San Diego University building transformed by Westcoat Fast Stain dye system

Westcoat Specialty Coating Systems has sent us some photos and information of a striking dye installation in the classrooms, hallways and main entrance of the United States University building in Chula Vista, Calif.

The job was completed in May by Life Deck Coating Installations, a San Diego outfit close to Westcoat, under Orange County contractor Caliber Construction Inc. Jennifer Roberts, of San Diego-based Roberts Bennett Norton, was the architect.

More facts about the project, as presented to us by Westcoast representative Kara Ferguson: “United States University President Tom Finaly showed up (to a preliminary meeting) with an epoxy paint chip sample stating that's what he wanted. Life Deck representative Larin Felker met with Jennifer Roberts and client and rewrote the spec recommending a grind, Fast Stain and seal job, developing a more creative floor while saving him money — 15-20 percent.” Fast Stain is a line of acetone dyes from Westcoat.

“The building was five years old — the place was gutted, had new walls with existing, bare concrete. Life Deck ground the concrete, patched and repaired spalls and divots and created a cut pattern of geometric contemporary shapes in the concrete, as determined by the architect.  

“Westcoat Fast Stain SC-36 was then applied in several colors including purple, red, aquamarine, burnt orange, and green.  The stained concrete was then sealed with two coats of Westcoat EC-11, a fast drying and environmentally friendly sealer.

“The challenges of the project mostly involved logistics with working around other trades doing consecutive work and their project delays.”