearance at a fraction of the cost, with minimal impact on daily operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you spray cladding in any colour?

Yes. Coatings can be tinted to virtually any RAL or BS colour reference. If you are rebranding or simply want a fresher look, cladding spraying gives you a full colour change without replacing panels.

Does cladding spraying work on asbestos cement panels?

It can, but asbestos cement cladding requires specialist handling. The panels must not be abraded or pressure-washed in a way that releases fibres. We carry out asbestos encapsulation and waterproofing using approved methods that seal and protect the material without disturbance.

How long does a cladding spray coating last?

With proper surface preparation and a quality coating system, you can expect a service life in the range of 10–20 years. Factors such as coastal exposure, industrial pollutants and the condition of the substrate at the time of coating all influence longevity.

Will the building need to close during the work?

No. Cladding spraying is carried out externally from access equipment — cherry pickers, scaffolding or rope access — so internal operations continue as normal. We coordinate with site managers to schedule work around deliveries and shift patterns.

Is cladding spraying just cosmetic?

No. While it dramatically improves appearance, the coating system also provides a genuine protective barrier against moisture, UV degradation and corrosion. It is a maintenance treatment that extends the functional life of the cladding, not just a cosmetic fix.

Our Cladding Spraying and Industrial Painting Services

We are specialist industrial painting contractors based in Swaffham, Norfolk, working across East Anglia and nationwide. Whether your building needs a full cladding respray, liquid roof waterproofing or cut edge corrosion treatment, we survey, specify and apply the right system for your building.

If your cladding is fading, chalking or showing early signs of corrosion, get in touch for a no-obligation survey and quote. Call us or request a quote online — we will assess your cladding and recommend the most cost-effective solution.