Cladding Spraying Services Explained: Process, What's Included & Results

What Is Cladding Spraying?

Cladding spraying is the on-site application of a factory-grade protective and decorative coating system to the external cladding panels of a commercial or industrial building. Unlike replacement, the existing panels stay in place — saving the material, labour, and disruption cost of re-cladding while delivering a finish that is visually and technically equivalent to new.

Newlook's professional cladding spraying service covers composite, metal (including steel and aluminium), and weatherboard panels across Hampshire and the South of England. The same process applies whether you have a single-elevation retail unit or a multi-building industrial estate.

Substrates We Spray

• Metal cladding (steel and aluminium) — the most common commercial substrate. Primed with a corrosion-inhibiting primer; topcoated with a polyurethane or acrylic system rated for the exposure category.
• Composite (insulated) panels — two-skin panels with foam or mineral wool core. The facing skin is prepared and coated; the insulating core is not disturbed.
• Fibre cement and weatherboard — pressure-cleaned, filled where needed, and primed before topcoat application.
• Render and coated masonry — degreased, keyed, and coated with an elastomeric or mineral system depending on substrate flexibility.

The Full On-Site Process

A cladding spraying project follows a fixed sequence regardless of building size. Understanding each stage helps you plan around the works and set realistic expectations for programme and finish.

• Survey and specification — we inspect every elevation, measure total face area, assess substrate condition, identify any corrosion or defects, and agree the coating system and colour. The written quote follows within 48 hours.
• Mobilisation — once approved, mobilisation is typically 2–4 weeks. We confirm access requirements, agree a programme with you, and submit method statements and risk assessments.
• Pressure wash and decontamination — all panels are pressure-washed to remove traffic film, biological growth, and contamination. A specialist degreaser follows for metal substrates.

Cut-edge corrosion treatment — active corrosion at panel edges is treated before coating. See our detailed guide to cut-edge corrosion treatment for metal cladding for the specific process.

• Masking — all glazing, doors, roof lights, and adjacent surfaces are fully masked with film and tape. Airless spray creates fine mist; comprehensive masking is non-negotiable.
• Prime — a specialist adhesion primer is applied by airless spray. On metal substrates, the primer is a two-pack epoxy or zinc-phosphate system depending on the corrosion category.
• Topcoat — one or two coats of the specified finish system. Polyurethane topcoats are standard for commercial cladding; they are UV-stable, self-cleaning, and carry a 10-year finish guarantee.
• Quality assurance — wet film thickness is checked during application; dry film thickness is measured on completion and recorded. We inspect every panel before removing masking.

Durability and the 10-Year Guarantee

A correctly prepared and applied cladding spraying system carries a 10-year written guarantee from Newlook, backed by the product manufacturer's warranty. The coating is UV-stable, resists chalking and fading, and can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent. Unlike factory-applied coatings, on-site application allows the coating to bridge minor surface imperfections and panel joints — improving the weather seal as well as the appearance.

When to Spray vs Re-Clad

The financial case for spraying over re-cladding is compelling in most situations. Our analysis of commercial cladding spraying costs vs replacement sets out the comparison in full. The short answer: spraying typically costs 15–25% of replacement and delivers a comparable visible result on structurally sound cladding.

Spraying is not always the answer. Consider re-cladding when: panels are structurally compromised (buckled, delaminated, or insulation-damaged); the building is being extended and uniformity requires new panels throughout; or a planning condition specifies a particular material or profile.

Sectors and Building Types

Cladding spraying is suited to any commercial or industrial building with an external cladding skin. Common sectors include warehouses and distribution centres (see our warehouse cladding guide), manufacturing and light-industrial units, office parks, retail and leisure, schools and public buildings, and transport infrastructure. For composite-vs-metal considerations, our composite vs metal cladding spraying guide explains the differences in preparation and system selection.

Coverage Across Hampshire

We cover the full Hampshire area. Common project locations include Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester, Eastleigh, and the New Forest. Longer-range projects across Surrey, Dorset, and the wider South are considered case by case.

Get a Free Survey and Written Quote

The clearest way to understand what cladding spraying costs and what it will deliver for your building is a free site survey. Our team will inspect the substrate, confirm the right coating system, and provide a fixed, itemised written quote within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cladding spraying take?

A typical single-elevation commercial unit of 100–300 m² is completed in 3–5 working days. Multi-elevation or larger industrial projects run 2–6 weeks depending on access, programme phasing, and substrate condition.

What coating systems do you use?

We use two-pack polyurethane or high-build acrylic topcoat systems from established manufacturers. The system is specified per project based on substrate type, corrosion category, and required durability. Every system carries a 10-year finish guarantee.

Can cladding spraying be done while the building is occupied?

Yes. We phase all on-site work around your access windows and operational constraints. Masking prevents overspray reaching any internal areas, and most sites continue normal operations throughout the works.