[Mark]

A contractor (not what I would call a pro) picked up paint for an apartment job this week and the ceilings were to be done in flat black..... instead of cutting in the ceiling he decided to use a 3/4 nap roller and created a black hat band and now is complaining the wall colors won't cover ??? Well, make no wonder.... especially when he is trying to complete the whole job in 2 days. How would you approach this to resolve the problem without pissing off the contractor ?

 

[hatchet]

Explain to him how paint works...haha. Then tell him he can buy some Kilz and cover it up. If he gets really mad then give him a gallon of it and tell him not to come back.

 

[ProWallGuy]

Is he just complaining, or wanting something out of you? If he's just complaining, give him a color wheel, tell him to go sit in the corner and don't come back til he figures it out. If he's wanting some sort of compensation, do the above also. It should be a no-brainer that its tough to cover black.

 

[Mark]

Thanks guys, I have gone over and looked at the job and gave them another gallon along with some advice on dark colors, cutting in vs. roller skid marks and insuring the first coat is dry before proceeding with the second.... ie: "backrolling" is not gonna work as an acceptable second coat. I also told them when in doubt or for something new just ask and I will do my very best to help before something becomes a problem. Some of these guys as you all know would last about 15 minutes or less working for a big outfit and its real hard to tell a "painter" its workmanship thats the problem. I get good feedback because I am a Journeyman and have worked in the trade many years.... I can just imagine the grief a store owner would get if they never picked up a brush. I can't say enough about product education and have decided to try something innovative. I am going to write handouts and leave by the cash counter for a variety of topics such as prep, priming, transition, dark colours, ceilings etc and make sure they get handed out to anyone for their project. I think a little education is a great thing and I hate dealing with projects gone bad for no good reason. What topics should I focus on for a start ?

 

[hatchet]

That's an excellent idea Mark.. being proactive is what the construction industry needs more of.

 

[ProWallGuy]

I would say prep/priming. I believe 90% of job success is due to correct prep. Conversely, 90% of job failures lead directly to improper prep. Lets face it, If the 1st step (prep) is done incorrectly, all steps that follow will suffer also. (the domino effect )

 

[Mark]

I think I would like to post them on here if its ok with Nathan as I get them done prior to handing them out..... kinda get your reviews and comments. I appreciate very much how we can come together on here to make things better in the painting world. :Thumbs:

 

[Glasshousebltr]

That all paints a pretty good picture fellas.

Bob