Project Overview

This commercial warehouse in Wembley had reached the point where its original factory-applied cladding coating had failed extensively across all elevations. Large sections of paint had detached from the substrate, leaving the external cladding looking tired, patchy and inconsistent while offering little long-term protection.

Rather than replacing the existing cladding, the client chose to restore the building through a complete exterior refurbishment programme.

NuColour Ltd, trading as Refurbs.co.uk, carried out the full restoration using specialist preparation methods, high-performance commercial coating systems and MEWP access throughout to transform the appearance of the building while extending the service life of the existing cladding.

The Challenge

The existing coating system had deteriorated significantly across the building, with widespread peeling and delamination preventing any new coating from being applied directly over the surface.

Extensive preparation was therefore required before recoating could begin.

The project also presented several logistical challenges, including restricted working areas along the side elevations where access was limited by narrow service alleys and neighbouring boundary walls. Despite these constraints, every elevation needed to be completed to the same high standard while maintaining safe access throughout the project.

Scope of Works

Our refurbishment programme included:

• Full exterior inspection and condition assessment
• Removal of failed coating using 4,000 PSI pressure washing equipment
• Thorough cleaning of all external cladding surfaces
• Surface preparation ready for recoating
• Application of specialist exterior cladding coating system
• Recoating of all profiled metal cladding
• Cleaning of surrounding walls and external ground areas
• Preparation and repainting of exposed yellow gas pipework
• Final quality inspection and project handover

All access was undertaken using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), allowing safe access to every elevation while minimising disruption to neighbouring businesses.

Surface Preparation

Preparation is the most important stage of any successful cladding refurbishment.

Before any new coating could be applied, every area of loose and failed paint was removed using high-pressure washing at approximately 4,000 PSI. This process removed the deteriorated coating while retaining any remaining sound substrate suitable for recoating.

Once preparation was complete, the entire building was cleaned to remove contamination, dirt and debris, leaving a sound surface ready to receive the new protective coating system.

This thorough preparation is essential to maximise adhesion and long-term coating performance.

Access Challenges

Although the warehouse appears straightforward from the front, several elevations could only be accessed through extremely narrow service alleys between neighbouring buildings.

Working within these confined areas required careful planning, specialist MEWP operation and detailed site management to safely position equipment while protecting surrounding property and maintaining access for neighbouring occupiers.

Despite the restricted working environment, every elevation was completed to the same consistent finish.

The Finished Result

The completed refurbishment transformed the appearance of the warehouse.

The previously weathered blue cladding was replaced with a modern grey finish, providing the building with a clean, contemporary appearance while significantly improving its overall presentation.

As part of the project, the external brickwork and surrounding areas were cleaned, while the exposed gas pipework was prepared and repainted in the appropriate safety yellow specification, completing the refurbishment to a high commercial standard.

Rather than the cost and disruption of replacing the existing cladding, the client achieved a complete exterior transformation through restoration.

Why Refurbishment Instead of Replacement?

Replacing industrial cladding can be expensive, disruptive and often unnecessary where the underlying substrate remains structurally sound.

Professional cladding restoration offers several advantages:

• Significantly lower cost than replacement
• Minimal disruption to business operations
• Improved building appearance
• Long-term weather protection
• Extended lifespan of existing cladding
• Sustainable reuse of existing building materials

With the correct preparation and coating specification, existing industrial cladding can often be restored for many years of continued service.

Looking to Refurbish Commercial Cladding?

At Refurbs.co.uk we specialise in restoring commercial and industrial buildings across London and throughout the UK.

From warehouses and manufacturing facilities to distribution centres, retail parks and commercial premises, our experienced teams deliver complete cladding refurbishment projects using professional access equipment, specialist preparation methods and high-performance coating systems designed for long-term durability.

If your building is suffering from faded, weathered or failing cladding coatings, our team can provide a comprehensive survey and recommend the most appropriate refurbishment solution.