Paint Spraying of Warehouse Unit Cladding Using SMP Paint

We were commissioned by a commercial property management company to repaint the external cladding of a large warehouse unit in Surrey. The cladding had deteriorated significantly over the years, with faded and peeling paint detracting from the appearance of the building and leaving the steel panels vulnerable to corrosion. The client required a durable, long-lasting finish — and that meant SMP paint.

What is SMP Paint?

SMP stands for Silicone Modified Polyester. It is a high-performance coating system widely used on metal cladding, roofing, and other steel building components. SMP coatings offer excellent UV resistance, colour retention, and durability, making them the industry standard for industrial and commercial building envelopes. A correctly applied SMP coating can protect metal cladding for 15–20 years.

Unlike standard exterior paints, SMP must be applied by spray as it has a specific viscosity designed for spray application, and achieving the correct film thickness is critical to its performance.

Survey and Specification

Before pricing the project, our team carried out a detailed condition survey of the cladding. We assessed the extent of corrosion, the adhesion of existing coatings, and the overall condition of the steel panels. Based on this survey, we specified a three-coat system: a rust-inhibiting primer where bare metal was exposed, an SMP intermediate coat, and a finish coat in the client's chosen colour.

Preparation Works

Preparation was the most time-consuming part of the project. All loose and flaking paint was removed by hand and mechanical wire brushing. Areas of corrosion were treated with a rust converter before priming. The entire cladding was then pressure washed and allowed to dry fully before any spray painting commenced.

Ground-level equipment, vehicles, and surrounding hardstanding were masked and protected before spraying began. We erected appropriate containment sheeting around the building to protect against overspray.

Spray Application

The SMP coating was applied using a high-volume airless spray system. Working systematically around the building, our spray painters applied each coat to the manufacturer's specified film thickness, allowing adequate flash-off time between coats. We paid particular attention to overlaps, fixings, and flashings to ensure full coverage and watertight seals.

The work was carried out over four days, with the final coat applied on day three and a full inspection on day four before the scaffolding was struck.

The Result

The transformation was dramatic. The warehouse went from a tired, faded and patchy exterior to a smart, uniform appearance in a fresh contemporary colour. The client was delighted with the result and commented that the building looked essentially new. The SMP system applied will provide years of protection with minimal maintenance required.