imPAINT Magazine Sep/Oct 2019

inPAINT T H E M AG A Z I N E FO R PR O FE SS I O N AL S

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SEP/O C T 2019

EXTERIOR COATINGS Pros’ go-to products

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Abrasives: the nitty-gritty on grit Deck prep and care

Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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For the good kind of callbacks.

Choose your paint like your reputation depends on it. Because it does.

Only Sherwin-Williams can help you grow your business by delivering the quality and long-lasting great looks your customers demand. sherwin-williams.com

Š2018 The Sherwin-Williams Company

WE CAN GET YOU THERE Great tools are the key to achieving quality finishes. Wooster Ultra/Pro® Firm paintbrushes continue to bring success to every-day painting jobs nearly 35 years after hitting the paint store. When the need arises for a dependable brush that will glide through the day’s application and provide excellent cuts, pros know that Wooster is the way to get there.

The Wooster Brush Company • woosterbrush.com • 800.392.7246

CUTTING IN

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say 'no' to almost everything.”

—Warren Buffett

I

was visiting my 85-year-old mother recently and she was lamenting how she’s always being asked to serve on various boards, organize events, etc. (That’s right; 85 and still in demand).

When I suggested she turn down at least a few of the opportunities, she replied that she hates saying no. I looked her in the eye and said, “When you say ‘no’ to others you’re actually saying ‘yes’ to yourself.” She proceeded to thank me and write the phrase on three separate Post-It Notes that she then put next to every phone in the house to remind and inspire her when the next call came in.

A few days later, she emailed me with the subject line, “You’re a regular Warren Buffett” and shared his quote above.

While I would never claim to be ‘a Warren Buffett,’ I do acknowledge valuing the power of saying ‘no’ just as much as he does.

Over the years, I’ve learned that being busy is not the same as being productive. It’s important to have a narrow set of goals and stay focused on them. That means saying no to anything that distracts you from them, no matter how enticing they are or seemingly helpful to others they might be.

With that ‘no,’ you’re saying yes to deciding what you want to give your energy to … yes to choosing the people with whom you want to engage; yes to owning your own time; and yes to controlling your destiny. It doesn’t matter if you’re 85 or 25, there’s a lot to be gained from all those yeses.

We hope you’ll say yes to spending time with a few articles in this issue and find new ways to take more control of the quality of your time and life. As always, we welcome your thoughts and ideas on the topics we cover.

Cheers,

Amanda Haar Amanda Haar Managing Editor, inPAINT

2019 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Steve Burnett President, DYB Coach Nigel Costolloe President, Catchlight Painting LeAnn Day President, Paint & Decorating Retailers Association

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

Doug Imhoff Owner, Imhoff Fine Residential Painting

Tom Reber President, The Contractor Fight

Jim Kaloutas Owner, Kaloutas Painting

Nick Slavik Owner, Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co.

Marge Parkhurst President, Painting by Marge, Inc.

Art Snarzyk Owner, InnerView Advisors, Inc.

FOR WHEN comfort MATTERS. 3M ™ Respirator with Cool Flow ™ Valve Paint Project Quick Latch #6502QL Designed for comfort and convenience. Easy on and off with a flip of a lever.* 3M™ Cool Flow™ Valve helps reduce heat buildup inside the respirator.

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WARNING: Workplace/Occupational Applications: This respirator helps protect against certain airborne contaminants. Misuse may result in sickness or death. For correct use, consult supervisor and User Instructions, or call 3M in U.S.A. at 1-800-243-4630.

In Canada, call 1-800-267-4414. *For breaks in non-contaminated areas. © 3M 2019. All rights reserved.

3M and Cool Flow are trademarks of 3M.

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PUBLISHER Edward McAdams MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Haar DESIGN Carl Bezuidenhout CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Cindy Puskar

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Brian Sodoma

EDITORIAL amanda@inPAINTmag.com ADVERTISE 602-296-5391 ed@inPAINTmag.com SUBSCRIBE inPAINTmag.com/subscribe inPAINTmag.com

This issue’s contributing experts Peter Berke North Atlantic Painting Company Aubree Brenda Lancaster Painting Raul Lizarraga Lancaster Painting Jason Lunn 3M Dustin Martin BrushBaggy Connie McKinney Purdy Chris Noto Titan Matt Palmisciano Forjak Industrial Andy Peace Stinger Brush Company Nichole Roth Zack Academy Diane Shattuck Independent Consultant

publishing group REM Publishing Group LLC 8924 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Suite G5 #575 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Logan Shinholser Full Sail Marketing Charlie Silveria Silveria Painting Kris Thomson Kris Thomson Carpentry Ken Tucker Changescape Web

©2019 REM Publishing Group LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of content in any manner without written permission by the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed columns and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Publisher assumes no liability for any damages or loss of any kind that might arise from the use, misuse or inability to use the materials or information contained in this publication. All material and information appearing in this publication is distributed and transmitted ‘as is,’ without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, and is subject to the terms and conditions stated in this disclaimer.

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

Rick Watson Sherwin-Williams Shane Woods Custom Paint Works

CRAFTSMANSHIP, INNOVATION, AND AMERICAN PRIDE.

Around here, built in America is a badge of honor.

It stands for quality, craftsmanship, and innovative tools you can stake your reputation and livelihood on.

Find out more at TitanTool.com/BuiltInAmerica

AMERICAN PROUD. TITAN STRONG.

inPAINT® Sep/Oct 2019

CONTENTS 18

FEATURES

18

Decks

22

Pro Picks

26

The inPAINT Interview

30

Choosing the right abrasive for the job

Making them beautiful— and making them last

Pros on their go-to exterior coatings

Restoration carpenter on being an ‘architectural detective’

Photo Courtesy of SurfPrep

Sanding

DEPARTMENTS 10 The News Industry ins and outs

34 Tools of the Trade What’s in today’s professional toolbox?

14 Trends A fast look at the forces at work in our industry

36 Teach to Fish Know which respirator is right for each job

15 Trend in Focus Capturing consumer interest with pictures and videos 16 5 Questions Insight on social media today from a marketing specialist

38 Upcoming Events The what, where and when of the industry’s leading events 39 Bottom Line Embracing the RRP Rule can be good for business

32 Ask a Pro When does it make sense to upgrade or expand your spray equipment?

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

Cover Photo Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

SUBSCRIBE Painting Contractors | Remodelers | General Contractors Property Managers | Architects | Designers

inPAINT inPAINT OUR 2018 SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN! T N T I inPAIN COATINGS inPA EXTERIOR ®

TH E MA GA ZIN E FO R PRO FES SIO NA

TH E MA GA ZIN E FO R PR OF ES SIO NA

LS | MAY 2018

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LS | JU NE 201 8

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TH E MA GA

OF ES SIO ZIN E FO R PR

2017/JA NA LS | DE C

2018

COLOR TRWEHATN’SDNEWS, WHAT’S NEXT

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INS IDE :

The inPAINT Product Guide Coatings & Applicators

NA LS FOR PRO FES SIO TH E MA GA ZIN E

UPDATE:

NEW AND IMPROVED PRODUCTS FOR PROS

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APR IL 2018

The brands pr trust most os

PREP MISTAKES

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Rewarding referrals

AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Pros talk deck coatings

Pros talk marketing tools Is ‘green’ still re

N 2018

levant?

ifts for Must-do mind sh future ble ta ofi pr re a mo

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The realities of #DeleteFacebook May 2018 | inPAIN T

Managing overspray 1

Pros talk work vehicles Business financing options

IT’S FREE!

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Pros on their go-to

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primers

How brush manufac tur are meeting your ne ers eds June 2018 | inPAINT

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THE NEWS

Jobsite cleanup made simple— and safe New program aims to train the next generation of painters T Recognizing the need for skilled/job-ready workers in the paint industry, Benjamin Moore, PCA and TEACH Construction have partnered to create a multifaceted approach to training the next generation of painters.

Through a generous $100,000 grant from Benjamin Moore, the partners have developed a program aimed at students, second-career employees and others new to the industry.

A PCA-created 15-segment Trade Best Practice video series serves to reinforce skills for practicing professionals, and covers painting-specific topics including cleaning, taping, brushing and rolling.

The TEACH Construction portion of the program includes videos, handouts and instruction geared toward students and second-career employees looking to learn the trade.

All content is free and designed to deliver job-ready employees to painting contractors.

Professionals can access PCA videos at: pcapainted.org/trade-best-practices. TEACH Construction content is available for educators and employers at TeachConstruction.org. TEACH is also working with vocational and two-year colleges, as well as education-focused nonprofits, to employ the content that can help develop the next generation of tradespeople.

Benjamin Moore will be sharing content via its contractor-community portal, social media, and at BenjaminMoore.com 10

inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

TAt a jobsite, the last thing you want to worry about is setting up a complicated washout for equipment and tools. Outpak Washout’s Corrugated Washout provides the fastest and easiest washout solution.

Constructed from heavy-duty, water-treated Kraft fiberboard, the 30" x 30" x 14" washout takes seconds to set up and folds flat for easy storage when not in use. Each unit comes with a 6-mm polyethylene bag and is durable enough to be left outside in the elements for short- to medium-term projects.

At the close of the job, you simply clean your brushes, sprayers, buckets and rollers in the washout, then add Outpak Slurry Solution to transform liquid waste into an EPA- and BMPcompliant solid that can safely and easily be disposed of in any standard waste container.

A 4' x 4' x 14" Outpak All-Weather Washout is made from polypropylene and designed for larger, long-term projects. Outpak.com

STEP ONE

STEP TWO

STEP THREE

Purdy launches time- and labor-saving Chinex Elite brushes T Purdy introduced a new line of Chinex Elite brushes in March with the aim of helping professional painters work more efficiently and be more productive.

According to Connie McKinney, Purdy senior product manager, “Purdy’s Chinex Elite brushes are specially designed to provide easy paint pickup and release, even on the roughest surfaces, saving time and effort for the painter.”

Featuring DuPont Chinex filaments, pre-flagged for better coverage and fast application, the entire line is ideal for heavy-bodied, low-VOC paints, and offers superior cleanability.

The line includes four models: the Glide is available in 2," 2.5" and 3"; the 2.5" Bow; the 3" Sprig; and the 3" Swan. All models feature a stainless steel ferrule. Available at Purdy.com and all Purdy retailers.

Helping the Great Gravity Clock defy the passage of time T When Charlie Silveria, owner of Silveria Painting in Fort Lauderdale, FL, got a call about an opportunity to repaint the Great Gravity Clock at the nearby Museum of Discovery and Science, he almost passed on it. “My first thought was, ‘We’ve never done anything like that.’ But then I broke the structure down in my mind and realized it was just steel pipes—something we’ve done plenty of.”

The father of two young kids, Silveria was familiar with the largest kinetic sculpture in Florida. “It’s one of only three clocks of its kind that exists in the world,” he says. “Getting to paint it was not only an honor, it was also a way to earn some cool points with my kids, and I thought this could be fun.”

Standing 52' tall, the impressive metal structure is made up of 1,442' of steel supports and rails, including 50 balls that move around the face of the clock and are released onto three sets of rails to denote the time.

“The clock operates 24/7 and is exposed to sun, wind, dirt and grime,” says Silveria. “The major prep concern was

addressing the buildup of soot and rust.” A crew of four used a needle scaler to tackle the rust and Cobble Clean, a degreaser from SurfaceLogix, to ready the metal surface for painting.

Operating on a combination of scaffolding and a boom lift, and sometimes climbing on the structure while tied off, the crew applied a full coat of Sherwin-Williams Pro Industrial Pro-Cryl Universal Acrylic Primer followed by two coats of the company’s Pro Industrial Waterbased Acrolon 100 HS in a total of three colors. Over the course of two weeks, they brushed and rolled roughly 15 gallons total of three different colored coatings onto the clock, all while carefully navigating the lift so as to not bump the structure.

“It took some delicate bobbing and weaving, but our team got it done.”

Noting that the museum allows the Boy Scouts to use the facility for campouts, Silveria adds, “My boys have camped there multiple times and it’s really cool for them to be able to say ‘My dad’s company painted the Gravity Clock.’”

Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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THE NEWS

BrushBaggy: keeps brushes wet for weeks T Specifically designed for the most commonly used paintbrush sizes, the BrushBaggy can save you time, paint and money on every job. Super easy to use, each custom-sized bag fits snugly to the tool and keeps paint out-of-the-can fresh for weeks. “With BrushBaggy, you don’t have to spend time washing out brushes or struggle with plastic wrap or bags at the end of the day,” says product creator Dustin Martin. “You just insert your brush handle, pull the BrushBaggy up to snug, and zip-seal the top. It’s that easy. And when you’re ready to paint again, you just rip it off. Your brush is as fresh as it was when you left the job.”

In addition to standard brush sizes, the BrushBaggy line includes roller cover- and tray-sized options. The entire line is available at select Sherwin-Williams stores and at BrushBaggy.com

Aqua Coat introduces a new solution for wood grain T If creating a glass-smooth finish on grainy surfaces (think kitchen cabinets) is a regular task on your to-do list, then you’re going to love Aqua Coat’s White Cabinet Grain Filler. Easy to apply, the low-odor water-based, white gel fills and seals pores and grains, even on deepgrained wood, for a super-smooth finish. The white tint makes it easy to spot areas you may have missed or that simply require more product. A quick dry time means you can begin applying primer and paint in 30 to 40 minutes. Thanks to the smooth finish Aqua Coat creates, you can minimize the number of coats you need to apply to a surface, saving you time and money.

Available at independent paint stores and at AquaCoat.com

Lowe’s beefs up pro program T In an effort to help pros save time and money on every job, all U.S. Lowe’s stores now have dedicated pro loaders and management-level supervisors responsible solely for pro sales and service. The company is also actively training and scheduling associates in a way that meets the needs of pros, including early morning shifts and color/data capture for faster ordering.

Many locations now feature designated parking spots located near the Pro Desk for a quicker shopping experience.

Pros will also find deeper inventory in heavily pro-purchased products like applicators, 5-gallon pails, primers and contractor packs of tape and caulk. In addition, through their Lowe’s Business Account, pros can now have items delivered by truck to jobsites within 75 miles of stores with available inventory for $20. LowesForPros.com

Stinger Brush Company introduces a game-changing applicator

STINGER PRO

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STINGER CLASSIC

inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

T Having grown up in the trades, Andy Peace had long envisioned a multitasking paintbrush that would do more for the pro than the standard applicator. He says he even went as far as to approach multiple manufacturers to share his concept. “But when no one would even consider it or return my calls,” he relates, “I decided to do it myself. The result is two never-seen-before brushes: the Stinger Pro and the Stinger Classic.”

What makes the Stinger Pro unique is the patented Fill-a-Blend Technology that combines multiple filament types in a single wedge-shaped brush. “It’s the fastest way to paint clean, straight lines, especially around edges and corners,” says Peace.

The similarly wedge-shaped Stinger Classic features the Stinger Tip with extended filaments that makes cutting in easier than ever.

“Whichever model you use,” says Peace, “You’ll get better results in less time than you could with a traditional applicator.” Ideal for all paint types, both brushes are available in 2," 2.5" and 3" models. StingerBrush.com

GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND SPECIAL SECTION: NOV/DEC ISSUE

How far you go depends largely on what’s available to take you there.

In our next issue, industry vendors will share how their products and/or services can help your business soar.

Look for it in November.

Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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TRENDS

Picture success According to LinkedIn, posts on their site with images generally result in a 2x higher comment rate. In addition, companies that post weekly see a 2x lift in engagement with their content.

Ink v. Paint Nearly a quarter of millennials would rather get a tattoo than start a paint project.

SOURCE: Glidden Don’t Procrastipaint Survey

Autumn Hues Colorful leaves, ripe pumpkins and plump berries are just a few of the autumnal images called to mind by the seasonal hues of six paint manufacturers.

Sherwin-Williams Autumnal SW 6361

PPG Paints Autumn Ridge 331-7

Behr Autumn Blush S220-1 14

inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

You’ve got your troubles …

According to the 2019 Houzz State of the Industry report for U.S. Residential Renovation and Design, specialty contractors’ (including painters’) top three business challenges for 2018 were: 1. Increased cost of doing business 2. Difficulty hiring/being understaffed 3. Managing consumer concerns about costs

Benjamin Moore Autumn Purple 2073-20

Dunn-Edwards Autumn Bark DEA164

Kelly-Moore Paints Autumn Bloom KM4468

Survey says … remodels are more affordable than people think

The cash flow management time suck

91%

of small business owners spend as much as 20 hours per week on cash-flow management, from handling payroll to invoicing and purchasing inventory.

SOURCE: Kabbage.com

According to a recent survey by Improvenet in which consumers were shown before-and-after pictures of remodeled rooms and asked to guess the cost of the transformation, with a couple of notable exceptions, consumers overestimated actual costs. Here are few key findings: ACTUAL COSTS VS. GUESSES All rooms All rooms, materials only All rooms, labor only Kitchens Living rooms Bedrooms Bathrooms

Actual cost 15% less Actual cost 2% more Actual cost 36% less Actual cost 13% more Actual cost 17% less Actual cost 42% less Actual cost 9% less

TREND IN FOCUS

Image is everything Capturing consumer interest with pictures and videos

I

f you’ve been on the fence about adding images or videos to your website and social media platforms, here’s a little information that might inspire you to take action per Social Media Today: ■■ People remember visual information 6x better than the information they have read or heard.

■■ Facebook posts with images get 3.2x more engagement than those without images.

■■ By 2022, around 79% of all mobile data traffic will consist of videos.

Now that virtually everyone is walking around with a camera in their pocket, it’s really no surprise that we are becoming an image-centric society. This shift presents a great opportunity for you to let your work speak for itself.

According to Ken Tucker, owner of digital marketing solutions company Changescape Web, “Consumers have so many competing factors for their time. The fact that you can tell your company story—‘we’ll make your property look amazing’—with one great image, is a huge win for business owners.” The key, says Tucker, is knowing who your target audience is and choosing the platform that makes the most sense for that audience.

Follow the eyeballs Tucker, whose company services contractors across multiple trades, notes that platform preferences vary across generational lines.

“What we’re seeing right now is paint contractors finding a lot of residential repaint opportunity with the 55+ market,” he says. “For that audience, Facebook is where you’ll get the best traction. If you add video to your post, your bump in engagement will be nearly 2x that of a post with text alone or text with a link. Even a still image will pull significantly more than straight text.”

However, if you’re aiming for a younger market, Tucker suggests you look to Instagram. “(This) is the fastest-growing social media platform and it’s where younger, first-time homebuyers spend their time,” he says. “Plus, it allows for 15- to 30-second videos.”

Show and sell Logan Shinholser of online marketing agency Full Sail Marketing advises his clients to choose images with care.

“More than a service, you want to sell an emotion,” he says. Like realtors do, he suggests staging to give finished

rooms a lived-in feel. “You want someone to think ‘that’s what I want’ when they look at your site or post.”

Shinholser is also a proponent of video on websites.

“Ideally, you have a video on each page … one for kitchen cabinets, one for bathrooms, one for exteriors, and so on. Tell people about your process and the products you use, and demonstrate your knowledge.

Without realizing it, people develop a connection with the person in the video. And if you’re the person answering the phone when they call, you’ve just dramatically shortened the time it takes to earn their trust.”

If you post it, they will call Aubree Brenda, an administrative assistant at Lancaster Painting in Turlock, CA, has seen first-hand the power of videos. She says, “Over the past six months, we started adding videos to our Facebook page, and the response has been amazing.”

Brenda, who goes to jobsites to shoot short (15 to 120 seconds) GoPro videos of work in progress, reports, “Last week, we posted a before and after photo compilation of a cabinet project. By the end of the day, we booked five estimates, all in response to those images.”

The company has also incorporated videos into their business strategy. “We’re looking to grow our concrete coatings business,” explains Brenda. “The rep from our coatings company, Penntek Industrial Coatings, was scheduled to do ride-alongs for the day with our estimator. Two weeks in advance, I shot a video detailing the step-by-step process of our concrete coatings and we posted it a few days before the rep came. It got 11.8k views and 18 comments—and we filled the estimate schedule for the entire day he was here, as well as the estimator’s schedule for the rest of the week.”

“What we’re seeing right now is paint contractors finding a lot of residential repaint opportunity with the 55+ market.”

—KEN TUCKER, CHANGESCAPE WEB

… and ‘Action!’

Shinholser encourages businesses to start incorporating video into their online presence sooner than later.

“The time to start adding video is now. It’s easy to do and you can use it across every platform. If you don’t, you’re going to struggle to catch up—and to catch the attention of potential customers.”

Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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5 QUESTIONS

5

Good

QUESTIONS WITH LOGAN SHINHOLSER

1 LOGAN SHINHOLSER is the owner of Full Sail Marketing, an online marketing agency that focuses on helping residential construction companies and contractors build their presence, generate leads, and grow their brand.

They specialize in putting the right message in front of the right prospects via website design, SEO and social media advertising.

FullSailMarketing.com

What are the top two Facebook MUST-DOs for every paint contractor?

Actually, I have 2½ MUST-DOs. The first is Facebook Live. There’s nothing like live video to demonstrate transparency and develop trust. At this point in time, Facebook Live is the most favored type of post by FB, so they show it to most of your followers.

Plus, it gets the most engagement of any type of post.

Second, if you’re not going to do Facebook Live, at least have video on FB. It gets way more engagement than pictures and text posts, and the current FB algorithm promotes video heavily.

And the half of my 2½ MUST-DOs has to do with engagement. Whenever anyone comments on your page, always, always, ALWAYS respond. Say thanks and ask a question. Get an exchange going. If FB sees that, they’ll push the heck out of it.

2

What's the one thing painters should stop doing on Facebook?

Stop solely posting about services and sales.

When you continuously try to sell, it devalues your service and you end up annoying people.

Make your post more about the needs and interest of your followers. Teach them something, show them something interesting—and be entertaining.

That’s not to say you can’t post sales, but don’t overdo it. You want to demonstrate your intentions are good and build trust.

3

What's the biggest misperception contractors have about the power of Facebook?

That solely posting organically to a FB page will grow your business.

It used to be that if you posted, 50–60% of your followers would see it. Now that number is well below 5%.

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

INSIGHT FROM A CONTRACTOR MARKETING CONSULTANT

It’s hard to grow at that rate.

You definitely want to be on FB, but it should be a piece of your overall marketing-dollar pie and not the whole pie.

4

What upcoming changes to the platform should pros be aware of, and how should they respond?

There are two things to be aware of: 1. Right now, FB is really cheap. It’s kind of like when Google started and ads on that platform were cheap.

Like Google, you can expect FB rates to rise. So now is the moment to make your mark on FB. 2. A lot of contractors are joining neighborhood groups to promote services. It’s a good place to be, but some members perceive posted promotions as ‘spammy.’ The good news is there’s a lot of chatter that soon you’ll be able to advertise in FB Groups.

This hasn’t been formally announced, but all indications are that it’s what’s next. Keep your eyes open, as this could be huge opportunity.

5

What other social media platform should pros be putting some effort into?

Pinterest. This is the platform where people go to look for inspiration related to repaints and renovations.

It’s perfect for the home-services industry, as it allows people to check out your work and visualize what their projects will look like.

If you haven’t already, get on there and create a board—or, ideally, several. Organize them by type of project—interiors, exteriors, kitchen cabinets, commercial, etc. Pick your top projects and post them. Then, when you complete a new project, take some pictures and add them. It’s a great way to show off your work and inspire potential customers to tackle new projects.

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SANDING THE NECESSARY EVIL

Understanding what the many type of abrasive options offer

BY DIANE SHATTUCK

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

grit is applied to a sanding sponge, you will get a 220–280-grit scratch.

Another misconception is that grit should be the deciding factor in the selection of abrasives when, in fact, the grit number simply specifies the size of the mineral and how many are on a square inch of the paper/sponge.

Photo Courtesy of SurfPrep

The nitty-gritty of sandpaper There are four main components that make up sandpaper: backing, glue, mineral and type: Backing: The backing’s firmness and flatness will affect the scratch; the stiffer the paper, the less the mineral will deflect while scratching, delivering a deeper and faster scratch. A soft backing on a sponge (a flexible

The key to completing a craftsman-quality job is learning how to choose which abrasives fit the individual need of each unique situation.

A sanding sponge attached to an electric orbital sander allows for flexible, even sanding without the muscle.

T

here’s a common misconception that if wood is clean and smooth, there’s no need to sand. This couldn’t be further from the truth; we sand NOT to make the wood smooth but, rather, to open the grain to allow the stain/finishes to penetrate and create a strong bond.

Sanding is often the most important process in finishing, however a fact that is often overlooked is the importance of sanding at each step along the way of the finishing process to ensure that color is consistent, adhesion is strong, and the final appearance is what was intended.

But the world of sanding can be a maze of questions and frustrations if you don’t know which abrasive or sanding tool is best suited for your job, or when you have sanded just enough or too much … or don’t understand why there are swirls or color variances in the finished work.

The key to completing a craftsman-quality job is learning how to choose which abrasives fit the individual need of each unique situation. A little knowledge on how they are designed and perform can help you choose the right tools for any job—and save you some frustration.

Sandpaper and sanding sponges are not twins Contrary to popular belief, these two types of abrasives sand nothing alike. Though they have the same mineral and grit on them, they deliver performance and appearance that are night and day from one another.

For example, 100 grit applied to a sheet of sandpaper will give you a 100-grit scratch, however when 100

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The grit number simply specifies the size of the mineral and how many are on a square inch of the paper/sponge.

But grit is just part of the story.

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

backing on sandpaper) will allow the abrasive to refract more, causing lighter, smoother scratches.

Glue: Different types of glue are used based on how best they are suited for flexibility, heat resistance, wear, and if they are designed for wet-sanding. (A waterproof adhesive is used to glue the minerals to the backing for use in wet-sanding.)

Mineral: There are several different types of minerals used in abrasives, each creating a different kind of scratch, yet they are graded on the same scale.

An example is 120-grit garnet vs 120-grit ceramic; though the grit is the same, these two types of minerals’ performance and scratch are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Garnet is the only natural mineral, for use on wood only, and is great for soft woods like pine, producing an excellent finish appearance.

Ceramic is manmade, more costly, very aggressive and tough. It can be used on all ferrous/non-ferrous metals, but its scratch is too aggressive for wood.

Two of the most common minerals are aluminum oxide and silicon carbide. Aluminum oxide, the most widely used, is a tough, durable, blocky-shaped synthetic mineral that wears slowly and produces an even scratch.

It is most commonly used for sanding raw wood, leveling and shaping—but is not the best choice for sanding finishes. Silicon carbide is very hard and sharp, but brittle. It will produce consistent fine scratches, which is great for sanding in between finish coats and to reduce swirl marks.

Type: The final component in sandpaper is the type: open coat or closed coat. With open-coat abrasives, the minerals cover the backing only 40%–70%, allowing particles to release so as not to clog the paper. This type is best for bare (or white) wood sanding. With closed-coat abrasives, the mineral covers 90%–100% of the backing, making this type of sandpaper more appropriate on finishes, glass (polishing edges) and steel. There are also some types of sandpaper that add a stearate to keep particles from sticking to the backing.

Digging deeper for an answer Unfortunately, when you’re standing in the abrasives aisle, you’ll find that much of this critical information is not printed on the packaging—or it may be in the fine

A soft foam backing helps to evenly distribute pressure points while hand-sanding for a smooth, consistent finish. For added versatility, sanding sponges can be used for either wet or dry sanding.

print. So then how can you make an educated decision on what to buy for your specific project?

There are two ways: touch and sight. Feel the surface of the abrasive to judge if the mineral is going to be too aggressive for your use. This is where you may need to rely on past experience. Also, look at the color, which will say a lot about the makeup of the product: ■■ The ceramic mineral is usually purple, blue or red.

If it looks and feels really bulky and coated, and the package is promoting ‘long lasting,’ it is designed for an aggressive cut but gives the least appearance factor when staining. This type is best used for stock removal (aggressively sanding the wood to level it or remove large amounts of thickness) or for stripping.

■■ The garnet mineral is usually orangish brown in color and is very rough, but not coated like ceramic.

■■ The aluminum oxide mineral, the most popular grain used, tends to be gold or tan in color by most manufacturers. It will work in most sanding operations, but it’s not the preferred mineral to achieve the best appearance and performance when it comes to sanding between finish coats.

Photo Courtesy of SurfPrep

DIANE SHATTUCK has been in the woodworking industry for more than 39 years. She has owned and operated her own finishing business, written monthly blogs for FinishingIQ, been published in several trade magazines, and interviewed by HGTV Magazine for her expertise on sanding and finishing techniques. She is regularly a guest speaker for international trade events including the International Woodworking Fair, Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers, and various woodworkers and woodturner guilds. She is also a freelance consultant to both professionals and DIYers on finishing, techniques and coatings, and can be reached at DianeShattuck@msn.com

Photo Courtesy of Diane Shattuck

The silicon carbide mineral is typically silver, gray or black. It is used on wet-dry sandpaper, and is preferred for sanding between finish/coating applications.

So now you can understand why a 120-grit abrasive made by different manufacturers who used different minerals will provide very different outcomes.

■■

Beyond hand-sanding When choosing an abrasive tool, you first need to decide how much contact you wish to have your abrasive make on the surface because whether it be a hand block or power sander, the firmness of the back-up pad will affect the performance of the abrasive.

Hard back-up pads are great for leveling or flattening a surface, and scratch more aggressively. For detail sanding, soft or curved areas, a softer backup pad is a better choice because the contact is more consistent, but slower scratches result. This helps to explain why sanding sponges are best for soft, curved areas. There are some key advantages to using sanding sponges, like the fact that they will wear longer and can be used for both wet and dry sanding.

The decision to choose a pneumatic (air) or electric sanding tool comes down to where you will be sanding; in the field or in a shop. Consider that the air needed to efficiently support a pneumatic sander is more than a field compressor can sustain for proper use of the tool, without blasting water and/or oil onto the surface. Also, weigh in that an electric sander can save you money on energy costs, in addition to being lightweight and portable.

Random-orbit sanders offer different orbit patterns, which will affect the performance and appearance of your sanding. The 3/16 orbital is faster and more aggressive, while the 3/32 orbital is slower and creates a finer pattern, making it more suited for finish sanding. When operating an orbital sander, it is important to let the tool do the work; don’t force it down onto the surface.

Also, remember to change your abrasive when you notice it stops scratching easily, and make sure your backup pads are not damaged in any way, or you will feel thump … thump … thump. Damaged backup pads will telegraph the defect onto the surface with every spin, necessitating it then be hand-sanded out.

In building your own abrasive system—the tools you will choose from for each unique situation—you have options to add or subtract to the key components to modify a desired performance, and some sanding manufacturers have made amazing combination tools that can reduce your time spent on a job—as well as frustrations. -

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Air Compressors | Portable Generators Air Compressor/Generator Combinations Air Compressor/Generator/Welder Combinations Cold and Hot Water Pressure Washers | Wet/Dry Vacuums Jobsite Boxes | Portable Heaters | Water Pumps Water Treatment Systems Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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Care and maintenance tips for a beautiful, long-lasting deck or patio Proper care and education help ensure a satisfied customer

BY RICK WATSON

D

eck season isn’t over after the summer months have passed.

Now that it’s fall, and with the winter season not far behind, customers may be anxious to complete their deck or patio projects and enjoy whatever time they can in their outdoor spaces. But caring for a deck requires a specific game plan in order to ensure that it holds up to the end-of-the-year elements and stays beautiful beyond.

Here are some tips for getting wood decks and concrete patios in shape and for helping customers understand proper care and maintenance.

WOOD DECKS Get rid of the old stain and sealer There are a lot of reasons for restaining a deck. The stain may be worn out, discolored or peeling and flaking—or, the customer might just want to freshen up what was on their deck previously. When considering a freshening up, customers often want to know if a previously stained deck needs to be restained with the same kind of stain that was used before. In other words, is a water-based stain compatible with an oil-based formula?

Since some stains and sealers do not adhere well to others, it’s best to start by applying a deck-stain remover.

This will get rid of the old stain and sealer that could prevent a new stain and sealer from adhering.

The next step is to use a product to neutralize the surface and bring back the natural color of the wood.

Most deck cleaners vary on the pH scale, for instance, stain and sealer removers may have a high pH of 11 or 12, but in order for a coating to work properly, the pH surface typically needs to be neutral. To neutralize the surface, you need a cleaner of the opposite pH (reading 1 or 2). After neutralizing the surface, it’s important to test the absorbency of the wood by sprinkling water on the surface. If the water penetrates into the wood quickly, the wood is ready to finish. If the water beads up or does not soak in, the process needs to be done over again until the previous coating is completely removed so the new coating will adhere.

Use specially formulated cleaners, not bleach Some think bleach is a good solution to clean a deck, however, it is not recommended, as it tends to be too harsh on the wood substrate as well as the vegetation typically planted around decks. All cleaners are not the same, and the contaminants on the deck may be unique to each region. For this reason, it is important to read all the package directions before choosing a cleaner and to test those products on a small, inconspicuous area prior to use.

Stay off the deck after staining As a general guideline, if conditions are mild—the weather is dry and the temperatures are in the 70s— 22

inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

Photo Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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Remind customers that in the battle of nature vs. under-protected concrete and wood, nature invariably wins.

RICK WATSON has been with Sherwin-Williams for more than 30 years. He began his career in 1988 in the Management Training Program. Shortly thereafter, he became a professional coatings sales representative in Fort Wayne, IN. Since then, he has progressed through a number of roles of greater responsibility including store manager, product information team leader, product information manager and, most recently, director of product information and technical services.

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

customers should be able to walk on their deck the next day or sooner, depending on the stain used. But it’s typically recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before moving patio furniture back on the deck and returning it to active use.

also important to remove all loose mortar or foreign material, such as laitance, concrete dust, dirt or any loose cement and hardeners. Fill large holes, air pockets and other voids with concrete patch. Once it’s clean, dry and sound, you can stain away.

CONCRETE PATIOS

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER DECK AND PATIO CARE

Start with a clean surface before staining Contractors often want to know the best way to stain an exterior concrete patio that is old and porous, and has never been previously coated. As always, it’s important to make sure the surface is completely clean and free of any grease or contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion of any coating.

To check if there is a sealer on the concrete, just sprinkle some water on it in multiple areas. If the water soaks in, that indicates there is not a sealer on the concrete. If the water beads up, that indicates that there is a sealer present and it will need to be removed. If it’s not removed, the new stain, sealer or coating will likely not adhere.

There are multiple ways to clean the surface; the type of cleaner required is dependent on what is on the concrete surface. If the surface presents grease, a good emulsifying agent will help remove it. It is

When it comes to outfitting the outdoor space, the deck and patio are major focal points of a customer’s property. It’s important to consider the substrate, application tips, and aftercare needed to ensure a lasting space that customers can enjoy for years to come.

While some customers comprehend the value and importance of care, most don’t fully understand what proper care actually takes in terms of maintenance methods and products used. That’s where their contractor can be of great service.

Remind customers that in the battle of nature vs. under-protected concrete and wood, nature invariably wins. And that maximizing their investment in a deck or patio—and for that matter, their home—depends on a care program suited to their substrate. Some contractors offer a yearly maintenance plan as part of their services, which helps illustrate their commitment to proper maintenance, and also keeps them in front of their customers for other potential projects. -

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Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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Formulated as a thicker coating, Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint offers excellent coverage and protection from cracking, peeling and blistering.

PRO PICKS

Go-to exterior coatings for a wide range of surfaces

OUR PROS

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PETER BERKE North Atlantic Painting Company NorthAtlanticPainting.com

inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

2

CHARLIE SILVERIA Silveria Painting SilveriaPainting.com

3

SHANE WOODS Custom Paint Works CustomPaintWorksstl.com

4

RAUL LIZARRAGA Lancaster Painting LancasterPainting.com

5

MATT PALMISCIANO FORJAK Industrial ForjakIndustrial.com

Photo Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Most painting professionals have a go-to exterior paint brand or specific coating preference for most jobs. These preferences are likely driven by some combination of pricing, quality, customer preferences, as well as other regional factors such as weather. We spoke with five painting professionals around the country to learn which exterior coatings serve their needs the best and why. Here’s what they had to say:

1 PETER BERKE

The owner of North Atlantic Painting Company in Maine does primarily residential work, and finds himself usually painting wood, composites and Boral, the latter of which has grown increasingly popular through the years for its ability to resist moisture and last for decades.

For wood and Boral applications, he prefers Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint, which he says offers “excellent coverage and longevity,” but will turn to the company’s SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint if the customer is on a tighter budget but still wants a good quality and value offering.

He also uses Sherwin-Williams Resilience Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint for the Northeast’s punishing high humidity and lower late-season temperatures. “The set-up time on it is really fast. I’ve used it for 15 years and haven’t gotten a single callback,” he said.

For composite surfaces, he prefers Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior REVIVE for Vinyl Siding. “It has a lot of elasticity and bonds to the PVC very well. Plus, I don’t have to prime; just scuff up the surface and put it straight on.”

For exterior colored stains on handrails or wood doors, he turns to Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes Exterior House Stains.

2 CHARLIE SILVERIA

This Florida-based contractor does a lot of work on highand mid-rise condo buildings, most of which have stucco exteriors.

For this type of work and customer, Silveria Painting’s choice is Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec EXT. The 100% acrylic, waterbased coating is a mid-grade offering that goes on nicely whether by brush, roller or sprayer. It also offers good hide for the price, Silveria said.

If a customer requests a more premium product, his next step up is Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior Paint. “This is our go-to paint. It goes on beautifully. It dries really fast and you can get going on the second coat pretty quickly,” he added.

Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint is an even highergrade product that he uses from time to time. It comes with a 10-year warranty, offers mold and mildew resistance, and there’s no need for priming in most situations, Silveria said.

For a durable finish on metal and wood doors and railings, he turns to Coronado Rust Scat Waterborne Acrylic Enamel.

“I use a semigloss or high-gloss, and it’s just a really good allpurpose enamel,” he said

The Wagner PaintEATER is perfect for removing coats offor paint, Revered by boatmen for more thanold a century its while being gentle excellent weather-resistance properties and high degree on surfaces. of UV protection, Fine Paints of Europe Marine Yacht Varnish can easily withstand harsh elements on a home’s exterior wood surfaces.

3 SHANE WOODS

The owner of Custom Paint Works, in St. Louis, MO, does primarily residential work. Wood, HardiePlank lap siding and Masonite or similar hardboard siding surfaces are common substrates for the painting-industry veteran. For all three of these surfaces, his first choice is Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint with a satin sheen.

“It goes on about seven mils thick and dries three or four mils thick,” he said. “It covers well and self-primes, which I really like.

It also blocks out tannins.”

For exterior wood doors and railings, he turns to Fine Paints of Europe Marine Yacht Varnish, a classic alkyd varnish formulated to Dutch standards, which offers an extremely glossy finish that can withstand harsh weather while providing a longlasting shine.

“It handles UV rays really well and there’s nothing like a European coating for its durability and ease of use,” Woods added. “It flows out of the brush like glass and all the brush marks disappear, and then it stays clear and glossy.”

Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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Sherwin-Williams ConFlex XL Smooth High Build Coating protects masonry and concrete surfaces from water penetration, even in severe weather environments.

4 RAUL LIZARRAGA

Lizarraga is the trainer for Lancaster Painting, in Turlock, CA. The bulk of the company’s work involves residential repaints. In this area of California, the weather tends to be hot and dry and most of the exteriors are made of concrete stucco. There’s some wood fascia and siding his teams handle as well.

The go-to paint for stucco and wood trim for Lancaster Painting is Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint. It provides good value for the money, he says, and it sprays on easily while offering great hide.

“In this market, people want something that’s better than just average. SuperPaint does the job and it’s still affordable, too,” he said.

For some stucco, his teams also use Seal-Krete Original Waterproofing Primer/Sealer prior to applying SuperPaint for “a better shine and sheen,” he added. For raw wood, before SuperPaint is applied, his painters use Kelly-Moore Kel-Bond Interior/Exterior Universal Primer.

For jobs where the stucco has more hairline cracks, his painters will sometimes turn to the thicker Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint. His teams also work with a lot of fiberglass, metal and wood doors on homes. For those applications, Sherwin-Williams Solo Interior/Exterior 100% Acrylic Paint, a low-VOC semigloss coating, performs well. “It dries with a hard shell and it’s really durable,” he added.

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5 MATT PALMISCIANO

The co-owner of Columbus-based FORJAK Industrial works predominantly with concrete tilt-up exteriors and structures built with CMU block. The company’s work portfolio covers a wide range of climate types in virtually all regions east of the Mississippi River.

Typically, his team uses Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint, which sprays on easily and offers great hide and good mid-grade quality and value for customers, he says. Some jobs also spec for the company’s ConFlex XL Smooth High Build Coating. “Those are environments where customers might see wind-driven rain and harsh, wet weather,” he added. -

Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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THE inPAINT ® INTERVIEW

RESTORATION CARPENTER You now bill yourself as an ‘architectural detective.’

What does that mean?

Q

The clients I work with typically have older houses and are looking to stay respectful of the original fabric, that being the structure and materials used, while trying to meet the very modern 21st century needs of their life.

Over the years, I learned a lot about the different fabrics found in older homes. As a result, I’m able to look for clues—for instance, the type of flooring, the style of the interior finish, the choices of materials used—to figure out how old a home or room is. I can determine where walls, doors and windows have been removed or added. It’s a bit like an archeological dig with the goal of discovering the story of their home through the years.

Q

An ‘architectural detective’ savors the challenge and charm of older homes Preserving the grandeur of the past while accommodating the needs of the present An 11th-generation Yankee, Kris Thomson can pinpoint the moment he knew that olderhome renovations were his destiny. Upon graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, he initially started a painting business. While working on older homes, he became enthralled with the old-world guild trades and how, in combination, they could preserve the integrity of individual properties while bringing them into the modern world. Thomson took it upon himself to shutter the painting company and go to work for a restoration carpenter. After a year of absorbing everything he could and reading every book that pro recommended—and there were a LOT—he started a new business: Kris Thomson Carpentry, which he has successfully run for 18 years.

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What are the first questions you ask a prospective client?

I have two initial questions.

My passion is truly older homes. So the first question is “how old is your home?” While I’ve worked on one home built in 1718, most of the properties I handle are circa 1850 to 1920. Honestly, I lose interest around 1930 … I’m happy to refer them to someone else … and a home built in 1972? No, thank you.

The next question I ask is “have you lived through a renovation before?” If the answers “yes,” then great.

If it’s a “no,” I know that there’s some education that needs to happen early on.

Q

Exactly what is that education and how do you provide it?

With every estimate, I include a very detailed—make that very, very detailed—scope of work in chronological order.

I include tear-outs, inspections, everything I can think of.

I generally email it to a client and then meet with them to review it together. I don’t attach dates, as there are simply too many potential surprises to be had in old homes.

This exercise can be very clarifying for the homeowner, especially those who have never done a remodel. I tend to compare preparing for a home renovation to preparing for your first baby. You can ask all the questions you want and plan for it but, until you actually go through it, you don’t know what it’s really like. And it’s usually harder than you think.

What was the biggest setback you experienced in your career and what did you learn from it?

Q

What happened was, and I think it’s pretty common, I got too big.

For a number of years, I employed several full-time carpenters. In order to keep them busy, I ended up spending all my time doing sales and paperwork; what I call the headache part of the job. We had to keep multiple

Right now I’m trying out a few new folks on small projects. Basically, I’m vetting them to see if they have the skills and integrity I want.

What’s your process for coating and color selection, and when do you call in help?

Q

jobs going at the same time to ensure everyone was busy.

And, believe me, I was busy. I was also miserable. I like to say the quality didn’t suffer but my mental health did. It was epic stress. I had to make a decision and I decided to put the brakes on the business.

I immersed myself in an investment property I had been working. It was basically a six-month therapy session where I worked on the house and took the time to regroup and reflect on what I really wanted to be doing.

I then came back with a new approach and different energy. Now I do mostly one job at a time. I might pick up smaller projects on the side but I only run one big job.

And I’m the only employee on my books.

What I learned from that experience was that I’d rather make less money and be happy than make a lot of money and be miserable. While I now have more billable hours for myself, the overall gross revenue is down a lot from where it was when I was employing people. But, again, that difference in dollars is more than made up for by my quality of life.

Q

How do you find subcontractors for this type of work?

I have long-standing relationships with my subcontractors—some up to 20-years long. I work with a lot of them and, in fact, some years I submit 25 to 30 1099 forms to the IRS. But I really only work with one professional in each area. That is, I’ve got one flooring guy, one electrician, one plumber, one painter, etc.

I prefer to work with small companies because my experience is that they’ve got more skin in the game.

In my opinion, there’s more commitment—and more responsibility for the work.

That said, the challenge of relationships as long as they are, is that some of the guys are starting to retire.

In terms of coatings, I have almost exclusively been using Benjamin Moore products for 25 years. Their color options, their quality of product, and the technical support that I get from their reps have all contributed to the consistency of my own job outcomes.

When it comes to stains, one of my team members is a stain and faux finish specialist. I rely on him for matching old woodwork to new and also for refurbishing varnishes. I have a strong preference for stains from Vermont Natural Coatings, and use them all the time for interior jobs.

When it comes to color, very early on I’ll ask who is doing the color selection and what the finishes are.

Very often, these homeowners have some strong ideas or preferences. They tend to be pretty engaged in the design of things. If they’re stuck on color, I turn to my paint contractor for help or recommend a local color consultant. She’s very good with clients and color, and they tend to work it out without involvement from me.

What advice would you give someone considering entering this specialized market?

Q

Learn everything you can. Read the magazines, the journals, and seek online groups. Go to museums in historic homes, take the tours and pay attention.

I belong to the Timber Framers Guild. I don’t do much new timber framing, but I do a LOT of repairs.

Plus, their periodical is incredibly helpful.

I also belong to the Vernacular Architecture Forum.

They’re largely a bunch of academics, but I love their conferences, which include a lot of tours. You learn so much just listening to people talk about the evolution of architecture, and embracing the quirky and the imperfect. -

KRIS THOMSON is an art school graduate turned restoration carpenter.

Working in western Massachusetts, he helps homeowners respectfully restore their older homes, and his extensive knowledge of historicalbuilding techniques makes him a go-to consultant for numerous historical commissions and organizations.

KrisThomsonCarpentry.com

Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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ASK A PRO

Not all sprayers are designed to handle all types of coatings.

You need to make sure whatever machine you’re using is a match for whatever you’re spraying.

Q:

When does it make sense to upgrade or expand your spray equipment?

A:

CHRIS NOTO is the director of professional products at Titan.

He has been in the painting business for 27 years in sales, training and product development functions.

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

The need to add or upgrade equipment is usually due to one of three things—you are either expanding your services, adding new services, or changing applications—and each has its own set of variables.

In the case of expanding your services—maybe you’re taking on bigger jobs in track housing or apartments, or you simply have more work than you can handle and need to hire a crew—you need to put more guns in more hands. The question is this: should you buy one large sprayer with multiple guns, or two smaller sprayers?

In many cases, buying two smaller sprayers makes the most sense. The number one reason: flexibility. For instance, if you have two jobs running simultaneously at different locations, having two sprayers will allow you to keep projects moving. Even when you’re all on the same jobsite, two sprayers gives you the ability to have one person spraying on the first floor while someone else is spraying on the second floor, or around the back and front of a property.

Plus, having two sprayers on hand means you have a backup pump when one is out of service for maintenance or repairs.

In the case of changing applications, upgrading to a more powerful sprayer makes sense if you decide to spray heavier coatings such as block filler, dryfall, elastomerics or drywall mud. Most one-gun sprayers do not have the power to spray these types of coatings, so you need to upgrade to a 0.75- to 1.25-gpm sprayer.

If you’re adding new services—say, you’ve primarily been spraying standard architectural coatings with standard airless sprayers and want to add fine-finish and woodworking jobs or spraying block filler to your capabilities—you will definitely need new equipment.

Not all sprayers are designed to handle all types of coatings. You need to make sure whatever machine you’re using is a match for whatever you’re spraying.

Other coatings also enter into the equation, obviously.

If you’ve been primarily spraying latex and want to spray oil, or vice versa, you may want another sprayer. Running water-based and solvent-based coatings through the same sprayer can cause cross-over contamination issues.

If switching coating types, you must clean your sprayer, hoses, guns and filters very well. However, regardless of how well you clean a sprayer, it is common for some pigmented residue to remain in the system, which may contaminate a clear coat. For that reason, manufacturers recommend having two separate sprayers, but if that’s not possible, at least use two different guns and hoses.

The bottom line? Your next sprayer purchase really depends on the trajectory of your business and the types of jobs you anticipate offering customers.

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inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

What’s in today’s professional toolbox?

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These brushes feature DuPont® Chinex® filaments, offering superb durability and cleanability job after job. They are ideal for heavy bodied, low VOC paints. Available in a variety of handle styles in 2", 2.5", and 3" sizes and feature stainless-steel ferrules.

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Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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TEACH TO FISH

inPAINT ® presents an industry-specific question and invites an expert to share their insight.

Q:

There are many different types of respirators.

How do I know which one is right for my job?

A:

JASON LUNN is a 3M senior application engineer for safety and electrical products. He oversees the training and educational aspect of a wide variety of safety products, including respirators. Here’s a common question he hears about choosing respirators from painting professionals.

To start, I like to clarify the difference between disposable and reusable respirators.

Disposable respirators shouldn’t be thought of as lower quality. They provide filtration against particles, such as solid dusts and liquid mists and, typically, are inexpensive and maintenance-free. Plus they may feel more comfortable to wear than reusable respirators because of their lighter construction.

Reusable respirators can filter against a variety of particles, gases/vapors, depending on the type of cartridge and/or filter being used. A main advantage for using these respirators is the wide range of cartridge and filter combinations available to help protect against different types of airborne contaminants. In addition, reusable respirators may offer a degree of face/eye protection, depending on the models selected. While the initial expense of the respirator may be higher, the facepiece can be cleaned and reused, so ongoing expenses are just the cartridges and filters.

Assessing the situation Before choosing a respirator, it is important to conduct an exposure assessment to better understand exactly what types of particles and/or gases/vapors you may be exposed to. Visit OSHA.gov to learn more.

When dealing with gas or vapor exposures exceeding OSHA’s permissible exposure limits (PELs), select a reusable respirator with the appropriate chemical cartridge for the hazard of concern. Cartridges contain treated carbon to help reduce exposure to a variety of different chemical types, depending on the NIOSH approval rating. The chemical cartridges for reusable respirators are color-coded according to their NIOSH chemical(s)-specific approval.

If your exposure contains chemicals as well as particulates (such as paint spraying), some cartridges allow you to add a particulate pre-filter, so you can address both. The benefit of separate pre-filters is they can be changed independently of chemical cartridges.

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If your only exposure is a particulate hazard, consider a reusable respirator with a particulate filter or even a disposable respirator. When you hear the term ‘disposable respirator,’ think: protection against particle exposures, not chemical exposures. Some disposable respirators do offer a layer of carbon in the media to help reduce exposure to some nuisance odors, which are exposures below the PEL that some users might find unpleasant.

The right fit is key The seal between the respirator and your face is critical to help protect your lungs. Follow the manufacturer’s user instructions that come with your respirator to ensure you’re using the product correctly and have a proper seal to your face. In the U.S., occupational workers need to be fit tested as part of a proper respiratory protection program, per OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.134.

More is not always better It’s a misconception that more protection is always better.

More protection typically adds cost, but make sure it is needed and would add a benefit for your situation as well.

For example, a painter using a half facepiece reusable respirator for spraying paint has many cartridges to choose from, but a cartridge that is NIOSH-approved for certain organic vapors is typically what is required.

Choosing a multi-gas cartridge that is NIOSH approved for many different chemical types will cost more, but doesn’t provide any more protection for organic vapors.

The difference is that it also offers protection for other chemical types, but they are chemicals most painters likely won’t encounter when using common paint products.

Choosing an appropriate cartridge for the hazards present or the right disposable respirator for the job may take some research, but it’s well worth your time to help protect yourself from dangerous exposures. Learn more about respirator selection and the different types of hazards you may encounter on the job at the 3M Center for Respiratory Protection: 3m.com/Respirators

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UPCOMING EVENTS

ADVERTISER INDEX 1-800-PAINTING 800Painting.com Page 25 3M 3m.com Page 5 DATACOLOR Datacolor.com Back Cover EPA EPA.gov Page 29

What, Where & When 1

14–19: IDAL 2019 Convention, Charlotte, NC decorativeartisans.org

2

17 & 18: PDCA Craftsmanship Forum Conference, Elgin, IL pdcacraftsmanshipforum.com

3

4

5

PRATT & LAMBERT PrattAndLambert.com Page 17 PURDY Purdy.com Page 35 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Sherwin-Williams.com Page 2 T-REX TRexTape.com Page 19 TITAN TitanTool.com Page 7 WOOSTER WoosterBrush.com Pages 3 & 35 38

inPAINT | Sep/Oct 2019

3 6

4

8

NOV E M B E R

Painters Academy PaintersAcademy.com Page 33 PCA PCAPainted.org Page 11

2

1 9

7

OCTOBE R

FROGTAPE FrogTape.com Page 35 Mi-T-M MiTM.com Page 21

5

6–8: DBIA’s Design-Build Conference & Expo, Las Vegas, NV dbia.org

JA N UA RY 2 02 0 6

21–23: NAHB International Builders Show, Las Vegas, NV buildershow.com

7

23–25: 4th Annual Painting Profits Summit, Ft. Myers, FL paintersacademy.com/2020Summit

6–8: Remodeling Show | DeckExpo, Louisville, KY remodelingdeck.com

F E B R UA RY

D E CE M BE R

8

3–6: Coatings + 2020, Long Beach, CA sspc.org/event/coatings

10: 35th Annual TRENDS Rental Housing Management Conference & Trade Show, Seattle, WA trendstradeshow.com

9

4–6: International Roofing Expo, Dallas, TX theroofingexpo.com

PDCA 2019 Craftsmanship Forum Conference October 17 & 18, 2019

Taking place at the Elgin History Museum in Elgin, IL, this popular event is packed with educational workshops, inspiring tours and presentations. Wednesday, October 16th, a preconference welcome reception kicks things off with a presentation on ‘Creating Niches Within Your Craft.’ The following two days feature presentations on: techniques and best practices; the industry shift to water-based stains and clear coatings; using lime wash instead of paint on masonry surfaces; how to use craftsmanship to differentiate yourself from the competition; how to identify craftsmanship niches in the market; and more. Plus tours of seven ‘Painted Ladies’ and the historic Barrington’s White House, built in 1898, with dinner included. The entire event closes with dinner at the Grand Victoria Casino.

For more information, contact Judi at: jriccipdcacf@gmail.com

BOTTOM LINE

Embracing the RRP Rule Good for humankind, good for business

I

n April 2010, the EPA finalized the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule to address childhood lead poisoning as a result of dust and debris created during remodeling and painting.

Despite being in effect for nearly a decade, many contractors are still unaware of the requirements of the RRP Rule and its impact in the field.

Through the RRP Rule, the EPA outlines the leadsafe training, certification and work practices required for qualifying projects on residential and child-occupied buildings built before 1978. Failure to comply with the RRP Rule could result in a maximum civil fine of $39,873 per violation—and for violations done willingly or knowingly, the EPA could also pursue criminal enforcement actions.

First steps: training and certification The RRP Rule requires that individuals performing qualifying work must be properly trained. At least one designated supervisor on the job must be an EPAcertified renovator, having completed an 8-hour Lead Renovator course by any EPA-accredited or EPAauthorized state* trainer. The certified renovator is then responsible for training the other workers on the jobsite.

These courses typically cost $150 – $350 per person, and every five years a 4-hour refresher course is required at $75 – $300. Business owners and administrators may also wish to attend the Renovator course to learn more about the company’s responsibilities under the RRP Rule.

Additionally, the business hired for the RRP work, including sole proprietors, must be Lead-Safe Certified.

This is achieved by submitting an online application and $300 fee to the EPA every five years. Certified businesses are issued a Lead-Safe Firm logo to use for promotional purposes, and are included in the EPA’s search database for consumers looking to hire lead-safe painters and contractors.

Lead-safe work practices The EPA has outlined specific work practices that must be followed on the jobsite to minimize the risk of lead exposure for tenants and workers. These include: ■■ Distribute the EPA’s free educational Renovate Right pamphlet to homeowners, tenants and child care facilities prior to beginning work, and post lead warning signs on the jobsite.

■■ Utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers on the jobsite.

■■

■■

Set up containment of the work area to prevent the spread of debris and dust.

Thoroughly clean the work area afterward, utilizing equipment such as a HEPA vacuum and wet-mop system.

The costs of doing (RRP) business To follow the above work practices, the EPA estimates that the total additional costs in labor, equipment and supplies range from $35 to $376 for a typical RRP job in a single-family home. These costs will vary based on project scope and unique challenges. In addition to the work practice costs, two to three hours of administrative time should be factored in for the necessary recordkeeping and paperwork throughout the job, plus the training and certification costs discussed earlier.

An even bigger danger than previously known The EPA maintains that these additional compliance costs are typically a small percentage of the total value of the painting or renovation project, and are greatly outweighed by the potential risk of the high dust levels created during this type of work. Poisoning from just a small amount of lead dust can have serious long-term effects on a child’s development of the brain and nervous system. Lead poisoning also impacts adults, with symptoms including high blood pressure, infertility, pregnancy complications and mood disorders. Since the RRP Rule was enacted, further studies have shown that these adverse health effects can occur at even lower blood lead levels than originally thought, making diligence and compliance on RRP jobs even more important.

NICHOLE ROTH is the VP, director of operations at Zack Academy, an EPA-accredited training provider for lead renovator certification and renewal courses. Through its extensive network of training partners, ZackAcademy.com offers a robust marketplace for painting and renovation professionals to find local and online training.

* Many states operate their own lead-safe renovation program in lieu of the federal EPA program, including Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. If you work in one of these states, contact your state lead program to learn more about its training and certification requirements.

RRP certification can open doors to new opportunities for a painting business. Learn more at: epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program Sep/Oct 2019 | inPAINT

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