Faded finish
Colour loss alone does not necessarily mean the panel has failed. It can be an early point to investigate recoating.
PLASTISOL CLADDING · REFURBISHMENT & RECOATING
Plastisol cladding refurbishment.
Faded, chalking or weathered plastisol-coated steel does not automatically need replacing. Where the panels and remaining coating are suitable, a correctly prepared recoating programme can restore colour and protective performance while keeping the existing cladding in service.
Assess first
Confirm coating adhesion, steel condition, cut edges, joints and previous repairs.
Keep sound panels
Refurbishment is about retaining cladding that remains technically suitable, not hiding failed substrate.
Fading & chalking
Common visible triggers for investigating a refurbishment route.
Adhesion matters
A new coating depends on the condition and preparation of the existing finish.
Cut edges & details
Corrosion, laps, joints and fixings are dealt with before the main topcoat.
Colour restoration
A suitable system can restore appearance or deliver an agreed colour change.
WHAT PLASTISOL REFURBISHMENT MEANS
Restore the coated steel, not just the colour.
Plastisol is an existing factory-applied finish on profiled steel. A refurbishment project therefore has two things to consider: the condition of the coating and the condition of the steel panel beneath it. The proposed system must be compatible with the prepared surface and the project conditions.
Chalking surface
Powdery surface deterioration must be removed sufficiently during preparation before a new coating is considered.
Local coating failure
Loose, peeling or delaminated areas require a more detailed assessment of adhesion and underlying steel condition.
Cut-edge corrosion
The exposed sheet edge requires preparation and the specified corrosion-control treatment before the main coating stage.
Laps and joints
Failed or open details are separate defects and may require compatible sealing before the main finish.
Perforation or structural failure
A new coating is not a substitute for panel repair or replacement where the sheet has materially failed.
THE REFURBISHMENT SEQUENCE
From old plastisol to a new protective finish.
01
Identify
Confirm the existing coated-steel substrate and previous coating history as far as practicable.
02
Inspect
Check adhesion, coating failure, corrosion, cut edges, joints, fixings and panel integrity.
03
Prepare
Clean and mechanically prepare the surface in line with the selected system requirements.
04
Detail
Treat prepared steel/corrosion areas and compatible laps or joints with the products required by the specification.
05
Recoat
Apply the specified cladding coating under suitable application conditions and complete the project quality checks.
WHEN REFURBISHMENT CAN MAKE SENSE
Keep the existing cladding in service where it remains suitable.
Panels remain structurally sound
Coating deterioration can be adequately prepared
Corrosion remains within a repairable/refurbishable condition
Joints and local defects can be resolved within the wider programme
The selected coating system is compatible with the prepared substrate
WHEN A COATING IS NOT ENOUGH
Do not use recoating to hide a failed panel system.
Through-sheet corrosion or perforation
Material loss that compromises panel integrity
Unresolved structural or fixing failure
Panel/core problems that require replacement
Compliance-driven recladding requirements
PLASTISOL CLADDING QUESTIONS
Straight answers before you recoat.
Can plastisol cladding be refurbished instead of replaced?
Often, yes, where the profiled steel panel remains structurally sound and the existing coating can be prepared to accept a compatible refurbishment system. The condition of the coating and the steel beneath it must be assessed first.
Can faded plastisol cladding be recoated?
Fading or chalking can be a suitable point to consider refurbishment if adhesion remains adequate and corrosion or coating failure has not progressed beyond a refurbishable condition.
What happens if plastisol is peeling or delaminating?
Loose or failed coating cannot simply be hidden beneath a new finish. The extent of failure, remaining adhesion and underlying steel condition determine whether preparation and recoating are viable or whether another repair or replacement route is needed.
How is cut-edge corrosion handled on plastisol-coated steel?
The cut edges are assessed and prepared as part of the refurbishment scope. Where prepared exposed steel or corrosion areas require a rust-inhibiting primer, UNI-RW may be specified before the main coating. Perforated or materially weakened sheets require repair or replacement.
Can plastisol cladding be changed to a new RAL colour?
A colour change can form part of a suitable refurbishment project. The final colour range and finish depend on the selected coating system and agreed specification.
What coating system is used over plastisol cladding?
The system is selected after confirming substrate and existing coating condition. TopSpray 35 may be considered for suitable prepared cladding where its technical requirements and project specification are met.
Do I need a survey before recoating plastisol cladding?
A condition assessment is strongly recommended where the existing coating type, adhesion, corrosion extent or previous refurbishment history is uncertain. The aim is to confirm whether refurbishment is technically justified before materials are specified.
Can Forti Nova supply the coating or arrange installation?
Yes. SprayMyCladding provides a direct buying route, technical guidance and training. Forti Nova also provides a separate installation enquiry route where you want the work delivered.
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