In the fall of 2024, Alpine Painting undertook a prestigious and complex restoration project for the Jaguar Land Rover North American Headquarters. Nestled prominently near a major highway, this iconic building required more than just a fresh coat of paint—it demanded a meticulous, skillful restoration to reflect the luxury and precision synonymous with the Jaguar Land Rover brand.

For years, the building’s exterior had been plagued by failing coatings, with signs of discoloration, blistering, and delamination marring its appearance. After years of temporary fixes, Alpine Painting was entrusted with a complete exterior transformation, a task they completed with precision, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

The Challenge: Reversing Years of Neglect

The Jaguar Land Rover headquarters had been last painted in 2018, but improper product selection and application by the previous contractor led to widespread coating failures. The metal substrate suffered from significant blistering, delamination, and moisture-related damage, with approximately 5% metal loss revealed during the preparation phase. Compromised sealants around windows and expansion joints further exacerbated the problem, allowing moisture infiltration.

For Alpine Painting, the challenge extended beyond restoring the building’s exterior. The project demanded minimal disruption to the client’s daily operations, flexibility to accommodate high-profile events, and an aesthetic standard that aligned with the luxury brand’s reputation.

Meticulous Preparation: Setting the Foundation

Alpine Painting’s team of six highly skilled professionals embarked on the project with a focus on thorough preparation—a crucial step in ensuring long-term durability. This phase included:

• Surface Preparation:

  • Power washing at 3,500 PSI using zero-degree spinner tips to strip away loose paint and debris.

  • Applying Back to Nature Multi-Strip Advanced, a chemical stripper, to remove existing coatings.

  • Sanding with orbital sanders to achieve a bare metal substrate.

• Metal Repairs:

  • Addressing areas of metal loss with epoxy seam sealer to restore the structural integrity of the substrate.

• Access Solutions:

  • Utilizing a combination of aerial lifts, rigid frame scaffolding, and suspended swing stages to safely navigate the building’s size and complex architectural features.

Alpine’s preparation efforts adhered to PCA Standards such as P22 for pressure gauge testing and P5 for benchmark sampling to ensure precision in surface and color preparation.

The Restoration: A Flawless Finish

Once the building was stripped to bare metal, the team began the restoration process using premium Sherwin Williams products:

• Extreme Bonds Primer: Ensured strong adhesion to the metal substrate.

• Pro Industrial Acrylon 100: A two-component water-based urethane topcoat in an eggshell finish, providing exceptional UV resistance and durability.

• Sealants:

  • Sherwin Williams Loxon S1 for vertical expansion joints.

  • Dow Corning 795 Building Sealant for window glazing.

These products delivered a smooth, vibrant finish designed to withstand the elements and maintain the building’s sleek appearance for years to come.

Exceeding Expectations: Flexibility and Communication

The Jaguar Land Rover team placed a high priority on Alpine’s ability to adapt to unique client needs. Key accommodations included:

• Signage Removal: Safely removing, repairing, and reinstalling the iconic Jaguar Land Rover logo without damage.

• Event Coordination: Adjusting work schedules and relocating noisy activities like sanding to ensure minimal disruption during conferences and high-profile events.

• Overspray Mitigation: Switching to brush-and-roll application methods to avoid impacting high-end vehicles in the adjacent parking lot.

Through consistent communication, including frequent updates, photos, and videos, Alpine Painting aligned stakeholders in both the U.S. and U.K., ensuring transparency and trust throughout the project.

Client Testimonial: A Job Well Done

The results were nothing short of transformative. The headquarters now gleams with a sleek, durable finish befitting a global luxury brand. The client, represented by Phil Refano, was effusive in their praise:

"Alpine was responsive, flexible, and informative the whole way. By far, the best decision we’ve made in a long time."

Overcoming Challenges with Expertise

Despite environmental and logistical challenges, Alpine Painting’s expertise ensured the project was completed on time and under budget.

• Wind and Heat: Wind patterns risked overspray, while heated metal panels required precise timing to avoid lap marks. Alpine’s team mitigated these risks through careful planning and execution.

• Access Constraints: Advanced scaffolding and rigging solutions provided safe access to hard-to-reach areas.

• Client Accommodations: Adjusted schedules and activities seamlessly integrated with the client’s operations.

A Lasting Legacy

The successful restoration of the Jaguar Land Rover North American Headquarters underscores Alpine Painting’s ability to deliver high-profile commercial projects with precision, professionalism, and excellence. By providing a five-year warranty—well beyond the industry standard—Alpine Painting demonstrated confidence in their work and reinforced their commitment to quality.

With the building now serving as a shining testament to the Jaguar Land Rover brand, Alpine Painting continues to set the standard for commercial exterior restoration.