Professional removal of rust, paint, coatings, grease and surface contamination to return metalwork to a clean
and stable condition ready for recoating, refinishing or inspection.
• Extends the life of metal by stopping corrosion and surface failure
• Prepares metal correctly for repainting, coating or further fabrication
• Removes grease and residues that prevent coatings from bonding
•Allows accurate safety and engineering inspections to be carried out
• Suitable for delicate items as well as heavy industrial metalwork
UK-Based Specialists in Metalwork Restoration
APT ICC delivers specialist metalwork restoration services across England and Wales, supporting industrial, commercial and specialist restoration projects through a controlled and assessment-led approach.
Metalwork restoration involves cleaning metal surfaces to remove rust, paint, protective coatings, grease, oils and contamination. The objective is to take the metal back to a sound condition so it can be properly inspected, assessed and, where required, repaired or recoated to extend its service life.
This service is also known as metal stripping, rust removal, paint removal, coating removal or metal cleaning. In many cases it includes degreasing, particularly where oils, cutting fluids or production residues are present. Regardless of the term used, the purpose remains the same: to clean metal safely without damaging its surface, strength or integrity.
Metalwork restoration is frequently carried out prior to safety checks, engineering inspections and non-destructive testing. Removing coatings, corrosion and contamination allows defects, cracking or fatigue to be identified accurately and ensures inspection results are reliable. This is especially important in regulated environments and critical structures.
APT ICC works with a wide range of metals including carbon steel, structural steel, stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron and non-ferrous metals. These are commonly found in steelworks, fabrication facilities, shipbuilding environments, older steel-framed buildings and vehicle restoration projects. From large structural steel sections to thin aluminium panels on classic vehicles, the method is selected to suit the metal type and its condition.
With more than 35 years’ experience, APT ICC assesses every project carefully, taking into account the metal involved, surface condition, access requirements and whether the environment is live or sensitive. Our experience includes projects for John Weaver Contractors at Singleton University, Swansea, staircase rust removal for G.E., on-site aluminium restoration for Wipac and vehicle paint removal carried out at our own facility.
Whether preparing metalwork for inspection, restoring industrial steel structures or stripping paint from a classic car before repainting, APT ICC provides metalwork restoration services focused on safety, suitability and long-term performance.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks to APT for the excellent job they carried out at Tai Bach. The project was a much needed one and now that it is completed it has really helped to improve the look of the town. We have received many good comments from the public which is always a good sign.”
Kevin Hiller - Property Surveyor, Neath & Port Talbot Council
“We employed the services of APT to renovate a Grade 2 Listed Building. Under the directive of Cadw we were not allowed to use any wet process or chemicals within the interior of the building. APT used Soda Blasting on sandstone, brick, ceramic glazed tiles, metal work, paintwork on ceilings, coving, woodwork and ornate fixtures.
It was a great achievement to have one system for all the surfaces that needed cleaning and restoring and one that also ticked all the boxes of the environmental and conservation officers. The process saved us both time & money in being able to have just one company on site. We are very grateful to APT for their hard work on this project.”
Tim Luke - Gee Construction
“I would like to thank APT-ICC for their excellent work and assistance on the Barclays Bank project. They delivered the scheme and additional works on time and without issue thanks to Andrew and his team for all your extra effort, long hours and commitment. I look forward to using them on future renovations.”
Graham Lowe - Project Manager, Overbury Plc
“We have been receiving an overwhelming number of positive comments about the war memorial cleaning. Yesterday, during the small ceremony at the Penrallt column on the 1st World War anniversary, many expressed their appreciation for how splendid the memorial looks after the cleaning. We anticipate sharing photos on the internet page later this week. Additionally, we have shared your details with another person who serves as the clerk to two other local councils. Thank you once again for the exceptional work.”
Janice Davies - Gwynedd Council
Metalwork restoration involves removing rust, paint, coatings, grease, and surface contamination from metal. The aim is to return the metal to a clean, stable condition so it can be inspected, repaired, or recoated properly. Methods are chosen to suit the metal type and condition.
Old paint, corrosion, and grease can stop new coatings from bonding correctly. Restoration removes these layers so repainting or recoating lasts longer. Proper preparation helps prevent early failure.
Common metals include carbon steel, structural steel, stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, and other non-ferrous metals. These can range from heavy industrial steelwork to delicate panels. Each metal is assessed individually.
Yes, when carried out correctly. Gentle, controlled methods are used for thin or sensitive metal to avoid distortion or damage. More robust techniques are reserved for heavier structures.
In many cases, yes. Work is planned to manage safety, access, and contamination on operational sites. The approach depends on the environment and the metal being treated.
Small-scale cleaning may be possible internally. However, larger items, structural steel, or inspection-critical components usually require specialist equipment and experience. Incorrect methods can weaken or damage the metal.
Coatings and corrosion can hide cracks, fatigue, or defects. Restoring the metal allows accurate inspections and testing to take place. This is especially important for safety-critical structures.
APT ICC delivers metalwork restoration services across England and Wales. We work in industrial, commercial, and specialist environments and can also advise on suitable chemicals and preparation methods where full restoration is not required.
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