The faculty and students at Sheridan High School’s Fine Arts Building know a thing or two about aesthetics, so when the exterior of the facility’s split face smooth block and brick exterior needed recoating, the project’s engineers specified a coating system from Tnemec. “The school’s fine arts building was looking dated and they wanted to give it a facelift,” according to Tnemec coating consultant Myron McWherter. “Instead of painting the block which would be there forever, we specified a water repellent to keep the block and brick from molding, mildewing, and having water stains on it over time.”

The building was pressure washed and allowed to dry prior to applying Series 633 Prime-A-Pell H20, a clear, filmless, penetrating water-based water repellent for virtually all above-grade, vertical concrete, stucco, precast, brick, sandstone, and block masonry. The solution penetrates the substrate and chemically reacts with it to create a powerful barrier against water penetration, ultraviolet (UV) light, and water deterioration. “Prime-A-Pell H2Ohas to penetrate into and react with the substrate for effective water repellency,” McWherter noted. “Since both color and water repellency were desired, Conformal Stain WB was used in conjunction with Prime-A-Pell H20.”

Series 617 Conformal Stain WB, a penetrating, water-based, acrylic stain, was used on the smooth block. The treatment does not alter the natural texture of the surface, nor significantly affect the vapor transmission qualities of the substrate. Conformal Stain WB exhibits excellent color stability and is designed not to peel or flake when applied to a properly prepared substrate. The product provides color uniformity by correcting color imperfections often found in integrally colored concrete masonry, natural stone, tilt-up, and precast panels. It also repels water when used on dense substrates. Conformal Stain WB is mildew resistant and contains agents that inhibit the growth of mildew on the surface of the stain. “The building looks brand new after the much needed face lift,” McWherter added.

Sheridan is the county seat of rural Grant County, which lies approximately 34 miles south of Little Rock. The city was named after Union general Philip Sheridan when the town was incorporated 22 years after the Civil War. Today, the city has one of the state’s largest school districts.