Laser Clean NI was commissioned to carry out the refurbishment of approximately 40 metres of external balcony steelwork as part of a wider restoration project at a residential development.
Years of exposure had resulted in deterioration of the existing protective coating, with areas of coating failure and corrosion developing along sections of the structure.
Rather than simply applying a new coating over the existing surface, the project required a systematic refurbishment process to remove contamination and failed material, address corrosion, correctly prepare the underlying steel and apply a new protective coating system.
The objective was clear: restore, protect and extend the service life of the existing steelwork rather than replace it.
The existing protective coating had deteriorated significantly along sections of the balcony steelwork, allowing corrosion to develop around exposed areas, edges and interfaces.
With approximately 40 metres of steelwork requiring treatment, simply overcoating the existing structure would not provide the foundation for a durable refurbishment. Deteriorated coatings and corrosion products had to be removed, affected areas properly prepared and the underlying steel made ready for the new protective coating system.
The challenge was therefore not simply to improve the appearance of the balcony. It was to address the underlying deterioration and establish a properly prepared substrate capable of supporting the next stage of the structure’s service life.
Successful steel refurbishment depends on much more than the final coat of paint.
The project was completed through a controlled, multi-stage process, with different preparation methods selected according to the condition and requirements of individual areas of the structure.
The refurbishment began with degreasing and pressure washing to remove surface contamination, dirt and loose material from the existing steelwork.
This initial cleaning stage provided a clearer view of the underlying condition and established a cleaner surface for the more detailed preparation work that followed.
Following initial cleaning, failed coatings, loose corrosion products and scale were progressively removed from affected areas.
Mechanical preparation and manual descaling allowed deteriorated material to be removed and the underlying steel exposed for further assessment.
Particular attention was given to areas of visible coating failure, edges, connections and locations where corrosion had developed beneath or around the existing coating system.
Laser cleaning technology was then used for controlled surface preparation of selected areas of the steelwork where precision was particularly valuable.
The laser allowed corrosion, residual coating and contamination to be targeted around edges, connections and detailed areas without introducing abrasive blasting media into the surrounding property.
Laser parameters could be adjusted according to the condition of the substrate and the material being removed, providing a controlled method of preparing difficult or localised areas as part of the wider refurbishment programme.
The project demonstrates an important part of our approach to industrial and commercial refurbishment: the technology is selected to suit the asset and the condition of the surface, rather than relying on one preparation method for every application.
Following completion of the surface preparation, the steelwork was inspected before application of the specified protective coating system.
A zinc epoxy/intumescent primer system was applied to the prepared steelwork, providing the foundation for the subsequent protective coating build-up.
Correct preparation at this stage is critical. Even a high-performance coating system can only perform effectively when it is applied to a suitably prepared substrate.
The refurbishment was completed with the application of a polyurethane topcoat, providing the required finished appearance together with additional protection for the underlying coating system and steelwork.
Careful application and attention to edges, connections and detailed areas helped achieve a consistent protective finish across the full balcony structure.
The completed refurbishment transformed both the condition and appearance of approximately 40 metres of existing balcony steelwork.
Failed coatings and corrosion were systematically addressed, the underlying steel was prepared, and a new protective coating system was applied to provide ongoing protection against the external environment.
Most importantly, the existing structure was retained and refurbished rather than unnecessarily replaced — supporting the wider objective of extending the service life of an existing commercial asset.
The finished project demonstrates what can be achieved when surface preparation, corrosion treatment and protective coatings are considered as one complete refurbishment process.
Successful steel refurbishment isn’t achieved by simply applying another coat of paint over an ageing structure.
Long-term coating performance depends on a combination of thorough assessment, removal of contamination and failed coatings, effective corrosion treatment, correct surface preparation, appropriate coating selection and careful application.
By addressing the underlying deterioration rather than simply covering it, the objective is to restore the existing asset, provide ongoing protection and extend its useful service life.
This approach can provide an alternative to premature replacement where the underlying structure remains suitable for refurbishment.
The principles demonstrated on this project can be applied across a wide range of existing commercial and industrial steel assets.
Laser Clean NI can assess refurbishment requirements for suitable:
Our approach combines appropriate surface preparation techniques with protective coating systems to help restore, protect and extend the service life of existing assets.
The steelwork refurbishment formed part of a wider restoration programme that also included specialist restoration of the development’s stainless-steel balcony components.
This included the controlled restoration of approximately 40 metres of stainless-steel balustrades and architectural components to achieve a clean and consistent finished appearance across the development.
Laser Clean NI provides specialist commercial and industrial steel refurbishment throughout Northern Ireland, combining controlled surface preparation, corrosion treatment and protective coating systems to help extend the service life of existing assets.
From localised coating failure through to larger refurbishment projects, we can assess the existing condition of the asset and recommend an appropriate preparation and protective coating approach.
Whether the requirement involves commercial steelwork, structural steel, production equipment or another industrial asset, the objective remains the same: