Project Challenges and Solutions

Fast exhibition turnaround
The gallery had a limited four-day window for the initial blackout phase and another four-day window for the later restoration. Airless spray application allowed the team to cover the ceiling areas quickly and evenly, with drying times managed around the exhibition schedule.

Detailed protection
The rooms included many ceiling coves, fittings and adjacent finished surfaces. Before spraying began, fixtures, walls and floors were fully masked and sheeted so the finish could be applied cleanly without overspray or damage.

Coordination on a live site
The Barbican project involved several trades working alongside one another. The spraying team coordinated with the venue and other contractors to keep access routes safe, maintain progress and reduce disruption to the wider installation programme.

Environmental requirements
The venue required coatings with low environmental impact. Low-VOC Little Greene paint was selected so the work could meet sustainability expectations while still providing a strong, consistent finish.

Process

Preparation began with masking, protection and air-quality controls. Once the areas were secure, the ceilings were sprayed black in controlled coats to reduce light reflection and create the darker environment needed for film projection. The finish was checked for consistency across the coves and ceiling details.

When the exhibition finished, the team returned to reverse the treatment. The black finish was covered with white coatings to restore the gallery back to its original appearance, followed by a final quality check to make sure no trace of the temporary blackout remained.

Results

The completed blackout created the immersive visual environment required for the exhibition. After the show, the ceilings were returned to a clean white finish ready for the next installation. Both phases were delivered inside the four-day windows, using low-VOC materials and careful protection throughout.

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The Barbican Art Gallery is one of London's most recognised cultural destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors each year while hosting internationally significant exhibitions and events. Projects within environments of this nature demand careful planning, precise execution and the highest standards of workmanship.

Refurbs was appointed to carry out specialist ceiling spray painting works as part of the refurbishment of the gallery space. The objective was to create a clean, consistent architectural finish across the existing ceiling while protecting surrounding areas and working efficiently within the project programme.

Before spraying commenced, the ceiling was thoroughly assessed and prepared to ensure optimum coating adhesion and a high-quality final finish. Extensive masking and protection measures were implemented to safeguard adjacent surfaces, fixtures and exhibition spaces throughout the application process.

Using professional airless spray equipment, our operatives applied the specified coating system to achieve a smooth, uniform appearance across the ceiling. Spray application allowed the finish to be applied efficiently while producing a consistent result across large surface areas that would be difficult to achieve using traditional painting methods.

Projects within galleries and public buildings require exceptional attention to detail, not only in the quality of the finish but also in cleanliness, organisation and day-to-day site management. Our team worked to carefully coordinated programmes and maintained a professional working environment throughout the project.

The completed refurbishment significantly enhanced the appearance of the gallery ceiling, providing a modern, consistent finish that complements the architectural character of the building while preparing the space for continued public use.

This project demonstrates Refurbs' ability to deliver specialist commercial ceiling spraying within prestigious public environments where quality, presentation and professionalism are essential.