Surface Pro — Asbestos Encapsulation Coating
Surface Pro — Asbestos Encapsulation Coating for Internal Surfaces
A peelable, solvent-free asbestos encapsulation coating for use on asbestos-containing surfaces during removal and remediation works. Brush or spray applied. Low odour. Peels cleanly within 6 months. No residue.
What is Surface Pro Asbestos Encapsulation Coating?
Unlike permanent encapsulants designed for long-term asbestos management, Surface Pro is a temporary containment solution. It is applied ahead of programmed asbestos removal works to bind loose fibres and prevent their release into the air, making the working environment safer for contractors and building occupants. Within 6 months, the film peels away cleanly as a single intact sheet — removing the contained fibres with it and leaving the substrate clean.
Surface Pro is suitable for use on a wide range of internal asbestos-containing surfaces in residential, commercial and industrial buildings — including surfaces encountered during strip-out, refurbishment and demolition projects.
Why Contractors Choose Surface Pro for Asbestos Works
Natural Polymer Base — Solvent-Free
Formulated from natural polymers with no solvents, Surface Pro is safe for use in enclosed or occupied spaces where conventional solvent-based coatings would present a health and fire risk. No VOCs, no harsh fumes.
Low Odour — Occupied Buildings
The low-odour formulation makes Surface Pro suitable for application in buildings that are partially or fully occupied — including schools, offices and residential properties where complete evacuation is not practical.
Binds Fibres — Prevents Airborne Release
Surface Pro forms a continuous, flexible film over asbestos-containing surfaces that binds fibres in place and prevents them becoming airborne during subsequent disturbance — reducing fibre release and protecting operative and occupant health.
Peelable — No Residue
Unlike permanent encapsulants, Surface Pro peels away cleanly as an intact plastic film within 6 months of application. No residue is left on the substrate — removing the need for additional surface preparation before final finishes.
Brush or Spray Applied
Surface Pro can be brush-applied for detailed, localised areas or spray-applied for larger surface coverage — providing flexibility for both targeted spot treatments and large-scale containment operations across open wall or ceiling areas.
Porous & Non-Porous Surfaces
Compatible with a wide range of asbestos-containing surfaces: painted walls, concrete, wallpaper and more. Adheres to both porous and non-porous substrates without the need for a separate primer.
Who Uses Surface Pro Asbestos Encapsulation Coating?
When is Asbestos Encapsulation Coating the Right Solution?
Surface Pro is designed for scenarios where asbestos-containing materials need to be made safe in advance of programmed removal or disturbance. Key use cases include:
- Pre-removal containment — Applied ahead of strip-out to bind fibres and reduce airborne release during demolition works
- Emergency containment — Where ACMs have been accidentally damaged or disturbed and immediate containment is required pending a licensed removal programme
- Phased removal programmes — Where removal is planned in phases and interim containment of ACMs between phases is required
- Occupied buildings — Where low odour, solvent-free containment is required without full building evacuation
- Short-term management — Where ACMs are in acceptable condition and temporary containment is preferred while longer-term options are assessed
How to Apply Surface Pro — Step by Step
Surface Pro is straightforward to apply. The process below applies to brush or spray application on internal asbestos-containing surfaces. Work must be carried out in accordance with a site-specific risk assessment and method statement by operatives with UKATA Category A training as a minimum.
- Commission an asbestos surveyBefore any works, ensure an up-to-date asbestos management or refurbishment/demolition survey is in place. Confirm the type, condition and extent of ACMs with a licensed surveyor.
- Prepare the risk assessment and method statementPrepare a site-specific RAMS covering the scope of encapsulation works, fibre control measures, PPE/RPE requirements, and waste management procedures. Notify the relevant parties in line with CAR 2012 requirements for the type of work being carried out.
- Don correct PPE/RPEAt minimum: FFP3 disposable or reusable respirator, disposable coveralls (Type 5/6), gloves and eye protection. Establish appropriate containment and segregation of the work area.
- Apply Surface Pro by brush or sprayApply Surface Pro evenly across the asbestos-containing surface by brush or airless spray. Ensure complete coverage with no missed areas or pinholes. A second coat may be applied to ensure full fibre encapsulation where surfaces are heavily textured or porous.
- Allow to dry — inspect coverageAllow Surface Pro to dry fully to a clear, flexible film. Inspect for coverage gaps and apply further coats as required. Do not disturb the surface until fully dried.
- Remove within 6 monthsSurface Pro is designed to be peelable within 6 months of application. Peel the film as a complete sheet, carefully bag and dispose of as asbestos waste in line with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and relevant consignment note procedures.
Compatible Asbestos-Containing Surfaces
Surface Pro has been formulated for use on the porous and non-porous asbestos-containing surfaces most commonly encountered in UK commercial, industrial and residential buildings during refurbishment and demolition works:
For use on asbestos insulation board (AIB), spray-applied asbestos insulation or pipe lagging, consult our technical team and your licensed asbestos surveyor before proceeding. These materials may require licensed work regardless of encapsulation activity.
Asbestos Encapsulation vs Licensed Removal — Which is Right for Your Project?
Asbestos encapsulation and licensed removal serve different purposes. The table below helps clarify when each approach is appropriate under CAR 2012 and current HSE guidance.
| Factor | Encapsulation (Surface Pro) | Licensed Removal |
|---|---|---|
| ACM Condition Required | Good condition, intact | Any condition (required for friable/damaged ACMs) |
| Regulatory Classification | Non-licensed work (CAR 2012, no disturbance) | Licensed work — notifiable, 14 days' notice to HSE |
| Typical Cost | £25–£55/m² supply & fit | £80–£200+/m² inc. disposal & clearance |
| Downtime Required | Minimal — low odour, can be used in occupied buildings | Full area evacuation and air-clearance certificate required |
| Asbestos Removed from Site | No — remains on register | Yes — clean air certificate issued |
| Long-Term Monitoring Required | Yes — ACMs remain and must be monitored | No — ACMs no longer present |
| Suitable for Pre-Demolition | Temporary containment before programmed removal | Full removal — appropriate for demolition projects |
| Suitable for Occupied Buildings | Yes — solvent-free, low odour | Requires full segregation and evacuation |
Technical Specification — Surface Pro Asbestos Encapsulation
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Temporary peelable asbestos encapsulation coating |
| Base | Natural polymer, water-based |
| Application Method | Brush or spray applied |
| Use | Internal use only |
| Suitable Surfaces | Porous and non-porous asbestos-containing surfaces: painted walls, concrete, wallpaper |
| Film Properties | Flexible, peelable — dries to continuous protective film |
| Removability | Peelable within 6 months of application |
| Residue | None — peels cleanly as intact plastic film |
| Odour | Low odour |
| Solvent Content | Solvent-free |
| VOC Content | Low / VOC-free |
| Regulatory Classification | Non-licensed work (CAR 2012) where no ACM disturbance occurs |
UK Regulatory Framework for Asbestos Encapsulation
Any work involving asbestos-containing materials in the UK is governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Surface Pro is designed for use in non-licensed encapsulation works — specifically, the application of a coating to intact, undisturbed ACMs without drilling, cutting or breaking the material.
Under CAR 2012, this type of encapsulation work falls outside the licensed work category provided certain conditions are met. Key requirements for non-licensed asbestos encapsulation include:
- No drilling, cutting, grinding or breaking of asbestos-containing materials
- All operatives hold UKATA Category A Asbestos Awareness training as a minimum
- A site-specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) is prepared and followed
- Appropriate RPE (FFP3 minimum) and PPE is worn throughout
- The work area is appropriately segregated and controlled
- Waste generated (including the peeled film) is treated as asbestos waste and disposed of under the appropriate waste consignment procedures
- The ACMs remain on the asbestos register following encapsulation
For guidance on whether your specific project requires licensed or non-licensed works, consult the HSE asbestos licensing guidance or a licensed asbestos surveyor.
Ready to Order Surface Pro?
Available for UK delivery from our online store. For technical advice, project support or bulk pricing, contact our team.
Buy Surface Pro Technical Enquiry →Frequently Asked Questions — Asbestos Encapsulation UK
Asbestos encapsulation is a recognised management action under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Applying a coating to asbestos-containing materials without drilling, cutting or breaking them is classified as non-licensed work under CAR 2012, provided operatives hold UKATA Category A asbestos awareness training and a site-specific risk assessment and method statement are in place before works begin.
Surface Pro is a peelable, temporary protective asbestos encapsulation coating formulated from natural polymers. It is solvent-free, low-odour, and can be brush or spray applied to asbestos-containing surfaces. It dries to a flexible, peelable film that contains asbestos fibres during and after removal works. Suitable for internal use on porous and non-porous surfaces including painted walls, concrete and wallpaper.
Surface Pro is designed to be peelable and removable within 6 months of application. It peels cleanly as a plastic film and leaves no residue on the substrate — ideal as a temporary containment measure during a programmed removal programme.
Applying an encapsulation coating to undisturbed ACMs (no drilling, cutting or breaking) is non-licensed work under CAR 2012. However, operatives must hold Category A UKATA asbestos awareness training, and a site-specific risk assessment and method statement must be in place. Always consult a licensed asbestos surveyor before any works.
Yes — significantly. Licensed asbestos removal typically costs £80–£200+ per m² including disposal, waste transport and clearance certification. Encapsulation supply-and-fit costs are typically £25–£55/m². Where ACMs are in good condition and encapsulation is an appropriate management option, the cost saving is substantial. Note: encapsulated ACMs remain on the register and require ongoing monitoring.
No. Surface Pro is solvent-free and low-odour, making it suitable for use in occupied or poorly ventilated buildings where solvent-based coatings would be inappropriate. Standard PPE and RPE for asbestos work must still be worn throughout application.
Surface Pro is formulated for use on intact asbestos-containing surfaces including painted walls, concrete and wallpaper. For AIB, spray-applied asbestos insulation or pipe lagging, consult our technical team and your licensed surveyor — these materials are typically higher-risk and may require licensed work regardless of the encapsulation activity.