Since the 1990s, many Dutch school communities have replaced their outdated wooden window frames with powder-coated aluminium. This transition was made at the time due to the need for a long lifespan, less maintenance and a modern look. Aluminium window frames proved to be strong, durable and resistant to weather influences. Moreover, they required little maintenance in the early years.
However, it turns out that even powder-coated aluminium is sensitive to discolouration, loss of gloss and weathering over time, especially under the influence of UV radiation, air pollution and moisture. After an average of 10 to 15 years, many facade window frames show a grey, weathered appearance. For many schools, this led to a visually outdated building, while the structural quality of the window frames was still excellent.
Instead of complete replacement, a sustainable, cost-conscious renovation solution was chosen: the application of 2C Perma Coat Gloss, a colour-restoring and protective coating that breathes new life into existing window frames - without inconvenience, without demolition and with long-lasting results.
Purpose of the renovation
The application of 2C Perma Coat Gloss was aimed at:
- Improving the aesthetics of the school facades with minimal intervention
- Visually restoring weathered powder coating to its original color and gloss
- Providing long-term protection against UV aging, contamination and weather influences
- Extending maintenance intervals and reducing cleaning time
- Saving on major renovations or replacement projects
- Refreshing the learning environment and making the building attractive again
Approach and technique
Cleaning and preparation
The existing frames were first intensively cleaned with the product Cleaner, which was specially developed to:
- Remove chalk formation (powdered coating)
- Neutralise greasy deposits, dust, air pollution and algae
- Optimise the adhesion of the new coating layer
Coating with 2C Perma Coat Gloss
After cleaning, 2C Perma Coat Gloss was applied in one step – a transparent, high-gloss, wear-resistant coating with:
- A layer thickness of approximately 15–20 microns
- Colour-restoring capacity, which refreshes the original powder coating
- Dirt and water-repellent properties, which prevents adhesion of new pollution
- UV resistance, which significantly slows down discolouration
- Fast processing time, ideal for large buildings without long-term downtime
Aesthetics and student experience
Although the building was functional, the dull appearance of the frames gave it an outdated look. For students, parents and staff, the first contact with a building is visual: a fresh, well-maintained façade contributes to a positive experience of the school. Older, grey frames wrongly give the impression of overdue maintenance or deteriorated quality.
By colour-restoring the window frames:
- The streetscape is enhanced
- The facade is brought back into line with the colour scheme of the building
- Visitors and users experience a more modern, professional appearance
- A visible investment is made in a clean, safe learning environment
Long-term benefits for school management
In addition to aesthetics, this method also offers structural benefits:
- No demolition or replacement required
- Fast implementation – ideal during holidays or weekends
- Lower maintenance costs in the medium term
- Less cleaning due to dirt-repellent effect
- Repeatable without intensive preparation – ideal for periodic maintenance
- In
the event of damage, local repair is possible without colour difference
Sustainable choice
By opting for conservation instead of replacement, schools are making a sustainable choice:
- No material waste
- No additional CO₂ emissions from new production
- Maximum use of existing construction
- Sustainable maintenance without harmful solvents
- Circular management of building components
