shermanpainting

Hi all! I am currently working on an extremenly large basement modeled after an irish pub. All of the walls bookshelves, trim, corbles, bar are cherry wood. This is such a large job that I am anticipating it taking me 5 wks on completion with 3 people.
I have a lot of experience with poly but never on walls or to this extent. Things have gone very well so far but I am trying to speed things up. I ended up having to do a 4th coat of poly on the bar and am hoping that I am not going to have to go that far with the walls.
The homeowner has been walking around with a flashlight on the walls and pointing out what he doesn't like everyday and we are only on the 1st coat. Anyway any ideas how to speed up the process and give it a really nice shiny finish?
A fellow painter friend of mine had mention doing a finish wax?? I wasn't quite sure what he meant by that and I dont think he was either.
Any advice would be great! Thanks!
Dan

Mandrake

Couple questions

How are you applying the product? Are you using the poly as a first coat/sealer, or is there an existing finish? What are the steps you are following for prep, cleaning, dust, etc.

Is there any ventilation down there?

Mndrk

slickshift

First off, give him a copy of standards that mention the "normal lighting"
If he can't find a convenient place to shove his flashlight, I've got a suggestion

Second, what type of poly are you using?

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Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

Boston Bean

Glasshousebltr

I think after the encounter you should make damn well and sure he has no problem finding his way out of his a$$ .......handy flashlight and all.

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Bob

framerman

don't they make a bar top finish? Something like 50 coats in one or some goofy thing?

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slickshift

Yeah....that's what I was wondereing if he used
Usually it works great for bars, tables...gives it that "look"
I can't remember what it's really called, I call it "bar poly"

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Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

shermanpainting

Well first we are applying brush only. This is a new finished basement so there is no previous finish. It has been difficult to spray thus far but there is one area that I am contemplating doing so but do you think that is a bad idea?? Will the finishes look too different and how will a second coat of spray look over a brush coat?
Also I am using sherwin stain and minwax oil poly.
Thanks for your replys thus far.

slickshift

Huh...it's no "bar poly" but there's nothing wrong with that stuff
Should be able to get that in two coats, but it's not unheard of to need three
For the bar...I could see four....

You really should be able to get the walls in two
With Mr. Flashlight it's gonna be tough though....

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Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

Mandrake

You should be able to acheive a nice result with those products even by brushing. The first coat of poly will tend to raise the grain which means you will need to sand well (without removing too much, especially the stain) after the first and between subsequent coats. Using a #320 and vacuuming and tacking should give you a good base for the final coat. Spraying would be preferable and more productive but you mentioned it might not be possible.

What sheen are you using? And what is the client looking for with his flashlight?

Its probably too late to ask but is there any language in the contract about quality or standards?

Many years ago we did a poly job and then used a butcher's type wax in certain areas to improve the feel but i would not recommend it. Labor intensive and should not be necessary.

Mndrk

shermanpainting

We are definately sanding well and tacking and such between coats. Using a gloss finish. I would like for this whole thing to go in two but the contract states that over three is charged for.
I have heard that the butchers wax is more labor intensive but if it gives that irish pub shiny perfect finish I can charge it as a fourth coat. Would it be possible to do a second coat and use the wax as a third? I could still charge if it was extra work. Really I just want the most efficient method for the best look.
Doesn't everyone.

Mandrake

What is the customer looking for? Does he want it to "feel" smoother?, or "look" smoother? Is there something he is expecting that you cannot produce?

I'm not sure I follow the process - is he paying per coat?

I would check into minwax's polishing compounds or waxes since you are using their material. They might be able to offer some advice

Mndrk

B's_Painting

I would slam this guy and after u finish the wood, if he says anything say okay I'll take care of it. Go get a can of Pledge and bury that f&^%ing wood with it. This job sound like he needs the good old tail light guarentee.