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Sto Case Study: High-performance Colorants are the Best Choice for Durable, High-quality Exterior Finishes.
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| May 18, 2026 |
Wash Boss Car Wash
Inspired by the sweeping curves and kinetic motion of a Hot Wheels track, Wash Boss was designed to serve as its own marketing through architecture.
Facades
StoTherm® ci paired with the StoSignature® Stone 10 finish proved essential to achieving this vision, enabling uninterrupted sculptural curves and crisp transitions that traditional rigid cladding systems struggle to replicate.
Often, car washes are designed for function. Zack Fortner, owner of Wash Boss, had a vision for his new car wash that aimed a little higher. Known for his hands-on approach and aversion to traditional marketing, Zack envisioned a high-performance structure that paired striking aesthetics with enduring function. StoTherm ci, engineered to withstand demanding exposure conditions without sacrificing design flexibility, worked in tandem with a highly skilled installation team to bring the concept to life.
The Vision: A Car Wash that Makes a Big Splash
Evansville, Indiana, has many car washes. They all look the same. Zack Fortner wanted to change that. He envisioned a facility that would break from industry norms and redefine what a car wash could look like. Something that would stand out and would become a conversation piece around town.
He imagined bold, bright colors and sweeping curves inspired by cars racing around a Hot Wheels track. He collaborated with an architect to capture the essence of the idea. That was the easy part. Then came the real challenge: turning this out-of-the-box idea into reality.
The Challenges of Building a Car Wash
Unlike most commercial buildings that are designed primarily to manage incidental moisture exposure, car washes endure continuous water spray, detergents, humidity, and rapid temperature fluctuations. This presents a unique challenge. Layer in embedded lighting and sculpted curves formed from 8-inch foam, and the complexity increases significantly. The StoTherm ci system is engineered for design versatility, allowing substantial creative freedom while maintaining continuous insulation and moisture protection ensuring long-term performance in demanding environments.
Given the project's uniqueness, the team invited Sto to Evansville to train the Magnum Construction Team, the acting general contractor and applicator. As part of that training, Sto and the team would construct a representative wall section to review detailing and align on best practices. Sto also wanted to use this opportunity to present an alternative to the originally specified finish.
The Team Reviews the Project and Specified Components
StoLit® Milano, a versatile, acrylic-based finish that yields an incredibly smooth texture, was originally specified for the project. During the mockup phase, Sto proposed an alternative finish that offered application efficiencies and enhanced long-term durability. While StoSignature Stone 10 offers a slightly more textured appearance than StoLit Milano, it provides enhanced resistance to moisture intrusion UV exposure, and chemical contact, all critical factors in a high-wash environment. The owner was convinced.
The training session was highly successful. The team left with best practices, tips, and tricks. It was time to put everything they had learned to work.
The Build
Even with training, there were a few surprises on the jobsite. Working with 8-inch EPS foam required modified field techniques. Installers developed precise rasping and relief-cut techniques, segmenting the foam at one-inch intervals to create continuous radii with seamless transitions. Under the booth overhang, the system was direct-applied, requiring careful attention to prevent foam compression and maintain surface integrity.
Lighting installation along the curved façades prompted further innovation: the crew engineered custom blocking and framing, reconfiguring the base with wood and 1-inch foam to eliminate long fasteners. These field-engineered solutions preserved both structural strength and aesthetic intent.
The team’s creativity and innovation rose to every challenge and kept the project on track. Every design decision balanced beauty with resilience. Precise detailing around lighting and wash bays prevents water intrusion, while the building’s sculpted curves enhance drainage and visual flow.
An EIMA-Worthy Finish
The project was completed in the summer of 2025. The crew had delivered exceptional precision, turning a car wash into a statement of creativity, teamwork, and technical mastery. The result is more than a functional facility—it’s a vivid expression of how EIFS can transform vision into a lasting landmark. As such, Sto has submitted it for an EIMA award, which celebrates exceptional projects clad with exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).
The owner sought to make Wash Boss the talk of the town. As it turns out, it’s more than that. Since its opening, the iconic car wash has garnered significant industry attention. Zack couldn’t be happier.
“It looks even better than I had hoped. The amazing product, combined with a fantastic installation, has led to a ‘head turner’ of a building. I love it!” Zack Fortner, Owner, Wash Boss.
@StoCorp #StoCorp #building #offices #stoventec
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