Ikea Ltd - IKEA Nottingham

Whilst undergoing a major extension & transformation Johns of Nottingham were asked to renovate the existing cladding and restore the Ikea striking blue colour, thus saving the cost and logistical issues in replacing.

The project needed to achieve a BREEAM rating of very good to outstanding. Various products were suggested along with samples being submitted to Ikea’s technical department in Sweden.

PPG were asked to specify a water-based product that would meet the criteria, so a site meeting was arranged with the PPG representative (Ashley Wilson), Client and Johns. After several meetings and further site visits to agree the required sheen levels, the proposed system was AquaCover 80 Primer and AquaCover 45 topcoat.

Once the specification had been agreed a Contracts Manager was appointed to oversee the project and ensure all works were carried out to the required standard. Most of the works were undertaken using mechanical access and whilst the store remained open to the public so ensuring the works were planned, monitored and carried out safely was paramount. Each morning before works started a meeting was held to plan and agreed the working areas and any identify potential risks. All operatives on site held trade specific CSCS cards with the sprayer having over 30 years’ experience.

Prior to the cladding being coated it was degreased and power wash rinsed with fresh water. All three coats were airless spray applied using an ultra-fine tip with care being taken to the preparation of the surface and masking of surrounding areas. Between each coat the substrate was inspected, wet film thickness tested and then signed off as acceptable to proceed with subsequent coats.

The result is a bold uniform finish in the iconic Ikea Blue without the issues associated with re-cladding.

The project was very demanding due to the colour matching, production specification, planning and time of year undertaken but collaborative working from all involved resulted in the successful completion to the expected high standard.