Case Study: Vapour Blasting and Epoxy Painting Restore RCYC Jetty

The Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC) jetty, a central feature for club events, had deteriorated over time. The once-polished structure had become weathered, with visible rust and peeling paint, diminishing its aesthetic appeal. Wickens Dry Ice Blasting was called upon to restore the jetty, removing the old paint with vapour blasting and applying high-durability epoxy paint. Our work ensured the jetty was restored without disrupting scheduled events or harming the environment.

The Situation

The RCYC jetty is essential for members and guests, who regularly use it to access the club by boat. It’s also a key feature for the club’s many high-profile events, such as weddings and meetings, where it often serves as a backdrop for photos. However, years of exposure to the elements had taken their toll.

The jetty’s condition had become a growing concern for the RCYC, which was eager to restore it in time for the busy event season. Adding to the complexity, Wickens needed to ensure that the old paint chips did not fall into the lake to protect both the environment and scenery. The jetty remained operational throughout the restoration, meaning Wickens had to coordinate work around the club’s schedule.

The Solution

Wickens Dry Ice Blasting employed vapour blasting to remove the old, deteriorating paint and rust from the jetty’s steel structure. Unlike traditional abrasive blasting methods, vapour blasting is gentle on surfaces, reducing the risk of damage while still effectively cleaning and preparing the surface for repainting. This method was also chosen because it minimizes dust and debris, a critical consideration given the jetty’s location over clear, visible waters.

To further prevent contamination of the lake, Wickens installed netting and pool noodles to capture any debris dislodged during the blasting process. This ensured that no paint chips or rust particles entered the water.

Once the surface was fully cleaned, Wickens applied a high-quality epoxy coating to the steel structure. This painting solution was selected for its durability and resistance to weathering. The epoxy coating not only restored the jetty’s appearance, giving it a clean and polished look, but it also provided long-term protection against the elements, ensuring the jetty would remain in good condition for years to come

The Results

Wickens completed the jetty restoration within six weeks, carefully working around RCYC’s event schedule to minimize disruptions. The restored jetty now features a smooth, bright white finish, creating the perfect backdrop for event photos and guests.

Does your property or structure need expert restoration? Contact Wickens Dry Ice Blasting to discover how our paint removal and restoration services can enhance your facility, property, or structure.