Contact Information
If further information or a quote is required phone Amos Civico on: 07970 869 648
Or mail your request and any associated plans on a PDF to:
amos@sceneunseen.co.uk
or
scene_unseen@yahoo.co.uk
About Scene Unseen
Since 1999 Scene Unseen has specialized in camouflaging mobile telecom base station infrastructure using paint effects to replicate building fabrics and greatly reduce the visual impact of base station components.
What Can Be Camouflaged?
Basically any part of a mobile phone base station. This includes antennas, microwave dishes, mounts brackets and poles, exposed feeder cables, galvanized tray cover runs, all types of equipment cabins - from meter cabinets to walk in cabins, galvanized structural steelwork - such as RSJ's railings and ladders and monopoles.
Additionally GRP cladding, either flat sheet or moulded structures, can be painted to resemble any common building material. Cast concrete plinths used to replace brickwork to provide mounting points for heavy structures, can also be painted to replicate the original brickwork.
Building Materials Replicated
Fabrics copied include brick, coursed and random stone, slate and ceramic roof tiles, new and aged concrete, pebbledash, render mineralized roofing felt, decorative plaster, lead. Monopoles can be painted and textured to resemble tree bark or in BS or RAL colours
Benefits Of Camouflaging
As technology and usage changes the number of base stations is increasing and need to be sited in ever more sensitive areas. These are more susceptible to having strict conditions imposed by Local Planning Authorities.
The option of using paint effects to blend in and hide previously obtrusive tray covers, antennas, etc often leads to planning applications being accepted where otherwise they would be rejected.
Even where camouflage is not stipulated in planning permission, site providers who may refuse to allow base stations on their sites because of the negative visual impact are usually more receptive if they know that most of the unsightly structures necessary can be hidden using paint effects.
Paints Used
Scene Unseen uses a range of durable exterior theatrical paints formulated specifically for complex decorative effects. These are environmentally friendly water based paints with a non-reflective matt finish and with a high pigment and binder content they are extremely light stable and resistant to weathering.
Beneath these layers is a water based primer formulated for galvanized surfaces and various kinds of plastic.
Finally a layer of water based, matt, U.V resistant varnish is applied to provide added durability.
The first roof top cabins painted by Scene Unseen in 1999 still have a totally intact paint effect with no signs of peeling or bleaching.
The Painting Process
The factors behind a durable lasting paint effect originate in the way the paint is applied. Scene Unseen ensures that all traces of contamination are removed and the surface has been suitably prepared prior to any paint being applied. If this is not carried out the bond between the paint and structure will not be strong and the paint can begin to peel.
After appropriate priming, layers of colour and texture are added to match the building and, in the case of brickwork and masonry, mortar lines are applied which accurately imitate the bond of the wall being copied. As water based paints are used, the effect can be aged to match the building by using washes of varying dilutions of paints to replicate smoke and grime damage. Moss, lichen and other results of ageing will also be added as required.
On Site Procedures
All painting work is carried out on site so that a very close match with the original building is always achieved. Paints are mixed in situ by hand which means that no costly site visits prior to starting each job are required.
Although paint effects can be applied post build from scaffold, cherry pickers or other forms of access it is preferred to paint before the installation of tray covers and antennas etc.
This work is generally carried out in a large portable heated shelter prior to installation. This has numerous benefits such as:
* Significant cost savings as cherry picker access costs are eliminated.
* Being able to paint in all weathers again reducing time on site and associated costs.
* Reducing the build time as tray covers and antennas etc can be installed ready painted as they can be painted at the same time the site is being rigged.
* On very sensitive sites this means neighbours, the general public, protesters etc have less to complain about in terms of visual impact as they never see the un-camouflaged base station
* During cold periods the paint is allowed to cure properly to ensure a lasting finish
Quotations
Fixed price quotes for painting are given freely from plans sent via e-mail to amos@sceneunseen.co.uk or scene_unseen@yahoo.co.uk Site visits are not normally necessary prior to commencement of works as colour samples are not required.
Client List
Clarke Telecom
Galliford Try
Tyco Electronics
Milestone Communications
Caip
Osborne
WHP Projects
Daly International
Square Form
GRP Shrouds
Scene Unseen is now working with EB Solutions Ltd to provide a complete camouflage package using paint effects and GRP shrouds.
EB Solutions manufactures an extensive range of bespoke GRP shrouds which can be combined with stealth painting techniques by Scene Unseen to provide total phone mast camouflage solutions. Please click on their link to view their website. www.ebsolutionsltd.co.uk