Plastisol Cladding is an outer cover attached to the exterior of a building and is both decorative and functional in that it affects the image of a business and also protects the underlying building if in good condition.

A high number of commercial buildings are clad and Plastisol corrugated metal is one of the most common materials used.

Sometimes it degenerates causing damage to the structure and if this is the case then painting Plastisol Cladding can save money because it is an effective way of refurbishment for many reasons.

Updated April 2018- Advances in Cladding Paint technologies allows us to offer a larger range of cladding paint systems and different warranties depending on the client’s requirements.

Plastisol consists of polyvinyl chloride particles in an emulsion which is heated to form a solid substance. This material has an array of uses ranging from children’s toys to coatings on metal such as steering wheels as well as cladding on commercial buildings.

The flexible coating on cladding can discolour, chalk and degrade over time. Furthermore, the Plastisol may be coming away from the metal cladding. This not only appears unsightly, it also means that it is vulnerable to weathering.

Moisture can seep in leading to rust which negatively affects the integrity of the building and structural repairs can be very expensive. Painting cladding is an ideal way to refurbish a commercial building and there are many advantages.

Why Paint Plastisol Cladding?

• Re-coating Plastisol is much cheaper than replacing the cladding.
• Like any material that is exposed to the elements, the cladding can deteriorate, however, a new finish on the surface will protect the substrate from weathering.
• Paints designed for Plastisol cladding are waterproof and anti-corrosive, so they will prevent rusting.
• If Plastisol cladding is painted it will last up to 10 years longer than if it remains uncoated, so reducing the need for costly replacement.
• A business can carry on running as it would normally whilst Plastisol is being re-painted.
• Any colour paint can be chosen for the re-spray, so re-branding or a straightforward refurbishment is easy.
• Coatings can have UV protection, so the paint won’t fade in the sun.

The Method for Painting Plastisol Cladding:

1. First, scrape or brush off any loose or degraded coating using a stiff brush. Large areas of cladding in a bad condition may need grit blasting or soda blasting.
2. The edges of cladding may have failed and this cut edge corrosion should be repaired by professionals before the following stages are carried out.
3. The Plastisol surface needs to be washed down with a degreasing product otherwise mould, dust and any oils on the substrate will prevent the new layer of paint from staying on. A sterilisation wash could also be used if mould and algae is a particular problem.
4. Rinse off the degreasing agent and make sure the Plastisol is dry before the next stage.
5. Key the surface and feather the sound edges, so they don’t stand out from the deteriorated areas that have been abraded away.
6. Wash off any dust resulting from the sanding and allow to dry.
7. Mask any areas near the Plastisol, so they are not spoilt by an unwanted coating.
8. Apply a primer to seal in the original cladding coating and make sure it is dry before spray applying the top coats.
9. For the new coating DO NOT use regular latex, acrylic or oil based paint or chances are the colour will fade and it may crack and then flake off.
10. Coat the Plastisol with a layer designed for Plastisol coating and leave to dry for about 4 hours. There are an array of paints for Plastisol on the market. It is possible to use a high performance anti-corrosive top coat which will provide ample coverage in one layer.
11. Sometimes more than one coating of paint is necessary depending on the type used and the state of the underlying substrate. If this is the case, abrade the first layer of top coat lightly using sandpaper, so that the final layer will adhere to it properly.
12. Apply the final layer of the same top coat onto the Plastisol for a perfectly smooth finish.

The above method for painting Plastisol Cladding is a general guide. Various factors such as the size and condition of the substrate, access and even the weather will dictate the extent and type of preparation as well as the techniques used for applying the new coating.

An experienced on-site paint spraying company will be able to carry out the above to a high standard. At Vanda Coatings we have the expertise to know exactly how to paint Plastisol cladding as well as the most appropriate products to use and how best to apply them for a perfect, durable finish.