Miracle Method with Biomaster Revitalises Airport Terminal Restrooms

Biomaster antimicrobial technology is helping to give a new lease of life to one of North America's - and the world's - busiest airports.

Newark Liberty International is the ‘second airport’ of New York, serving the city and the surrounding metropolitan area, and is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Built in 1973, Terminal A is the airport’s oldest terminal and was looking the worse for wear, having served millions of passengers every year.

In 2018 the Port Authority committed to an overhaul of the Terminal A restroom facilities to enhance the customer experience for travellers, after a New York Post article described the crumbling hub as “hell on earth.”

Seeking a rapid and affordable solution to an unfolding public relations disaster, Port Authority Officials called on Biomaster partner Miracle Method, the nation's largest bathroom and kitchen surface refinishing franchise, with more than 140 locations throughout the US.

Founded in 1979, the company specialises in refinishing bathroom and kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers, countertops, floors and other surfaces.

Antimicrobial Technology

Over eight weeks, Miracle Method transformed eight Terminal A restrooms, each with an area of around 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, utilising Miracle Method’s exclusive Natural Accents™ stone look finish, plus four custom low-to-zero VOC colour coatings, created for this project to comply with the architectural specifications.

To protect against surface abrasions, the refinishing process concluded with the application of a clear coat incorporating Biomaster antimicrobial technology.  

Biomaster provides effective 24/7 product protection against microbes that may cause degradation, stains or odours. It is easily incorporated into any surface coating, making it an integral part of the manufacturing process and finished product. It ensures effective antimicrobial product protection for the effective lifetime of any surface it is added to.

Ryan Gladhill, President of Miracle Method Tri-State, introduced Port Authority officials to Biomaster antimicrobial coatings, as well as the benefits it has to offer.

He explains: "Isolating the work environment from the public through protective barriers, Miracle Method’s process began by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces to eliminate soap scum, oils, mould, and mildew. Any loose tiles were repaired, and all necessary grout work was completed. 

In each bathroom the tile floors, tile walls and drywall ceilings were refinished to create a completely sealed surface using Miracle Method’s proprietary process. This surface is not only more attractive, but easier for staff to maintain. 

The Biomaster antimicrobial clear coat was beneficial in closing of the sale because it solidified the benefits and properties of the refinished surface.  It was important to the customer given the amount of daily traffic throughout the restrooms as it protects against odour and bacteria.”

New Business Opportunities

By utilising Miracle Method’s refinishing process, Port Authority Officials were able to save approximately half the time and cost of what removal and replacement would have been.  They were so impressed with the work at Newark Liberty International Airport that it led to a referral to Teterboro Airport, also operated by the Port Authority. 

Mr. Gladhill adds, "Since being able to offer the use of antimicrobial we have been afforded the opportunity to open new doors with customers whom may have not considered refinishing as a long-term solution. Additionally, this has allowed us to reconnect with existing and past customers providing us with the ability to offer them a new solution/option."

Miracle Method’s antimicrobial coating has also been used in refinishing projects at the Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia airport, the University of Maryland Medical Center, Rutgers University New Brunswick Campus, Baltimore City, Maryland Buildings, the Smithsonian and Georgetown Hospital.

Biomaster antimicrobial products are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information about Miracle Method visit the company website. Click here for more information about Biomaster USA.