Apex technical guide
Can an industrial roller shutter be sprayed instead of replaced?
When shutter refurbishment is practical, what preparation involves and which defects need repair first.
Published by Apex Specialist Spray Coatings LTD · Updated 2026-09-23 · Our experience and preparation standards
Check that the shutter works properly
A coating can refresh a sound shutter but cannot correct damaged laths, unreliable operation, faulty guides or a failed motor. Mechanical defects and significant corrosion should be assessed and repaired before a cosmetic refurbishment is specified.
Preparation makes the finish last
Existing paint, dirt, grease and exposed edges have to be assessed. Depending on condition, work can include cleaning and degreasing, sanding, removal of loose coatings, feathering damaged edges, local corrosion treatment and compatible priming before the specified finish is applied.
- Inspect laths, guides, frames and fixings
- Remove poorly bonded coatings rather than covering them
- Protect the surrounding building and working area
- Check the selected system and cure before returning the shutter to service
Plan around daily access
Shutters are often essential to deliveries and security. The agreed programme needs time for preparation, masking, application and curing, with an access and closing plan for each opening. A quotation should identify how many shutters are involved and whether any require separate repairs.
Apex's Leeds shutter project
Apex refurbished nine roller shutters in Leeds. The work included sanding, feathering damaged coatings, stripping failed areas where necessary and thorough cleaning before the shutters were professionally spray finished in RAL 9005 Jet Black. Photographs and the full preparation sequence are in the dedicated case study.
