Ivan was the third hurricane in less than six weeks to hit the Pensacola, Florida area in the late summer/early fall of 2004. Following the heels of hurricanes Charley and Frances, the storm devastated the northwestern portion of the state, including the area around the University of West Florida. On campus, the natatorium and fieldhouse were heavily damaged in the storm.

During the rebuilding process, Tnemec coatings were chosen to protect the natatorium. The exterior of the building received a prime coat of Series 66 Hi-Build Epoxoline, a polyamide epoxy, followed by a spot coat of Series 530 Omnithane, a moisture-cured aromatic urethane, and a topcoat of Series 1071 Fluoronar, an ultra-durable, semi-gloss fluoropolymer finish with outstanding color and gloss retention. Tnemec was able to custom match the color of Series 1071 to the new sand-colored metal wall panels used to replace the damaged south end of the structure. The building’s exterior is exposed to elements such as high year-round UV and severe weathering, so it was imperative to choose coatings that would potentially withstand the adverse conditions.

For the natatorium’s interior, less damaged by the storm but already in need of repainting, Series 90-1K97 Tneme-Zinc, a moisture-cured, zinc-rich aromatic polyurethane primer was applied to the overhead steel followed by a spot coat of Series 530 and an intermediate coat of Series 66. To complete the interior system, Series 1075 Endura-Shield II, an aliphatic acrylic polyurethane, was applied as the topcoat. Highly resistant to abrasion, wet conditions and corrosive fumes, Series 1075 is an excellent choice for interior natatorium exposures.