Case Study
THE WATER SHED
BRISTOL
Large tounge and groove door refurbishment
Specialist surface preparation, timber repairs
and commercial protective coating works
carried out within a live public environment.
TIMBER REPAIRS
SAFE WORKING PRACTICES
MINIMUL DISRUPTION TO PUBLIC
HIGH PERFOMANCE SYSTEM
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Watershed Bristol – Timber Doors, Louver Screens & Structural Steel Refurbishment
Project Overview
SH Decorating Services were appointed to carry out specialist preparation and refurbishment works to several large timber entrance doors, timber louver screens, structural steel RSJ sections, and associated metalwork at Watershed.
The project required extensive preparation, timber repairs, corrosion treatment, and the application of high-performance coating systems within a busy city centre environment with constant pedestrian movement.
Works were carefully phased and managed to minimise disruption to the public, neighbouring businesses, and building occupants while maintaining strict safety and quality control procedures throughout the duration of the project.
Scope Of Works
The project involved the refurbishment and protection of:
Large timber entrance doors, timber louver screen panels and structural steel RSJ sections.
Due to the age and exposure of the existing substrates, both the timber and steel elements had suffered from coating failure, weathering, corrosion, localised deterioration and rot.
Large Timber Doors & Louvres
Full preparation, and timber repairs including weather shield coating protection ,within live public access environment
Structural Steel RSJ sections
Full Preparation, industrial coating protection works, corrosion protection systems within a live public access environment.
Planning & Safety Management
Prior to commencement of works, detailed planning and safety procedures were implemented to ensure all activities could be carried out safely within a live public environment.
Operatives wore full task-specific PPE throughout the duration of the works and strict housekeeping procedures were maintained at all times to ensure safe working areas and minimise hazards.
Pre-Start Planning Included
- Site inspections and condition surveys
- Preparation of detailed Method Statements and Risk Assessments
- Public protection and pedestrian management planning
- Access and working-at-height assessments
- Scheduling works around public access requirements
- Establishment of controlled working zones
PPE Requirements
- Safety helmets
- High-visibility clothing
- Eye protection
- Respiratory protection
- Protective gloves
- Hearing protection during mechanical preparation
- Safety footwear
Safety Measures Implemented
Mobile Towers Access
Mobile access towers were utilised throughout the project to safely access elevated timber and steelwork sections. All towers were erected, inspected, and used in accordance with current working-at-height regulations and manufacturer guidance.
Traffic & Pedestrian Control
As works were undertaken within a busy pedestrian area in Bristol city centre, strict segregation procedures were implemented. Installation of Heras fencing systems Clearly displayed “Danger – Keep Out” signage Controlled exclusion zones Ongoing monitoring of pedestrian routes. These measures ensured the safety of members of the public while preparation and coating operations were being carried out.
Metalwork Preparation & Coating System
Surface Preparation
Existing steel RSJ sections and associated metalwork required extensive preparation due to areas of corrosion and coating failure.
Preparation works involved a combination of:
Mechanical preparation methods
Electric sanders
Wire brushing
Abrasive paper hand preparation
All loose and flaking coatings, rust contamination, and unstable substrates were thoroughly removed to achieve a sound surface suitable before cleaning and treatment.
Cleaning & Degreasing
Once preparation was complete, all steel surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and degreased using Rust-Oleum Mathys ND14 Cleaner Degreaser This process ensured the removal of contaminants, oils, and residues Prior to primer application.
Rust Treatment & Priming
Corroded areas were treated using Owatrol Oil Multi-Purpose Rust Inhibitor
Following curing of the rust inhibitor, prepared areas were spot primed with Dulux Zinc Phosphate Primer
This provided additional corrosion resistance and ensured strong adhesion for subsequent coatings.
Protective Coating System
Once priming works had cured, all specified metalwork received: Two full coats of Dulux Metalshield GlossThe selected coating system provided Long-term protection against corrosion Improved durability Enhanced weather resistance A hard-wearing gloss finish in accordance with the client’s specification.
Timber Doors & Louver Screen Refurbishment
Timber Preparation
Large timber doors and louver screen sections required extensive preparation due to deteriorated coatings and areas of timber decay.
Preparation works included:
Mechanical sanding
Hand sanding
Removal of all loose and flaking paint
Removal of rotten and defective timber sections
Once preparation had been completed, all timber surfaces were cleaned and degreased using a ready-mixed sugar soap solution before being thoroughly rinsed.
Timber REPAIRS
Damaged timber sections were repaired by:
Splicing in new timber sections and the application of specialist Repair Care repair systems.
This ensured structural integrity and restored the original profile of the timber elements prior to decoration.
Surface Filling, Priming & Coating System
Prepared timber surfaces received: One coat of Dulux Weathershield Wood Primer Filling of imperfections using a two-pack wood filler system Sanding to achieve a smooth and uniform finish Two coats of solvent-based Dulux Weathershield Undercoat One finishing coat of solvent-based Dulux Weathershield Gloss All finishes were completed to match the client’s specified colour scheme and appearance requirements.
Project Outcome
The completed refurbishment works successfully restored and protected the timber and steel elements of the building while significantly improving overall appearance, durability, and weather resistance. Key project outcomes included: Restoration of deteriorated timber features Long-term corrosion protection to structural steelwork Improved external appearance. High-quality durable finishes in line with client specifications.
The project was completed safely, efficiently, and to a high decorative standard while maintaining strict compliance with site safety and public protection requirements throughout.
