As commercial buildings age and sustainability becomes a bigger priority, property managers are facing pressure to reduce maintenance costs, cut energy use and keep buildings looking sharp — all without breaking the bank. That’s where modern coatings come in.
Spray-applied coatings have come a long way in recent years. It’s no longer just about making tired cladding look new again (although that’s still a huge part of it). Today’s systems offer real performance benefits, especially when chosen carefully for the building, environment and substrate.
At Commercial Coating Solutions, we’re seeing a growing interest in what we call smart and sustainable coatings. These are systems designed not just for aesthetics, but for energy efficiency, durability, and long-term value. Here’s what’s worth knowing if you manage or maintain commercial property.
What counts as a “smart” or sustainable coating?
We’re talking about spray coatings that do more than just cover a surface. That includes:
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Low-VOC systems – Better for the environment and safer to apply, especially during working hours or in sensitive locations.
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Insulating roof or cladding coatings – Help reduce heat loss or solar gain, depending on the season.
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Self-cleaning or dirt-resistant finishes – Less build-up, less cleaning, longer time between maintenance cycles.
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Rust-inhibiting and anti-corrosion systems – Particularly important for cut-edge corrosion or older industrial units.
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Full manufacturer-backed systems – Where primer, topcoat and any prep products are all part of the same range, often with extended warranties of up to 30 years.
Why it matters for building owners and managers
Using the right coating system can reduce running costs, prolong the life of cladding, avoid disruptive replacement work, and support sustainability targets particularly for companies reporting on Scope 3 emissions or ESG goals.
For example, we’ve completed projects where the switch to a light-reflective topcoat reduced internal summer temperatures by a few degrees enough to ease pressure on air conditioning systems.
Real-world applications
On recent self-storage sites, we’ve used low-VOC, water-based coatings that were applied while the buildings were still open to the public with no complaints and no odour issues.
We’ve also helped industrial clients avoid costly cladding replacement by treating corroded roof sheets with rust-stabilising primers and applying a full spray-applied roof coating system that came with a 30-year warranty.
What to consider if you’re planning a project
Not all coatings are created equal. It’s important to get a proper site survey and specification in place. Some key questions to ask:
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Is the existing surface stable, or is there rust or chalking to deal with?
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Are tenants on-site during the work? (If so, low-odour systems are essential.)
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Are you looking for a fast fix, or a longer-term solution with warranty cover?
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What is your maintenance strategy for the next 10+ years?
Our approach at CCS
We always start with a site visit and a full condition report. From there, we’ll recommend a system based on your building type, usage, and future plans. All our spray coatings are applied by trained operatives, and we work with trusted suppliers who offer full system warranties, not just a topcoat in a tin.
Whether it’s a retail park, warehouse, school or office block, we can help you find a solution that adds real value and cuts future costs.
Need help choosing the right coating system?
Get in touch with the team at Commercial Coating Solutions for a no-obligation site survey.
