Reflecting Pool Peel Attributed to Installation Flaws, Not Vandals
Washington Post analysis finds the Reflecting Pool’s peeling occurred in at least seven seam locations after a $14 million renovation and is likely due to installation flaws—such as improper edge preparation, seam overlaps, and coat sequencing (base coat Rhino 406 followed by Pipeliner 5000)—rather than vandalism, despite Trump and White House claims. Experts say gaps between sprayed sections and stressed expansion joints could cause adhesion failures; a correction notes timing between coats ranged from about five hours to more than a day in one area. The project was contracted to Atlantic Industrial Coatings with Mid-America Industrial Coatings as a subcontractor, using Rhino Linings materials; officials deny vandalism and note ongoing repairs.