Surface Preparation at Height via Rope Access.

Think Access carries out all forms of surface preparation for painting and coating at height using IRATA rope access. Correct preparation is the single most important factor in coating performance, and our teams deliver it to the specified standard on any structure.

Scope at a glance

Preparation methods

Hand & power tool cleaning · High-pressure washing · UHP water jetting · Abrasive blasting · Sa & St grade compliance

Steelwork preparation

Weld & burn area cleaning · Mill scale removal · Failed coating removal · Corrosion removal · Edge feathering

Concrete & masonry

Grinding & scarifying · Shot blasting · Chemical etching · Crack repair · Spalling repair · Substrate levelling

What we do

Surface preparation method selection

Surface preparation methods include hand tool cleaning, power tool cleaning, high-pressure water washing, ultra-high pressure water jetting and mechanical abrasive blasting, selected according to the substrate, the existing coating condition, the specified cleanliness grade and the environmental constraints of the location. The correct method is agreed with the coating engineer or specification before works begin.

Steelwork preparation

For new steelwork, we clean welds and burned areas, remove mill scale in accordance with the specification, and bring the surface to the required Sa or St grade before priming. For maintenance work, we remove failed coating and corrosion to the required cleanliness grade, feathering edges and preparing the surface for the agreed repair strategy.

Concrete & masonry preparation

Concrete and masonry preparation includes grinding, scarifying, shot blasting and chemical etching to achieve the correct surface profile for bonding of repair mortars, coatings or adhesives. We also carry out crack repair, spalling concrete repair and substrate levelling works prior to coating or waterproofing application, ensuring the substrate is sound and correctly profiled throughout.

Quality verification & records

Prepared surfaces are inspected and recorded before any coating or treatment is applied. Cleanliness grade, surface profile and ambient conditions are documented at the time of preparation, providing the quality record required to support the coating system warranty and demonstrate that the substrate was correctly prepared throughout.

Why Think Access

No coating will perform to specification on a poorly prepared surface. Think Access treats preparation as the foundation of every coating project, applying the same rigor to preparation standards as to the coating application itself.

F.A.Q’s

Yes. Grinding and weld cleaning are carried out under appropriate permits with correct PPE and fire watch arrangements. We hold hot work permits as part of standard practice.

We carry out vacuum-blast and open-blast grit blasting at height where specified. Environmental containment and blast media recovery are managed appropriately for the site and its surroundings.