Deck Guy

I hate to break it to you, but the Packers are out. Why bother?

They're against harvesting trees, but I have a feeling they do some pharming and harvesing of their own!!!

The Sonic near my house has a small cold water 2500 PSI machine. I've seen employees using it on their dumpster pad. Ridiculous!

Queen?? How did we miss that one?? Now...back to the sensless bickering!

What stain are you using??

I use about 4-5 gallons on an average job, so raising the price of a fiver by ten bucks will cost me $8-$10 per job. I don't have to raise my prices 10% to reflect that. My average job last year was around $600-$700. You can buy direct from Pierce Fitchett at ReadySeal (757) 599-4424, but the direct pricing is the same. They sent a letter to their customers this week. I get super fast shipping from ReadySeal. It usually leaves the warehouse that day if I order before about 2:00. It's not necessary to buy in bulk to get it direct either. I have ordered one pail at a time when necessary, and he's never treated me like small potato's because of it.

I've been wiping myself with mineral spirits on a paper towel. I haven't found a great solution for stain in the hair. I just shampoo, rinse, repeat. That seems to get 95% of it.

??? 1% bleach and 1% SHC are not the same thing. 1% bleach is .0006% SHC and 1% SHC is .01. One is roughly 16 times stronger than the other.

I don't know the rules for the site, but can I tell him about the chemical supplier and pressure washer who lives just south of Nashville and has helped many of us out?? Oh, what the heck. Call Steven Rowlett for advice. I can't seem to find his web-site or any info on him anymore, but I saw that Beth was issued a business licence for RPC Chemicals just recently. Maybe someone else can point you at him. I was considering some RM4 for deck stripping this year.

I just don't get the 72 virgins thing. I'd rather have 72 35-year-old divorcees!

I don't like the airless for the RS or other parafinnic type stains. I understand that I can go with a larger tip to prevent atomization, but then you pump out product really quickly and heavily too. I like to stick with a x15 (15/1000's orifice) or smaller tip. I do use the airless for heavier-bodied finishes. An HVLP might be as low as 10-15 PSI, the Decker/Deckster maybe 60 or so, and the airless up to 3500 PSI. They are three totally different animals, all good for certain applications. IMO there's no need for a Titan brand airless in any case. I've done three or four season with a Spray-Tech (half the price) and it's held up well. The key to any spray equipment is to clean it properly after each use, even though you'd rather be having a nice cold one. Go with either the Decker or Deckster (or make your own for half the price) if you plan on sticking with parafinnic stains.. The lower pressure of those will benefit you greatly.

I'm on the lose weight/exercise bandwagon too! I did a full Nautilus circuit and 30 minutes of cardio today! I'm also cutting down on the beer, although I'm not too excited about that. Looks like Crown and water for me! I can't put it as well as Scott, but I also am working on those things. I need a little more understanding and compassion.

I don't really think that the chick who cuts my hair is any kind of expert on space stuff!

Carbon Fiber cloth???

I thought "The Pursuit of Happiness" sucked. It was like an hour-and-forty-five minutes of "How Crappy Can My Life Get?" followed by five minutes of "I Got the New Job!" I'm with Ken on Frailty. Try "Lonely Hearts" with John Travolta and Salma Hayek from 2006 if you get bored. Newer stuff.."The Departed"...and I'm embarassed to say, "Superbad."

Wow! Mickey Mouse!

I see your logic Ken. I've only had one late season RS job that seemed to stay wet forever, but I assumed it just wasn't evaporating. In any case, what do you use as a minimum temperature.??

When I speak of better penetration during cold weather, I'm talking 40-45 degrees vs. 90 degrees. I don't apply if temps are forecast to be below 40 within 24 hours.

I guess someone always has to chime in and disagree, so here goes... My scientific mind tells me that when wood is hot, the fibers expand and compress against each other, inhibiting penetration. The stain appears to dry faster because it is actuallly volitilizing (evaporating), not because it is soaking into the wood. That is why labels recommend against application in direct sunlight or high surface temps. Bottom line...you get less penetration on hot wood, not more. The reason RS and other parafinnics appear to take longer to dry in cooler temps is that the oils in the product do not volatilize into the air, as they do on hot days. What you're actually getting is BETTER penetration during cold weather specifically because the stain is staying wet longer. That's a good thing. Of course, with heavy application you may mave to wipe up excess product after 24 hours, since again, the stain basically isn't evaporating into the air. On the Sherwin-Williams products, the enemy is frost which is the reason for their product label directions with regard to temperature. It is possible for areas to frost when the forecast calls for anything below 40, since forecasts can be off by couple degrees, and low-lying areas can be a few degrees colder than higher ones. Just don't apply when frost is possible and you will be alright. Where's Russel or one of the RS guys (Pierce) when we need them????

Mix the percarbonate cleaner in a five gallon pail, insert the hose from your x-jet into the pail, and you're on your way.

Strange...

...and since you're a newbie, let me add this to the discussion...NEVER MIX PERCARBONATE CLEANERS IN A SEALED-TOP CONTAINER!!! I just use a five-gallon bucket and draw from that.

Scott, that's the average salary. That means you have to take the $100,000 you make and average it with the pittance you pay your guys to come up with that figure!

There are obviously some very delusional Bears fans here. Go Pack!

I never use "sealing," because I don't use a sealer. The tag line on my truck says, "Exterior Wood Care Specialists." I have no problem using the word "restore" when talking to a customer, since I restore the finish. They are clear on what willl be accomplished when I'm through.