jtrenta

Gary - The shutters look good with the Armour All high gloss product. My question is how long will it last? I don't have complete info on the product but typical Armor All is a short term solution. I'm the Restora marketing guy for Flood, so I can hook you up with a sample if you're interested in trying it. It's an emulsified oil/acrylic product that penetrates into the profile well (ever hear of Penetrol? That's the technology behind it.). You can expect to get 5 yrs. out of it. It's easy to apply. We have a semi gloss sheen. Let me know if you'd like some - send me an e-mail at jtrenta@flood.com. Thanks, John

John - I'll send you an e-mail and attach the product specification sheets.

Restora won't peel away, but will slowly lose it's luster. After 4-5 years it can just be reapplied (after prep, of course). There's lots of discussion on whether it does or doesn't make sense for some contractors. That's great feedback, and the truth is that it isn't for everyone (just like gutter scrubbing or window cleaning). Some guys don't want to hassle with ladders, which is understandable, but pros that don't mind have been successful with Restora. I'm not familiar with the wax that is sprayed on shutters to make them look new, but I can tell you that Restora on shutters has superior long-term performance. Again, it just depends on your business model. It's good for the industry to have options!

Terry is correct. Depending on the locale and the environment, you're looking at about 4-5 years, although we've had it on some dark shutters for over 5 years in testing and they still look good. It is not a waxy material, but an acrylic finish. If you are familiar with Flood Penetrol and how it penetrates into surfaces, then you could equate that with the Restora finish. On a properly prepped surface, free of oxidation and contaminants, it will get deep down into the surface profile.

I'd estimate that $15-20 is the most accurate range contractors are charging, and are being very profitable. It depends on the size and type of shutter, and what market you are in.

That's the perfect response. If they don't want to ante up, then they'll have to live with it. Pay me now or pay me later.

There's two options here on using Restora, since it is a 2-part system. The Restora Concentrated Cleaner (step 1) will remove the oxidation. You would mix a gallon of bleach to a gallon of Concentrated Cleaner, and apply in through chemical injector at around 5 to 1. Let dwell for about 12-15 minutes (don't let it dry), then pressure wash it off panel by panel. It's good to do it in sections. It takes longer, so you should definitely charge more if they are willing to pay extra - this is a premium service so homeowner should be made aware of the labor implications if they want the look. The Restora finish (step 2) may not be applicable for all vinyl siding. Light colored siding is not a good candidate, nor is extremely old siding or cheaper grades. However, for darker colored shutters, and some darker shades of siding that has faded, the Restora finish works great to bring back color, as Terry from Tegray indicated.

I think the key to unlocking this thing is the efficiency of application. I am not sure why it was mentioned that the product has to be backbrushed. If it is a penetrating sealant could it be sufficiently atomized through an HVLP or airless as to leave a decent finish? The contracor brochure states that it can be applied in less time than paint. Now we've never painted vinyl but we have painted porches and columns with some Penetrol and a S/W oil (via HVLP) and the finish looked baked on. Is your recommendation of backbrushing for the masses and CYA or is it mandatory? Ken - Through our experiences with working with the product, we know that backbrushing does 2 things: 1) smooths out drips and areas of excess product delivery, and 2) ensures penetration of the finish into the vinyl profile (whether it is the faux "grain", or profile caused by the weathering and cleaning process). Yes, you can use an HVLP to apply, but you may lose production efficiency by trying to be more deliberate in your application. We recommend delivering the product through an airless (in sections), followed by a quick backbrushing. You'd be surprised how fast the process is, and you can get into the hard to reach areas easier. Thanks, John

Again, its not for everyone, and that's OK. However, I encourage to try the product to see the results. -John

Ken - Both really good questions, and its difficult to try to have one answer to satisfy all pressure washers professionals, and it will be a never ending debate. The examples we use are averages we used from many contractors that probably doesn't fit everyone because of differences in where they do business. Based on the feedback we've received from contractors that apply the Restora, both on shutters and siding, the profitability is strong, and their output is high. Because many pressure washers have established production methods, this opportunity may not be for everyone, and that's OK. However, we believe this is a a service that some contractors can use as an upsell to certain deck restoration or house washing jobs. Homeowners are amazed at the results, and its a great way to make some extra bucks. -John

Joe - You can absolutely leave the shutters on the house. Since Restora is a clear finish, you don't have to worry when it comes in contact with anything else. Just wipe up with a wet rag and you're fine. -John

Ken - our experience with the sodium metasilicate is that it is a good prep product for shutters, but you may have to scrub to remove chalking and oxidation, which is the key to restoring the color. The Restora concentrated cleaner doesn't require scrubbing. As you know, pressure washing skill always is the determining factor. Guys with poor workmanship tend to fail.

Bill - While I'm glad the homeowner you dealt with liked the shutter job you did, it sounds like the lo lustre you used didn't give you the sheen level you desired. We recommend the Semi-Gloss to give it a higher sheen, and if you ever have the opportunity to restore vinyl siding, use the lo lustre. We have gallon and 5 gallon sizes for contractors that would reduce your product costs. A gallon of semi gloss can cover 650 sq. ft. (average gal. of paint = 350 sq. ft), which allows you to do about 64 shutters (the kit can do 16). Tom Vogel at ACR can source that for you. The kit is more for that daring DIY'er that wants to climb a ladder. -John

Adrian - We do have a Field Sales Rep. that works in the Atlanta area that may be able to attend. I may be able to come down as well, or one of our Pro Product Trainers. We'd be glad to participate, and I'll get it onto our schedule. We'll keep in touch. Thanks, John

As the Flood Co. Product Manager, I appreciate the interest in Restora. We have sent out Restora samples to many pressure washing professionals to introduce what we believe is a good business opportunity for those interested. A Restora shutter restoration job can be a great upsell on many house washing jobs, and is a strong value proposition for homeowners vs. alternatives (replacement and painting). Since pressure washing pros are experts on surface preparation, this can be a natural add-on. It's also a nice segue into vinyl siding restoration if the opportunity presents itself. Tom has been through training and is correct in saying that it is easy to apply (similar to painting, but much more forgiving and can be applied in 1/2 the time, with very little setup/cleanup time). The key is showing homeowners how it can transform the color of the shutters, which refreshes the entire look of the house after a quality house washing. Just a small demo on a corner of a shutter can do it. While a few hardware stores stock Restora as a DIY solution, we do believe that contractor application makes the best sense. Our NE region Field Rep., Damian Mauro, and our Pro Product Trainer, Bill Gradisher, will be in attendance at the ACR Roundtable this weekend. They are both great guys and can answer all your questions on Restora, and any other Flood products. If you didn't receive a Restora sample and would like one, please send me an e-mail with your company name and shipping address, and I'll send it out next week. My e-mail address is jtrenta@flood.com. Also, I can answer any other detailed questions you may have. Thanks, John Trenta