Soft Washing Plastic-Coated Steel Cladding in Stourbridge

The Situation

We were called out to a commercial property in Stourbridge that was showing its age. The building’s exterior—specifically the plastic-coated steel cladding—was heavily fouled. Years of exposure had led to significant organic growth (algae/moss) and general atmospheric grime, leaving the business looking tired and neglected.

The client had a clear vision: they wanted the building to look professional again, but they were understandably worried about damage. They knew that blasting plastic-coated cladding with high pressure is a recipe for disaster, so they insisted on a strictly “soft wash” approach.

To add a layer of complexity, the site had no external water supply. We couldn’t just turn up and plug into a tap; we had to be completely self-sufficient.

The Problem with Pressure

Cleaning this type of cladding isn’t as simple as spraying it down. Plastic-coated steel is sensitive. If you take a pressure washer to it, you risk stripping the protective layer, forcing water behind the panel seals, or leaving “tiger stripes” (uneven clean marks).

Coupled with the lack of on-site water, we needed a method that was gentle, effective, and chemically driven rather than mechanically driven.

How We Tackled It

Since we couldn’t rely on the client’s utilities, we deployed our own water bowser. This allowed us to bring a dedicated water supply to the site, meaning we could get to work immediately without disrupting the client’s operations.

We stuck to a pure soft wash system from start to finish.

1. Inspection: We started by checking the condition of the cladding to ensure there were no pre-existing loose seals or damage.
2. Treatment: We applied a specialist cleaning solution designed to lift grime and kill organic spores at the root.
3. The Dwell: We let the solution sit. This is the most important part—letting the chemistry do the heavy lifting rather than water pressure.
4. The Rinse: Once the algae and dirt were broken down, we rinsed the building using low pressure from our bowser supply, paying close attention to the details around signage and doors.

The Outcome

The transformation was immediate. The grey, green, and stained facade was brought back to a uniform, clean finish. Because we didn’t use high pressure, the plastic coating remained perfectly intact, and the “new” look was consistent across every elevation of the building.

Key wins for the client:

• Zero Disruption: Because we brought our own water, we didn’t impact their utilities or daily work.
• Asset Protection: The building looks new, but the protective coating hasn’t been compromised.
• Longevity: By killing the organic growth chemically, the clean will last much longer than a standard water spray.

It was a great example of how the right equipment—specifically a self-contained water setup—allows us to get great results even on sites with limited facilities. The client was thrilled to have the building’s professional appearance restored without any hassle.