Stainless steel is one of the most visually striking materials used in modern commercial buildings. Its clean lines, reflective finish and contemporary aesthetic make it a favourite for lift doors, control panels and architectural details. But anyone responsible for maintaining these surfaces knows the truth that stainless steel looks immaculate on day one, and then reality sets in. Fingerprints appear within minutes. Smudges become unavoidable. Water marks cling stubbornly to the surface. Even after a thorough clean, the finish rarely stays pristine for long.
This was exactly the challenge facing The Royalty Studios in Notting Hill, a premium residential and commercial development where presentation matters. With two lift cores serving multiple floors and hundreds of daily users, the stainless steel surfaces were under constant pressure. The facilities team needed a solution that would not only restore the appearance of the lifts but also keep them looking consistently clean without the relentless cycle of chemical cleaning.
We were appointed to deliver a full deep‑clean and protective treatment across both the East and West Blocks, using our specialist COTECH Clear Coat Easy Clean™ system.
The Royalty Studios required a comprehensive refurbishment of all stainless steel elements within both lift cores. The scope included:
- East Block: One lift serving three floors, with four entrances/landings.
- West Block: One lift serving four floors, with five entrances/landings.
- Internal lift car treatment: All stainless steel wall panels, architraves and the Control Operating Panel (COP).
- Landing doors and surrounds: Every brushed stainless steel door and frame across both blocks.
The client’s primary objectives were to restore the appearance of the stainless steel surfaces, reduce the ongoing cleaning burden for facilities staff and introduce a long‑term protective solution that would withstand daily use.
The building’s management team had already tried conventional cleaning products and techniques, but the results were short‑lived. Within hours, the surfaces looked marked again. They needed a solution engineered specifically for high‑touch, high‑traffic environments.
Application of COTECH
Our approach began with a meticulous deep clean of every stainless steel surface. This stage is critical as stainless steel accumulates oils, residue, airborne contaminants and cleaning product build‑up over time. If these are not fully removed, no protective coating can bond effectively.
Clear Coat Easy Clean™ forms a durable, anti‑fingerprint barrier that resists smudging, grime and daily wear. Unlike temporary sprays or polishes, it chemically bonds to the substrate, delivering long‑term performance without altering the appearance of the metal.
The coating was applied across all landing doors, surrounds, internal lift car panels and the COP. Once cured, the finish remained completely invisible, preserving the original aesthetic while dramatically improving functionality.
The Finished Result
The transformation was immediate and striking. Stainless steel surfaces that previously looked tired, marked and difficult to maintain were restored to a clean, uniform, “as‑new” appearance.
Key outcomes included:
A brand‑new visual finish: Doors and surrounds regained their original sheen and clarity.
Anti‑fingerprint protection: Surfaces no longer showed handprints or smudges within minutes of cleaning.
Easy‑clean performance: Daily maintenance now requires only a microfibre cloth, with no chemicals, no sprays, no repeated scrubbing.
Long‑term durability: The coating provides protection for 8–10 years, even in high‑traffic environments.
For the facilities team, the impact was transformative. The constant battle against fingerprints and smudges was eliminated. Cleaning time was reduced. Chemical usage dropped to zero. And the building’s presentation improved significantly, with lift doors and panels staying consistently clean throughout the day.
Why This Matters for Your Building
If your building includes stainless steel lifts, doors, handrails or architectural panels, you already know how challenging they are to maintain. Stainless steel is beautiful, but unforgiving. Without protection, it demands constant attention and still never looks truly pristine.
COTECH Clear Coat Easy Clean™ changes that. It breaks the cycle of:
- Continuous chemical cleaning
- Recurring product costs
- Surfaces that look marked within hours
- Time wasted on maintenance that doesn’t last
Instead, it delivers long‑term protection, reduced maintenance costs and consistently flawless presentation.
The Royalty Studios is now benefitting from stainless steel surfaces that stay clean, stay protected and stay impressive every day.
If you’re ready to stop fighting fingerprints and transform your stainless steel surfaces, we can help. Let’s discuss how Clear Coat Easy Clean™ can deliver the same results for your building.
