TfL Adopts Network Rail-Approved Steelpaint Coatings for Roding Valley Station

Transport for London (TfL) has adopted Network Rail-approved Steelpaint polyurethane coatings for a vital refurbishment project at Roding Valley London Underground Station. The application of a three-layer moisture-curing polyurethane system on the footbridge linking the station’s platforms marks a significant endorsement of advanced corrosion protection technologies within the UK rail sector.

The refurbishment, which took place between May and August 2025, saw the application of Steelpaint’s robust, three-layer, moisture-curing polyurethane coating to the footbridge connecting the two platforms at the Central line station. This project follows the system’s formal acceptance for use on UK rail infrastructure, including a crucial endorsement from Network Rail in January 2025 after rigorous laboratory and field testing.

Operational Excellence and Risk Reduction

M Group Rail & Aviation, the TfL contractor responsible for the project, selected the Steelpaint system primarily for its ability to reduce rework risks and ensure consistent performance. Sean Mullett, M Group Rail & Aviation contracts manager, highlighted the system’s reliability: “For us, the big benefit was the reduction in rework risk. The coating system performed consistently from start to finish, which meant we weren’t losing time to unexpected surface failures or remedial preparation.” He added that the adoption of such modern coating technologies represents “a step forward from older systems and has clear potential for broader adoption across similar structures.”

Technical Validation and Industry Impact

Steelpaint’s system underwent extensive validation, including a trial on “gingered” steel under ambient conditions and a demonstration in March 2025 attended by Network Rail representatives and painting contractors. During this event, the full three-coat system was applied and cured within an impressive four hours using standard rollers, with adhesion tests confirming its efficacy on substrates requiring minimal preparation. Although TfL manages the Roding Valley footbridge, Network Rail’s prior approval was a pivotal factor in the system’s selection, underscoring its validated suitability for the demanding rail environment.

Strategic Shift Towards Durable Solutions

The Roding Valley project exemplifies a broader industry trend towards moisture-cured coatings designed to minimise unscheduled maintenance and reduce ongoing operational costs. Steelpaint director Frank Müller commented on the UK market’s increasing demand for “longer-lasting protection and more predictable performance from their coating systems.” This shift signifies a strategic move by asset owners and contractors to invest in solutions that extend structural life and reduce the lifecycle cost of vital rail infrastructure, a key concern for industry leaders focused on long-term asset management and efficiency.

Technical Specifications

• Coating System: Steelpaint polyurethane-based corrosion protection system
• Primer: Stelcatec-L-PR anti-corrosive primer
• Intermediate Coating: Stelcatec-L-NT
• Topcoat: Stelcatec-L-TC UV-resistant topcoat
• Application Method: Three-layer moisture-curing polyurethane coating
• Dry Film Thickness: Approximately 300µ
• Curing Time: Within four hours (demonstrated)
• Substrate Preparation: Effective on substrates with minimal preparation

Industry Context

The adoption of Network Rail-approved Steelpaint coatings at Roding Valley underscores a critical shift in the railway industry towards enhanced durability and reduced maintenance burdens. Asset owners and operators, facing increasing pressure to optimise budgets and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure, are actively seeking advanced material solutions. This move signals a growing reliance on innovative, high-performance coatings that promise predictable outcomes and lower total cost of ownership, positioning suppliers like Steelpaint as key partners in the ongoing modernisation of rail networks globally.