Shop Front & Interior Redecoration – 5 High Street, Edinburgh
This project at 5 High Street showcases our expertise in commercial decorating, combining external shop front restoration with internal redecoration to create a cohesive, refreshed commercial space.
Project Overview
Located on the iconic Royal Mile in Edinburgh, this project involved the full internal and external redecoration of a busy retail unit at 5 High Street. We were appointed to refresh the appearance of the shop, enhancing both the customer-facing exterior and the internal retail space, while carefully working within a high-footfall, historic environment.
The objective was to introduce new colours, highlight architectural features, and deliver a high-quality finish that reflects the character of the building and its surroundings.
Scope of Work
This was a complete commercial decorating project, including:
- External shop front redecoration
- Internal shop floor repainting
- Basement area decoration
- Feature detailing to highlight ceiling elements
- Preparation and finishing of all surfaces
The works required a balance of modern finishes and traditional techniques, particularly due to the age and condition of the building materials.
Project Details
- Location: 5 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
- Project Type: Commercial retail redecoration (interior & exterior)
- Duration: 3 days per area (interior and exterior phases)
- Team: Greig
Subcontractors: None
Materials & Finishes
We used high-performance coatings from PPG, selected for both durability and finish quality in a demanding retail environment.
Key materials included:
- Aqua Guard Satin (Exterior): Durable, weather-resistant finish for external surfaces
- Ardbrite Gold Finish: Applied to highlight key features and add a premium aesthetic
Special attention was given to surface preparation, ensuring all finishes adhered correctly and performed over time.
Specialist Work & Craftsmanship
A key aspect of this project was working with historic stonework, some of which is hundreds of years old.
This required:
- Careful repair and preparation of aged surfaces
- Use of appropriate coatings to protect and enhance the material
- Skilled application techniques to maintain the building’s character
The result demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and material understanding, particularly when working within heritage-sensitive environments like the Royal Mile.
Challenges & Approach
Working on the Royal Mile presented several challenges:
- High pedestrian traffic requiring careful planning and timing
- Maintaining a clean, professional working area in a busy public space
- Working with aged and delicate materials
Our approach ensured:
- Efficient scheduling to minimise disruption
- Safe and controlled working practices
- Consistent quality across both internal and external areas
Results
The completed project delivered a visually refreshed retail space, both inside and out, with:
- A clean, professional shop front that stands out on the Royal Mile
- Enhanced interior with carefully selected colours and feature detailing
- Durable finishes suited to a high-traffic commercial environment
- Restored and protected historic surfaces
Looking for Commercial Painters?
If you need a contractor for:
- Office redecoration
- End-of-tenancy restoration
- Large-scale commercial painting
- Spray finishes and specialist coatings
