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Make Sure It Sticks

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:00:00 CDT

If you're in doubt about adhesion, do a patch test. IF YOU'RE IN DOUBT ABOUT ADHESION, DO A PATCH TEST. I'm sorry that I had to shout at you, but I did it for your own good. I see so many cases of paint delamination that could have been predicted and avoided had patch samples been applied and then adhesion tests performed.

Peeling Ceiling

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:30:00 CDT

Painting galvanized decks can be a tricky proposition. There are various pre-treatments that can interfere with the adhesion of subsequently applied paint. However, this month's case history is an example of what problems can occur when the painting contractor fails to adhere to the project specifications.

Here's The Rub

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:00:00 CDT

Once you’ve been a painting contractor for a short while, you start to realize that you’ll often be blamed for problems aren’t particularly your fault. Here’s a situation that I’ve consulted on quite a few times:

Danger From Below

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:00:00 CDT

The Royal Palms is a three story condominium complex consisting of six individual buildings. Exterior concrete floors had been previously coated with silicone acrylic floor stain. The stain was in relatively good condition with some areas showing a wear pattern. The reason for refinishing the floors at this time was because the building walls had been repainted and the color of the floors did not complement the new color scheme.

When Thoughts Turn To Spring

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:30:00 CDT

In Spring, a young man’s fancy may turn to thoughts of love, but a painting contractor’s thoughts turn to booking a season’s worth of exterior repaint work. Like all baseball teams use spring training to review the fundamentals and hone their skills, it’s appropriate that we use this time of the year to review some basic observations and tests you should perform prior to turning in those exterior repaint bids.

Lesson Learned

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:00:00 CDT

I really hate do this again, but I must. I know that some of you are going to say oh no, he’s going to talk about doing adhesion tests again. Yes, afraid so. But until contractors start listening, I’ll keep preaching about this simple test that can save you thousands of dollars. I just saw two new failures this week that could have been avoided with that simple test.

Close The Gap

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:30:00 CDT

Whenever there is a gap between construction materials, it is common to install sealant in the joint. However, proper procedure involves much more effort than simply smearing or gunning in an elastic material. Whether the main purpose of the caulking is weatherproofing or improving aesthetic appearance, careful consideration of joint design, the physical properties of the sealant to be used, and the operating environment of the joint all play a significant role in its performance and durability.

Orgainic Is Not Always Good

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:00:00 CDT

Mildew, mold, fungi, algae; although there are scientific differences, they mean the same thing to the painting contractor- PROBLEMS

Spring Training For Painting Contractors

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:00:00 CDT

It’s the time of the year when every team encounters the rite of Spring known as spring training. From world champion to last place finisher, all of the teams go back to the basics.

Know Your Primer

no@spam.com (Robert Cusumano) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:30:00 CDT

We often hear someone say that a particular paint problem is caused by the painter's failure to use a primer. To some, it seems that as long as a product called "a primer", all will be well. The experienced painting contractor, however, knows that there are many different types of primers and that selecting the proper primer for the job at hand is the key to a successful paint job.