Alba Trees, Gladsmuir - Exterior Redecoration
Complete Transformation of a Commercial Property
Thistle Decorators was appointed to carry out a comprehensive exterior redecoration of Alba Trees’ commercial premises, transforming the appearance of the building through a complete change of colour and the application of specialist exterior coating systems.
The project involved the redecoration of profiled sheet-metal cladding, masonry, exterior joinery and associated metalwork. Years of exposure and general wear and tear had left the exterior looking tired, and the client wanted to move away from the existing dark green cladding and natural-coloured masonry.
The result was a dramatic colour transformation, with the exterior brought together in a distinctive blue-purple colour scheme, complemented by contrasting window and entrance joinery and Alba Trees’ new signage.
Project Overview
- Client: Alba Trees
- Project type: Commercial exterior redecoration
- Decorating contractor: Thistle Decorators
- Works: Metal cladding, masonry, exterior joinery and metalwork
- Application methods: Spray and traditional Finishing
- Key products: Johnstone’s Steel & Cladding, Johnstone’s Zinc Phosphate Primer, Tetrion Powerfil and Stormshield Flexible Undercoat and Satin
Materials & Professional Finishes
Selecting suitable products for each substrate was an important part of the project. The building incorporated several different materials, each requiring an appropriate preparation and coating system.
Key materials included:
- Johnstone’s Steel & Cladding: Used as part of the coating system for the profiled metal cladding.
- Johnstone’s Zinc Phosphate Primer: Used where appropriate to prime exposed metal before subsequent coatings.
- Tetrion Powerfil: Used for suitable repairs and surface defects before finishing.
- Stormshield Flexible Undercoat and Satin: Used for the specified exterior joinery finish.
Careful preparation provided the foundation for the new coatings, helping achieve a consistent appearance across the different elevations and exterior details.
Specialist Work & Craftsmanship
A key aspect of this project was transforming a building with several different exterior materials while maintaining a consistent overall appearance.
The upper elevations featured profiled sheet-metal cladding, while the remaining areas incorporated masonry, windows, entrance joinery and associated metalwork. These surfaces could not all be treated in the same way, making the selection of suitable preparation methods and coating systems essential.
Our approach involved:
- Preparing the different substrates before decoration
- Carrying out suitable repairs to surface defects
- Using appropriate primers and coatings for the relevant materials
- Applying a spray finish across the profiled metal cladding
- Finishing the joinery and other details to complement the new colour scheme
The result demonstrates the importance of combining material knowledge, careful preparation and appropriate application techniques when redecorating a mixed-material commercial exterior.
Spray Finishing & Cladding Transformation
The profiled sheet-metal cladding was one of the most prominent elements of the building and a major focus of the redecoration.
Previously finished in dark green, the cladding was transformed using a new blue-purple colour scheme. Spray application was used across the large elevations, allowing the coating to follow the contours of the profiled sheets and achieve a consistent finish.
The scale of the cladding and the extent of the colour change made the application method particularly important. A carefully prepared surface and suitable coating system helped create the sharp, uniform appearance required across the building.
By redecorating the existing cladding rather than replacing it, the project delivered a significant visual transformation while retaining the existing façade.
Structured Programme for Efficient Delivery
The project required a coordinated approach to preparing and decorating the different exterior surfaces.
Our work focused on ensuring that each material received the appropriate treatment before the new finishes were applied.
- Surface preparation: Existing surfaces were prepared, with suitable repairs undertaken where necessary.
- Cladding redecoration: The profiled metal elevations were treated using the specified coating system and spray application.
- Masonry and repairs: Masonry surfaces and defects were addressed as part of the wider redecoration programme.
- Joinery and metalwork: Exterior details were prepared and finished using the appropriate systems.
- Final finishing: The different elements were brought together through the new colour scheme and contrasting details.
This coordinated approach helped achieve a consistent result across the building despite the variation in materials and application methods.
BEFORE
AFTER
Challenges & Approach
The main challenge was achieving a substantial colour transformation across several different exterior substrates.
The original building combined dark green metal cladding with predominantly natural-coloured masonry, alongside windows, entrance joinery and other metalwork. Each material presented different preparation and finishing requirements.
The project therefore required:
- Suitable preparation for each substrate
- Appropriate treatment of exposed metal where required
- Careful selection of coating systems
- Consistent spray application across the profiled cladding
- Coordination of the new colours across the building elevations
Our approach balanced the technical requirements of exterior redecoration with the client’s aim of creating a more distinctive commercial premises.
Results & Client Outcome
The completed project delivered a dramatic transformation of Alba Trees’ commercial premises.
The former dark green cladding and light-coloured masonry were replaced by a bold blue-purple exterior, with contrasting turquoise window and entrance details creating additional definition. The Alba Trees signage stands out against the refreshed building, reinforcing its visual identity.
The completed works provided:
- A significantly refreshed commercial exterior
- A consistent new colour scheme across different building materials
- A professionally spray-finished metal cladding façade
- Repaired and redecorated exterior surfaces
- Contrasting joinery details that complement the overall design
- An updated appearance without replacing the existing cladding
The project demonstrates Thistle Decorators’ ability to deliver commercial exterior transformations involving specialist coatings, spray finishing and multiple substrates.
Why Choose Us for Commercial Decorating?
Thistle Decorators provides professional painting and decorating services for commercial properties throughout Edinburgh and across Scotland.
Our experience covers a range of projects, from commercial exterior redecoration to specialist painting and protective coating applications.
Our services include:
- Commercial decorating: Painting and decorating for commercial premises and business properties.
- Industrial and specialist painting: Specialist painting and coating solutions for a range of surfaces and environments.
- Exterior painting and decorating: Exterior redecoration to refresh and protect suitable building surfaces.
- Anti-graffiti coating: Protective coating solutions for suitable surfaces.
- Wood painters: Professional painting and finishing for interior and exterior woodwork.
Whether you are looking to refresh a commercial building, redecorate existing cladding or improve the appearance of an exterior façade, our team can advise on the appropriate approach for your project.
Project Gallery
View the before-and-after photographs of the Alba Trees project to see the transformation of the cladding, masonry and exterior details.
