The location of the tower presented a challenge which necessitated the erection of a complicated scaffold.
“The bases of the existing timber columns had badly deteriorated and required extensive repair, which was carried out in a sensitive manner using seasoned oak,” said Neil Baker, the college surveyor and building manager.
“This left many areas of new, bare timber which meant that the original specification had to be altered in favour of a more robust coating. Sikkens provided the solution with its Rubbol Satura opaque coating system, which not only protects the wood but disguises any repair work.”
A base coat of Onol Primer was applied, followed by top coats of Rubbol Satura, an opaque satin finish. Its formulation reduces the effects of chalking on long-term exposure, preserving the aesthetic appeal of the coated wood.
An additional benefit is that for future maintenace, it only requires one coat.
“This was very important to us from a budgetary viewpoint,” said Mr Baker. “We needed a quality, durable coating with maximum life expectancy so that the cost and inconvenience associated with further maintenance work would be minimised.”
