Paint and Coatings Blog : PaintSquare

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Robert Ikenberry

Robert Ikenberry, PCS, has been in industrial painting and construction since 1975. Now semi-retired as the Safety Director and Project Manager for California Engineering Contractors, Robert stays busy rehabbing, retrofitting and painting bridges. His documentary on the 1927 Carquinez Bridge was the pilot for National Geographic’s Break it Down and an episode of MegaStructures.

The Case Against Abrasive Blasting for Spot Repairs
By Robert Ikenberry

I’m not a fan of spot abrasive blasting for repairs on existing structures. Don’t get me wrong, I think that abrasive blasting is the best surface prep you can perform, but only if it’s on a complete ... READ MORE

POSTED AUGUST 6, 2019 | 13 COMMENTS

Get the Picture: Digital Cameras on Jobsites
By Robert Ikenberry

Digital cameras are wonderful tools today and every contractor should make images a part of every job file or project record. However, effective and efficient use of digital imagery takes some plannin... READ MORE

POSTED APRIL 2, 2018 | 1 COMMENT

Just Right: A Goldilocks Approach to Specification
By Robert Ikenberry

When writing a specification for protective coatings, too much can be just as bad as too little. What I mean is: Requiring a coating system with more capabilities than are really needed may not provid... READ MORE

POSTED JANUARY 30, 2018 | 1 COMMENT

Get Engaged: Visit Your Nation's Capital!
By Robert Ikenberry

Every member of the electorate needs to spend some effort to be informed about critical issues of the day, and that means not just watching a particular news channel or reading blogs from people you a... READ MORE

POSTED DECEMBER 12, 2017 | 2 COMMENTS

Looking East to Make America Great
By Robert Ikenberry

As anyone who works in construction knows, projects are built on cooperation, even though owner and contractor have very different priorities and interests. Politics is no different.... READ MORE

POSTED JULY 26, 2017 | 1 COMMENT

Access, Access, Access: Reach Out and Hug a Bridge
By Robert Ikenberry

Just as realtors say, "Location, location, location," bridge-painting jobs should have a similar mantra: Access, access, access.... READ MORE

POSTED MAY 15, 2017 | 0 COMMENTS

Containment: A Time to Think Ahead
By Robert Ikenberry

Typically, the two biggest costs for projects involving abatement of hazardous paint on complex structures are access and containment.... READ MORE

POSTED MARCH 27, 2017 | 3 COMMENTS

How About a New 95:50 Rule?
By Robert Ikenberry

I think we should have a new way of looking at quality. We don’t have to settle for “just OK,” and we don’t have to go all the way to budget-busting perfection. ... READ MORE

POSTED SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | 3 COMMENTS

A Matter of Degree: Nothing Is Black or White
By Robert Ikenberry

We, as a society, seem to have a hard time with “facts” and “truth.” As a self-described science geek, I’m tempted to see things as bipolar: black and white, good and bad, true and untrue.... READ MORE

POSTED AUGUST 3, 2016 | 1 COMMENT

Beyond Compliance: Inspired by Confined Space Rules
By Robert Ikenberry

In the works since 1980, federal OSHA recently published new construction-specific confined space safety regulations under rule 1926.1201-1213.... READ MORE

POSTED OCTOBER 20, 2015 | 0 COMMENTS

Embracing Your Inner Geek
By Robert Ikenberry

PLEASONTON, CA--When you read the news, it seems there’s always a war on, over just about everything—and not even the shooting kind.... READ MORE

POSTED JULY 10, 2015 | 0 COMMENTS

Why Your Bridge Needs a Good Bake Sale
By Robert Ikenberry

Americans are great innovators. We develop the coolest technological toys. From personal computers to smartphones, our inventions are groundbreaking and status-quo shattering.... READ MORE

POSTED JANUARY 6, 2015 | 4 COMMENTS

Learning (Yes, Really) from Al Jazeera
By Robert Ikenberry

Last week on our bridge demo project, I ran into a news reporter I know who hopes to be involved in building the future of science and technology reporting—a particular passion of mine.... READ MORE

POSTED APRIL 30, 2014 | 6 COMMENTS

Reporting Plan Makes a Bad Idea Worse
By Robert Ikenberry

Reading about the proposed requirement for companies to upload their OSHA 300 logs got me thinking.... READ MORE

POSTED MARCH 19, 2014 | 3 COMMENTS

Doom and Gloom on Blood Lead Levels (Really?)
By Robert Ikenberry

As one gets older, it’s interesting how people’s perspectives differ.... READ MORE

POSTED AUGUST 20, 2013 | 12 COMMENTS

Hot Times, Cool Opportunities
By Robert Ikenberry

It’s time to talk about climate change—and I don’t mean arguing about whether it’s happening. It is.... READ MORE

POSTED JULY 10, 2013 | 10 COMMENTS

Construction Still Low on High Tech
By Robert Ikenberry

Construction is one of the last industries to embrace technology—or so it seems. If so, why? And is it time for a change?... READ MORE

POSTED MARCH 22, 2013 | 1 COMMENT

Infrastructure Needs a Good PR Firm
By Robert Ikenberry

Which would you notice first? Money missing from your Social Security check, or a patch of rust on the underside of your local bridge? Obviously, the check.... READ MORE

POSTED JANUARY 30, 2013 | 4 COMMENTS

Business Building: Investing in ‘Yes’
By Robert Ikenberry

I’m often amazed when I watch other contractors interact with owners.... READ MORE

POSTED DECEMBER 19, 2012 | 2 COMMENTS

When Safety Incentives Backfire
By Robert Ikenberry

When you try to foster safety by offering incentives, do you really get what you want?... READ MORE

POSTED OCTOBER 16, 2012 | 5 COMMENTS

Wanted: Common Sense on Next Lead Regs
By Robert Ikenberry

Recently, when I took my annual C5 refresher, I was reminded that the OSHA Lead in Construction standard is now almost two decades old.... READ MORE

POSTED SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 | 9 COMMENTS

Rebuilding a Skilled Workforce
By Robert Ikenberry

Recently, McGraw-Hill Construction went looking for skilled labor. Turns out, they weren’t the only ones.... READ MORE