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MPC replaced high-maintenance lift handrails with a durable, luxury EcoTeak solution. Designed to resist impact, wear, and harsh cleaning products, the new handrails perfectly match the vessel’s high-end interior finish.
By replicating the existing profile in EcoTeak, testing a stable core, and developing a custom stain and varnish system, MPC delivered a premium, IMO-compliant handrail solution. The result combines luxury aesthetics with exceptional durability, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact. The success prompted the client to upgrade all lift cars.
The existing lift handrails were functional but demanded constant upkeep to meet passenger-facing standards. Frequent chipping from concierge carts and an unsuitable low-grade paint coating left them looking tired, with a porous surface that trapped dirt. As one of the first areas passengers encounter, we knew the solution needed to combine the high-end finish seen elsewhere on the ship with the strength to withstand heavy use.
Traditional wood coatings presented issues. Oils in the timber can affect primer adhesion, while the material’s softness makes it prone to dents and chips. To overcome these challenges, we proposed our EcoTeak synthetic wood - widely used on cruise ship decks for its durability, IMO compliance, and ability to withstand foot traffic, point loads, and extreme temperatures.
The process began by replicating the existing handrail profile. We produced precise moulds, sourced and tested a stable, warp-resistant core, and developed a staining technique that matched the designer’s palette while highlighting a realistic grain. A high-performance varnish system was then applied, delivering a premium finish resistant to scratches, dents, and the strong cleaning products used onboard.
The result is a luxury handrail system with proven impact resistance, minimal maintenance requirements, and excellent environmental credentials through the use of recycled and sustainably sourced materials. The success of the trial led the client to extend the order to every lift car on the vessel, reducing both upkeep costs and environmental impact.
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Get in touchWe always work to the highest industry standards across our full range of services. We're fully accredited and certified to provide marine coatings, high quality ship handrails, specialist flooring, and custom composite solutions that meet strict safety, performance, and compliance requirements.
These accreditations reflect our commitment to quality, safety, and professional excellence.
