PPG Duranar Coating Protects Middle School in Washington

PPG Industries (PPG) and AEP Span, a metal supplier in Tacoma, Washington have partnered to protect and enhance Issaquah Middle School in Issaquah, Washington, with metal wall panels using Duranar GR (graffiti-resistant) clear coating.

It is the first school in the country to use the new coating, which features a proprietary formulation that PPG developed to combat a problem that costs US building owners an estimated $25 billion per year.

Located near Seattle, Issaquah Middle School has a brick facade accented with PRESTIGE SERIES metal wall panels by AEP Span. The panels feature the company’s Cool Parchment DURA TECH polyvinylidende fluoride (PVDF) paint finish that is topped with the factory-applied Duranar GR clear coating.

“Duranar GR coating is a sound investment. While graffiti is not a significant issue in our school district, the graffiti-resistant coating was selected as a low-cost protection system to reduce potential damage and maintenance costs,” said Steve Crawford, director of capital projects, Issaquah School District.

“The combination of Prestige Series wall panels and Duranar GR coatings gives building designers colour versatility and graffiti control. “In addition to a beautiful design, architects now can offer their clients an affordable solution for maintaining an attractive and long-lasting building,” said David Ferrito, vice president of sales for AEP Span.