Project Overview

Blue Wave Bistro, a popular seafood restaurant in a coastal city, faced persistent issues with its kitchen and restroom walls. Located just 500 meters from the beach, the high salt content in the air and frequent steam from cooking created a hyper-humid environment. Within 18 months of its last renovation, traditional gypsum boards in these areas had developed mold, warped at the edges, and required costly monthly repairs. To address this, the restaurant’s management planned a targeted renovation in early 2025, prioritizing materials that could withstand long-term moisture and salt exposure.

Why YATAI Waterproof Gypsum Board?

After testing samples from 6 manufacturers, Blue Wave Bistro selected YATAI waterproof gypsum board for three critical reasons:

• Enhanced Moisture Resistance: Lab tests showed YATAI’s core, treated with a proprietary water-repellent compound, retained 95% of its structural integrity after 1,000 hours of continuous exposure to 90% humidity—far outperforming competitors (average 65% retention).

• Salt Corrosion Protection: The board’s PVC coating contains anti-corrosive additives, proven to resist degradation from salt-laden air in coastal environments—a key requirement for the bistro.

• Workability and Aesthetics: Despite its durability, YATAI’s boards are lightweight (8kg/m²) and easy to cut, allowing the contractor to achieve custom curved edges for the restaurant’s modern design. Its smooth surface also accepted food-safe paint without primer, reducing installation time.

Implementation Process

• Pre-Installation Prep: The renovation team removed the old damaged boards and treated the underlying framing with anti-mold spray. They ensured all surfaces were dry (moisture content <12%) to maximize adhesion.

• Installation: Over 200㎡ of YATAI 12mm-thick waterproof gypsum boards were installed on metal studs. Joints were sealed with YATAI’s proprietary water-resistant putty, and seams were reinforced with fiberglass mesh tape to prevent cracking.

• Finishing: After curing for 72 hours, the boards were painted with a marine-grade, mildew-resistant paint. In the kitchen, a clear food-safe sealant was applied to areas near cooking stations for extra protection.

Results After 8 Months

• Moisture Performance: Inspections revealed zero mold growth or warping, even in the steam-heavy dishwashing area. A moisture meter showed surface readings consistently below 15%—well within safe limits.

• Cost Savings: The restaurant eliminated monthly repair costs ((300–)500) and avoided potential closures due to wall damage. The total savings to date exceed $4,000.

• Operational Benefits: The durable surface withstood frequent cleaning with harsh sanitizers, maintaining a polished appearance. Staff reported the walls felt “sturdier” and easier to maintain compared to the previous material.

Customer Testimonial

“Choosing YATAI was a game-changer for our coastal location,” said Marco Ruiz, Blue Wave Bistro’s owner. “We’d tried every ‘waterproof’ solution before, but none held up to our kitchen’s steam and the ocean air. YATAI’s boards look as good today as the day they were installed, and the cost savings have been significant. We’re already planning to use them in our outdoor patio bar expansion.”