ABOUT US
TRUSTED FOR DECADES
AMES Research Laboratories, Inc. is a global manufacturer of rubberized elastomeric waterproof coatings that protect roofs, basements, foundations, decks and more. AMES is a privately held business founded by a United States veteran, and is proud to say our coatings are manufactured in the USA.
AMES has been creating top of the line waterproof coatings and sealants for decades. Our products are engineered for the professional coating applicator, facility maintenance professional, and do-it-yourselfer. We are committed to being an open and honest company that focuses on delivering to you the proper product and long-term solutions. Our products are tried, tested and true, and our knowledgeable Technical Support staff is committed to supporting you before, during and after your project.
Ames Quality & Guarantee
Ames Research Laboratories has been creating top of the line waterproofing elastomeric coatings and sealants, for over 5 decades. Our primary focus is on innovation and being environmentally friendly, creating coatings and sealants that not only past test after test, but real-world application. Ames products are only surpassed by our knowledgeable staff and accessible support team, always providing easy to reach help for any project of any size.
Ames Research Laboratories, sealants and coatings are used by professionals and novices alike. From large Facilities to your bathroom installation, we cover you from roof to basement and everything in between. Our products are easy to apply and are just as easy to clean up. Whether you’re a DIY weekend remodeler or run a large contracting roofing company, we have the products and resources to save you time and money.
Our waterproofing elastomeric sealants and coatings are water based, rubber and acrylic based compounds that are proudly made in America (Salem, Oregon) using only the finest materials possible. We stand by our products, that we guarantee they will stick, and resist peeling or flaking that we back them with some of the best warranties in the industry.
Beyond our waterproofing materials, Ames Research Laboratories believes in giving back to the community. We support many local and national charities that help underserved families. Being founded by a Veteran we continue to serve in any way we can. We are also proud to be a company that offers time off for our employees to volunteer without having to use vacation days.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM
On behalf of the entire AMES Research Laboratories organization, thank you for supporting the products and services that AMES has to offer. AMES is committed to manufacturing products that are tried, tested and true. We strive to be your best partner, and never waiver from doing what is right.
COMPANY HISTORY
AMES Research Laboratories, Inc. was founded on a long tradition of innovation, service, and American manufacturing.
William “Bill” Ames Curtright first made his mark as the founder and inventor behind the Snow Roof Systems line of elastomeric coatings. Beginning in the early 1980s, his products helped bring elastomeric roof coatings into local hardware stores and made professional-grade solutions more accessible to DIY customers across the country. After retiring from that business, Bill and his wife, Dama, returned to the industry in 2002 to establish AMES Research Laboratories, Inc.
Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Joseph Butterfield, President and CEO of Ames Research Laboratories. Born and raised in Oregon, Joseph joined Ames in 2020 as a Sales & Product Specialist, where he developed a firsthand understanding of Ames products, customers, retailers, and the industries they serve. He steadily took on greater leadership responsibilities, ultimately becoming CEO before acquiring the company in 2026.
As owner and CEO, Joseph is committed to preserving the values Ames was built on while continuing to move the company forward. That means maintaining a focus on product innovation, American manufacturing, customer service, and creating high-quality waterproofing and elastomeric coating solutions for professionals and DIYers alike.
Under Joseph’s leadership, Ames continues to expand its products, partnerships, and reach while staying grounded in the principles that have guided the company from the beginning: quality, integrity, service, and a commitment to making products people can rely on.
A Tribute to Our Founder
William Ames Curtright
1943-2019
A message from William “Bill” Ames Curtright…..
The Ames family has been a part of American history since 1774, and we continue to be a trusted name for those we serve. From Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Captain John Ames, a blacksmith, began producing the colonies’ first metal shovels and so began the history of the Ames family name. Throughout the decades, 230 plus years, the Ames family has supplied the tools and materials to build this wonderful nation.
“Make it the best you can.”
This is the Ames family motto spoken over 200 years ago by my great, great, great Grandfather Oliver Ames Sr., founder of the Ames Tools Company. When I was a young boy, my grandfather instilled in me an appreciation of my family heritage and a love for America. As I grew up, I studied my family history and found a deep connection with the story told by my family. I visited my ancestor’s home in Easton, Massachusetts where I experienced fond memories. The Ames family story is woven into the history of our nations’ founders and foundations.
Throughout my life in the coatings industry, as I have invented new products and brought them to market, I have done my best to uphold that family motto and honor my family heritage. I have great admiration for the history of our great country and treasure the rich foundations that it is built upon. My belief in God, the core principles of the US Constitution, and the importance of teaching the Bible in our schools are at the core of who I am. With this strong conviction, I use much of the profits of my company in efforts that are directed towards promoting and preserving freedom. I am a proud Navy veteran and served during the Vietnam War. Thank you for visiting and considering the AMES family of products for your waterproofing projects.
Warmest and best,
William Ames Curtright
President/CEO and Founder
AMES Research Laboratories, Inc.
In Memoriam
Ames Founder
The Ames Family has been a part of American history since 1774, and we continue to be a trusted name for those we serve. From Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Captain John Ames a Blacksmith began producing the colonies first metal shovels and so began the history of the Ames Family name. Throughout the decades, 230 plus years, the Ames family has supplied the tools and materials to build this wonderful nation.
Before his passing, Dr. William Ames Curtright DBA, developed the first water-based roof coatings called Snow Roof System. This led to the founding of the Oregon Research & Development company in 1981. However, it wouldn’t be possible without his wife Dama Curtright. After selling Oregon Research & Development in 1997, he started Ames Research Laboratories, INC in 2002. Dr. Curtright's life was a foundational example of service to God, Country and Family. He believed in the goodness of faith, his service to the nation as a veteran, and the dedication to provide the best for his family.
Today, Ames Research Laboratories legacy is no different. Although Dr. William Ames Curtright DBA has passed, his beliefs of faith, service and dedication live on. Now run by our President and CEO, Dama Curtright, we still live by the founding beliefs in providing the highest quality waterproofing and elastomeric products in the world.
A personal message from our founder:
“Make it the best you can.”
This is the Ames family motto spoken over 200 years ago by my great, great, great Grandfather Oliver Ames Sr., founder of the Ames Tools Company. When I was a young boy, my grandfather instilled in me an appreciation of my family heritage and a love for America.
As I grew up, I studied my family history and found a deep connection with the story told by my family. I visited my ancestor’s home in Easton, Massachusetts where I experienced fond memories. The Ames family story is woven into the history of our nations’ founders and foundations.
Throughout my life in the coatings industry, as I have invented new products and brought them to market, I have done my best to uphold that family motto and honor my family heritage. I have great admiration for the history of our great country and treasure the rich foundations that it is built upon. My belief in God, the core principles of the US Constitution, and the importance of teaching the Bible in our schools are at the core of who I am.
With this strong conviction, I use much of the profits of my company in efforts that are directed towards promoting and preserving freedom. I am a proud Navy veteran and served during the Vietnam War.
Thank you for visiting and considering the Ames family of products for your waterproofing projects.
Warmest and Best,
Dr. William Ames Curtright,
DBA President/CEO and Founder of Ames Research Laboratories, Inc.
In Memoriam
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"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa
"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." -Mother Teresa
Community Outreach and Social Responsibility
Beyond donations of our time, our company contributes to promoting causes and organizations that align with our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. We appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made and don’t take our First Amendment freedoms for granted. AMES considers it an honor and privilege to support and promote our First Responders, Youth Sports, Christian Education, Homeschooling, Civics Education, Biblical Citizenship, American History, the US Constitution, Healthy Families, and Mental Health.
Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 The Message (MSG)
Community Outreach and Social Responsibility
Beyond donations of our time, our company contributes to promoting causes and organizations that align with our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. We appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made and don’t take our First Amendment freedoms for granted. AMES considers it an honor and privilege to support and promote our First Responders, Youth Sports, Christian Education, Homeschooling, Civics Education, Biblical Citizenship, American History, the US Constitution, Healthy Families, and Mental Health.
Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 The Message (MSG)
Volunteer Time Off Program
The intention of this program is to create team building and community engagement opportunities for employees that are meaningful and purposeful. At the same time, we recognize that participating in these activities will enrich and inspire the lives of our employees. Some of the activities have included packaging food at our local food bank, painting fire hydrants and emergency shelters in our neighborhood, and perhaps the most life-changing of all….. donating blood platelets used by cancer patients and others facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Marion-Polk Food Share
Food Packing
Marion-Polk Food Share
Food Packing
Painting Neighborhood Fire Hydrants
Volunteer Time Off Program
Ames wants our staff to have the freedom to volunteer. Our CEO Dama Curtright, believes it would be best for us to implement a Volunteer Time Off policy. We are one of a few companies that gives all employees, no matter their position, the time off to go and provide a service within their community of choice and give their personal time to help.
The purpose of Ames’ volunteer program is to:
- Support volunteer activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live & work
- Support communities that are impacted by disasters
- Address issues that impact quality of life
- Give employees the opportunity to support causes for which they have a strong compassion
The intention of this program is to create community engagement opportunities for Ames’ employees that are meaningful, purposeful and helps those in need. At the same time, Ames’ recognizes that participating in these activities will also enrich and inspire the lives of our employees. ‘Community’ is not defined as just local community, but may encompass a global perspective.