Fresh Coat for First Responders: Remaking a Fire Station

Photos courtesy of ICP Group.

In what was described as a demonstration of community spirit, Innovative Chemical Products (ICP) Group, under its California Paints banner, recently contributed to the renewal of the Weirs Beach fire station in Laconia, New Hampshire, USA.

According to the specialty chemical manufacturer, this effort improved the station’s functionality and appearance while also highlighting ICP’s strong ties to Laconia—which happens to be a place that many of its employees call home.

The company’s headquarters are based in Andover, Massachusetts, another New England town located approximately 75 miles (120.7 km) away.

As a full-time fire, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS) central to New Hampshire's “Lakes Region,” the Laconia Fire Department identified the apparatus bay at Weirs Beach as urgently needing refurbishment.

Upon learning that municipal budget limitations had prevented updates to the bay for nearly four decades, California Paints stepped in and donated high-quality paints and supplies, as well as provided labor.

This allowed the renovation to move forward without imposing on local taxpayers, and the restoration was achieved with notable convenience and cost savings.

Matt Culverhouse, ICP’s vice president of sales, spearheaded the Laconia fire station project. Ultimately, the chosen coating solutions were the FixALL Stopz Mold & Mildew Resistant Semi-Gloss Finish on the ceilings and Green Wise-certified CalPro Interior Paint in linen white on the walls.

As a 100-percent acrylic, water-based product with a special anti-microbial additive, the Stopz Mold went down at approximately 4 mils (101.6 microns) of wet film thickness (WFT).

“The advanced formulation helps to prevent mold and mildew growth on the surface,” according to the manufacturer, which says it can be applied by brush, roller, or airless spray. With functionalities of both a primer and finish coat, it is designed to withstand many of the moist, humid conditions that can otherwise provide an ideal environment for fungal growth.

As for the CalPro, the smooth flowing, anti-spatter finish self-primes, dries quickly, and it provides excellent hiding for new and previously painted surfaces, the company explains. Surface preparation typically consists of a solvent wipe. Low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor, the product is typically applied in two coats—each at approximately 4.5 mils (114.3 microns) WFT—and it can be brushed, rolled, or airless sprayed.

Based on those fast drying properties, it was able to be recoated within a few hours. Considering the intimate nature of a fire station, rollers were deemed to be the most appropriate tool for applicators.

For the Weirs Beach fire station, the restored apparatus bay is a crucial area where emergency vehicles and equipment are housed for fast access. Thus, applying fresh paint to the walls and ceiling was important for several reasons.

First, it helps to maintain the facility’s structural integrity by protecting surfaces from moisture, mold, and mildew. This is especially important in locations potentially experiencing damp and dirty conditions, which is often the case at a fire station in a relatively coastal New England environment. Second, fresh paint improves visibility by reflecting light better, which is essential for firefighters as they gear up for duty.

“We believe a well-maintained environment also boosts morale among the crew, reinforcing a sense of pride and care in their work,” Culverhouse says. “Captain [Chad] Vaillancourt and his team helped make this an incredible experience, and we’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to assist in such a vital project.”

Sources: California Paints, www.californiapaints.com; ICP, www.ICPGroup.com