Structural steel and timber elements with intact, well-adhered coatings do not always require abrasive removal. Where there is no corrosion, mill scale or coating failure, targeted cleaning and degreasing restores surface cleanliness efficiently without the cost, disruption or programme impact of blasting or mechanical removal.

This approach is commonly used prior to primer application on refurbishment projects, maintenance works or phased fire-protection upgrades.

Cleaning alone is not suitable where existing coatings are failing, powdering or chalked. Weak or degraded paint layers cannot support new fire-protection systems and must be removed back to a sound substrate using abrasion or blasting before cleaning and primer application.

All intumescent coating and primer manufacturers specify minimum cleanliness requirements prior to application. These requirements are mandatory for warranty validity, fire-rating certification and compliance with BS 476 and EN 13381 testing protocols.