The facade cladding of the Topsporthal in Almere, a prominent sports facility used daily by hundreds of athletes, visitors and employees, had been seriously affected by corrosion over the years. The metal facade panels showed clear signs of rust formation, discolouration and peeling paint. This damage was mainly caused by prolonged exposure to weather influences, air pollution, condensation and temperature fluctuations, common factors for metal facades without recent protective treatment.
Corrosion is a slow but progressive process that, if not addressed in time, can lead to structural weakening of metal components. It not only affects the protective finish, but can also penetrate deep into the material, resulting in high repair costs or even replacement. In this case, it was necessary to intervene before further degradation occurred.
Purpose of the renovation
The project had several objectives:
- Stopping and removing existing corrosion to prevent further damage
- Restoring the protective layer with a high-quality primer and coating combination
- Improving the visual appearance of the facade, in keeping with the professional and public function of the building
- Reducing maintenance pressure and costs in the long term
- Sustainable and circular management of existing material, without complete replacement
Pretreatment and corrosion approach
The work started with a thorough pretreatment of the plating. All visible and underlying corrosion was mechanically removed using sanding and blasting techniques. Where necessary, anti-corrosion cleaning agents and brushes were also used to effectively remove oxidation present in pores and seams.
The aim of this step was to completely remove rust, loose paint parts and other contaminants from the surface, so that the substrate was clean, stable and suitable for the adhesion of the new layers.
Construction of the new paint system
After the pre-treatment, a high-quality primer layer was applied. This primer is specially designed for use on metal substrates and contains active corrosion inhibitors that form a protective barrier against moisture and oxygen – the two main causes of corrosion formation.
The primer layer was then finished with 2C Colour Coat in the colour RAL 9005 (jet black). This product is a two-component coating with high opacity, excellent UV resistance and chemical resistance. The semi-gloss finish provides a modern, sleek look that suits the function of the building.
Due to the strength of the coating, only one top coat is required for full coverage, making the project faster and more efficient.
Advantages of this approach
- Durable corrosion protection: The combination of primer and 2C Colour Coat protects against rust formation for years.
- Fast processing: Due to the single-coat finish with high opacity, the project was completed faster than with traditional paint systems.
- Cost efficiency: Less labor time, no disassembly, and no new plating required – lower costs and less inconvenience.
- Improved aesthetics: The facade has a uniform, deep black color that gives a professional and neat impression.
- Easy to maintain: The new finish is dirt and water-repellent, which limits periodic maintenance to simple cleaning.
- Environmentally conscious: By reusing existing plating and minimizing waste, this approach is in line with circular principles.
Importance of appearance in sports accommodations
As a publicly accessible building that is regularly used for (inter)national sporting events, training, school programs and recreation, the appearance of the Topsporthal plays an important role. A well-maintained facade not only reflects professionalism, but also contributes to the safety, social experience and trust of visitors.
For municipalities and managers, this also means that the building retains its value and remains attractive for long-term use, rental and external events.
Result and long-term impact
After completion of the project, the facade of the Topsporthal will look as good as new. The sleek, black finish in RAL 9005 gives the building a powerful, contemporary look that matches the dynamics of top-level sports. At the same time, the facade is technically prepared for years of protection against the elements, without recurring problems with corrosion.
This approach shows that outdated plating does not necessarily have to be replaced. With the right preparation and choice of materials, existing facades can be upgraded in a sustainable, cost-conscious and aesthetic way.
