Project Summary

Client	Cammell Laird
Project	RRS Sir David Attenborough
Sector	Marine / Shipbuilding
Product Used	Protectapeel Anti Rust
Application	Temporary protection of steel surfaces against rust and corrosion
Programme Milestone	Sea trials commenced on 21 October 2020

Key Figures

• 24 months — Maximum protection duration
• 1,440 hours — Salt spray testing performance
• C5 High — Corrosion resistance rating
• 21 Oct 2020 — Sea trials commencement

Project Overview

Spraylat International supported the construction of the RRS Sir David Attenborough at Cammell Laird by supplying Protectapeel Anti Rust, a peelable temporary coating developed to protect steel surfaces throughout demanding build and pre-delivery stages. Used on one of the UK’s most advanced polar research vessels, the product helped safeguard critical metal surfaces from environmental exposure and site-related damage while supporting efficient application and removal within a complex shipbuilding programme.

The Challenge

During the construction and completion of a major marine vessel, exposed steel surfaces can be vulnerable to flash rusting, corrosion, abrasion, scratching, weld spatter and harsh weather conditions. In a busy shipyard environment, shaped and curved steel sections also require a protection system that can be applied consistently and removed cleanly without adding unnecessary labour, solvents or secondary surface preparation before painting.

The Solution

Protectapeel Anti Rust was selected as a practical, high-performance temporary protection coating for steel components on the RRS Sir David Attenborough project. Applied by airless spray gun, the coating delivered even coverage across complex vessel surfaces while forming a durable protective barrier against corrosion and physical damage. Its peelable formulation enabled fast, residue-free removal when protection was no longer required, helping Cammell Laird maintain efficiency while protecting asset quality through key construction and trial milestones.

Technical Information

Product	Protectapeel Anti Rust
Suitable Surface	Steel only; not suitable for acrylic surfaces
Application Method	Liquid applied by airless spray gun
Protection Duration	Up to 24 months with no loss of adhesion
Removal Method	Peelable, residue-free removal
Corrosion Performance	C5 High rating after 1,440 hours of salt spray testing

Key Benefits

• Fast, consistent application using airless spray equipment
• Well suited to shaped and curved steel surfaces
• Protects against flash rusting, salt water, weathering and abrasion
• Peels away cleanly without solvent use or residue
• Can reduce labour time by removing the need for shot blasting and pre-paint surface preparation

Product Used

Anti Rust

Protectapeel Anti Rust is a peelable coating designed to protect steel from damage caused by; flash rusting, weld spatter, salt water, corrosion, weathering, abrasion and scratching. This coating CANNOT be used on acrylic surfaces

Liquid applied by airless spray gun for consistent coverage, Ideal for shaped and curved surfaces, Easy to remove by peeling, leaving the surface residue-free, Up to 24 months of protection with no loss of adhesion ensuring consistent performance, Labour-efficient application and removal, eliminates the need for any solvents, eliminates the need for shot blasting, prevents the need to prepare surfaces prior to painting

 

Very easy to apply with airless spray machine. It has a good glossy finish as well as good adherence and we have found that it peels off easy.

Andy Blakeborough, Ship Manager, Cammell Laird

Results

• Protected steel surfaces from rust and corrosion during a critical shipbuilding programme
• Supported efficient coverage across complex marine surface profiles
• Enabled clean peelable removal without solvent-based cleaning
• Helped preserve surface condition ahead of downstream finishing processes

Conclusion

For a landmark vessel such as the RRS Sir David Attenborough, temporary surface protection needed to be robust, efficient and reliable. Protectapeel Anti Rust delivered a solution aligned with the demands of modern shipbuilding, combining strong corrosion resistance with labour-saving application and removal. The project demonstrates how Spraylat International’s specialist coatings can help marine manufacturers protect valuable assets, improve process efficiency and support high-quality outcomes on technically demanding builds.

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