PressurePros

Baker's for fences.

Tracy, I agree with you that the science is the science and on paper there is no discussion. The difference is in the contractor. The majority that use the X-Jet (previously myself included) make their chem mix too strong. Oh, this house is extra dirty I'll mix in an extra half gallon of 12%. I'd say its also true that the majority of contractors couldn't be bothered with proportioners. One bucket per side of house with the X-Jet was average. Utilizing 1.5-2 gallons of 12% and a gallon of cleaning concentrate per pail yielded usage of 6-8 gallons of 12% and 4 gallons of house wash. Now our mix is down to 3 gallons 12%, 1 gallon of concentrate house wash, and some liquid truck wash. That will do most houses up to 3000 s/f. No brown plants. No films. And still works just as well. In a perfect world there would be no difference in usage. A person would spend a large amount of trial and error time averaging their gpm to the X-Jet proportioner, there would never be any wind, they would apply the chemical perfectly and evenly and X-Jetting would only mean lugging around extra equipment. But, you've ben in the field, right Tracy? You know it doesn't work that way. I'd rather have my guys utilize something relatively foolproof. If they mix in an extra half gallon or gallon of 12%, it doesn't matter. Too much housewash concentrate? Won't make a difference. Forgot to prewet those windows and that little bush in the corner, no problem.

We aren't using the black tip. The nozzle you will need is a zero degree (if you are not going with the barb tip). The orifice size is BIG..30-40 depending on your machine's output. Nozzles are rated with a number code. The first two number designate spray pattern The last numbers denote orifice size. For example for wood we might use a 4012. For a downstream housewash (to get the height) you may need 0035 (again depending on your gpm). You'll know you have the right nozzle if it looks like you can put a piece of cooked spaghetti into the orifice.

Standing Russell in front of a firing squad? :juggle:

Downstreaming Advantages: • Use less chemical • Higher effective spray height than X-jet • No fog of chemical that travels God knows where to settle on the neighbor's car/plants/windows • No carrying of extra equipment • No waiting or maneuvering in priming the X-Jet hose • Built-in fool proof chemical ratios. Even chem mixed overly strong in bucket is diluted perfectly. • Less worry about incessant rinsing of windows and plants as chemical diltuion is where it should be (most guys that use the X-Jet use too strong of a chemical. • All factors contribute for a much faster job completion time. Setup and breakdown is also faster. • Low replacement cost Should I go on? Once you try downstreaming you will never look back. I worked yesterday on a stucco house and had to X-Jet straight 12% (never had to do that before) Other than that we may use an X-Jet on 10% of our projects. If you are just doing vinyl, its a no-brainer.

Scott, I have to wait for three more estimates at which time I have to then ask my wife, think about it and get back to you.

Thanks, Rich.. good advice. I'm definitely not a Ron Popeil

Yes. I have already spoken to them and have it in the works. I just don't want to be the one on TV.

QVC is about a 20 minute ride from my house. Great operation.

I'll sell you www.freepressurewash.com ;-)

I just looked at it after Mike posted that. He's right. That won't get you any calls. You are also not putting out enough advertising. Run quickly to a graphic artist (Keith at KBK or your own) and get some door hangers made up and printed. This will be most cost effective for you. Keith loves "satisfaction guaranteed" Its not really an effective slogan. I'd rather see "amazing results" or something more catchy. Remember.. Engage: "Is Mold Ruining Your Exterior?" Educate: "Mold spores destory siding" Offer solution: "Let a licensed and insured professional take care of it" Entice follow through: "We are working in your area. Call now and receive 10% off any of our services" and "visit us on the web at_______" This is obviously just an outline. You need to get something out there quick. You have about 30 days before you slow down. Set daily goals right now. On Tuesday I will call Keith. On Wednesday I will cold call 10 commercial accounts. etc etc. Each day when you accomplish your goal you will feel worthy and interested in your business. If you don't do his, you will panic, worry and sit around wondering why you ever bought a machine. You cannot wait for things to happen. Do the footwork and God will provide for you. PS: Get some pictures on your website. Most people will look at it for 2 seconds and click out. I also recommend buying a new domain name to point to your website. "Earthcrawl" denotes heavy equipment.

James, don't panic. Have done over 6000 s/f of ipe this season and have had no problems with drying or otherwise.

Like mahogany that hasn't turned gray from UV damage.. some color to it just neds to be freshened.

Those numbers represent between a 15%-20% advertising budget on gross income. They are fairly accurate for a residential start up. You can get it higher with the right know-how but for the most part, first year advertising is hit and miss. Each year as referrals rise your advertising will drop until it is around 5% of gross for most guys.

Its your first year. You will get about a 1:5 to maybe 1:6 return on your advertising dollars. Spend $5000 you may get back about $30K which should give you an annual salary this year of about $15K. You should not be slow in May though.

nother awesome project, Paul. PS: Can I borrow some Tux? ;-)

Oh yeah, those pics scream high acrylic content. Good luck.

If you think its black now, put ATO on it. WoodTux is the way to go. Put it on my mahogany deck almost two years ago and it is not gray or black. Its faded though and can stand to be redone.

After I woke up I thought.. great pics! Nice work, Pete. Try going a little lighter on the oxalic. When the wood dries that light you have taken too much of its natural protection.

Nah, you are in good hands.

That answers your question. In fact, you may be underpriced. Based upon the prices I have seen from Philly to NY to Boston the house you listed would go for $550-$600.

GS Restoration from Eacochem. About $75 per pail. It will work for you.

This may be out of line as I am neither the manufacturer nor the expert of WT but I will explain it as it was explained to me. In making the process of applying WT a little more forgiving (which I hounded ESI for just about every day last year) they used a carrier that allowed greater working time and (I think) reduced the amount of the drying agent. The result has been wonderful but as Russell explained to me, all testing was done on very hot decks (which they are 90% of the time). Early spring testing has had some guys have issues because of temps and moisture (heat is important in the curing process). I know on last chat with Russell the problem was rectified and new WT leaving ESI is where it should be. I cannot guarantee that, but it is what I was told. On the flip side I did an ipe deck weeks ago with no drier added and it cured in about three days. An added benefit was that the WT penetrated as far as ipe allows and the depth and appearance of the finish is absolutely stunning. On other decks we have applied WT I have had no issues (no calls). Most of my decks have southern exposure.

Rick, I think you may have missed the post. In short what Russell was saying is that salts are formed when you neutralize and that these salts can cause premature stain failure and should be rinsed away. I also have advocated not rinsing and have not had issues. But then again, whom is to say unless you do side by side tests of risning/not rinsing then staining the same deck as well as doing that with every single product. We hijacked the hell out of this thread.

Damn, Jarr, you know I want to come.. that time is not looking good though. :( You know the week before will be a R/T . Kriesle will be speaking there too. I'll do the marketing portion and Roger will bring up his 30 gpm 400 hp staining beast. Maybe we can stain the entire boardwalk? I'm stockpiling eggs now.