FREEZE WARNING - again

I have had 2 pumps come in with freeze damage this week alone.  We only had a day or two that had “hard freeze” warnings, but it only takes one.  And we are just entering the coldest time of year.

The first pump had latex paint in the pump, hose and gun.  It was stored under pressure on the job.  The cylinder split where the hose fitting threads into the rear of the cylinder.

The second pump seems to have been stored with water in the pump.  Inside a van, camper shell. pickup bed, metal building, etc. gets as cold or colder than outside.  And it stays cold longer than the outside temperature.  This cylinder split the circumference of the cylinder at the foot valve.  See the pictures below.

It is best to thoroughly clean your pump, then remove the hose and gun, then run it dry.  It only takes a few seconds.  If your pump is empty and the hose isn’t attached, it cannot freeze.

Bidders NEEDED !!

I just received a notice that Turner Construction is asking for bids on the new 325,000 sq. ft. ; 13 floor Stockton courthouse.The sub-contractors needed range from pouring the concrete, to applying the waterproofing, painting and wallcovering.

They have an IMMIDATE need for the subs to turn in a pre-qualification notice.  This has to be in before December 6th at 5pm.  Not the bid, the “intent” to bid.  The bids need to be submitted sometime in late January 2014.

You can get more information at www.turnerconstruction.com, or call Kim Prock @ 916-554-7930

Weather Changes

With the rainy weather, you will have unexpected or anticipated days when you pause between spraying.  Do not leave any paint or plain tap water in your pump.  Pump Saver (blue water) will keep your machine ready for a few days.  If you anticipate more than a week or two, after fully cleaning, run the pump saver into your pump, hose, gun and tip.  Release all of the pressure, remove the hose and gun, then turn on the pump for just enough time to purge the pump.  This will also prevent a possible surprise freeze.

Reoccurring Problem

I am seeing a lot of paint skins clogging up machines.  So far, 3 machines this month alone.  I have included a couple of pictures, so that you can see the size and extent of the skins.  There is a regular sized ball point pen along side of the skins for size reference.

You must strain every gallon of paint.  You must really clean the machine after each use.  Do not let paint or water set in the machine overnight.  The worst offenders are the “low boy” or “stand” machines.  These have a flexible hose siphon set.  The extra length makes them harder to clean out.  Every joint and fitting is a place for paint to collect.  When it collects, it hardens into a skin.  Then the next time paint, which is coarse, is run through the pipe/hose, it starts to peel this skin.  Small pieces may go through and get caught in one of the filters, but the large skins clog up the valves.  The pictures included are from 2 different machines.  The first wad was clear up into the fluid section.  The second was trapped in the piston valve.

Online Reviews

I just found out that you can buy favorable 5 star reviews for your YELP listing. I just got off the phone with a solicitor who will post 50 individual 4 or 5 star ratings for $100.00! I was informed that this company is based in India. So. Don't put too much faith in online reviews. I don’t know how you can distinguish the real from the “paid for” reviews as these guys sell their service and that depends on the reviews looking real.

Recycle unused Paint

There is an organization called PaintCare which is an industry sponsored paint stewardship non-profit program established to manage the reuse, recycling and proper disposal of unused architectural paint.

PaintCare makes paint recycling more convenient. They operate paint stewardship programs on behalf of paint manufacturers in states that have passed paint stewardship laws. They collect unwanted, leftover paint - usually at retail stores that also sell paint, because they have regular business hours and convenient locations.

Prior to PaintCare, the best options for residents to recycle or dispose of unwanted paint were government-run household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities and special one-day “round-up” events with limited days, hours and locations. In states with PaintCare, many new paint drop-off locations are established, mostly at paint retailers who volunteer to take back paint. These retailers take back paint during regular business hours making paint recycling and disposal much more convenient for the public.

The program is funded through fees on each container of architectural paint in states with paint stewardship programs at the point of purchase. There is no cost to drop off and/or recycle your paint.

The states that have registered this program to date are: California, Oregon, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Minnesota and Maine.  You can visit http://paintcare.org/locator/ to find a drop off location near you.

Keep Up With The Law

This year’s edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book is now available for purchase or for free viewing online. The updated publication, totaling just over 1,000 pages, provides easy reference to new and amended construction laws that took effect January 1, 2013.

The License Law & Reference Book’s convenient, all-in-one format continues to provide CSLB’s history and mission, and specialized sections about becoming a licensed contractor; home improvement; business management; construction standards and safety regulations; California’s Business and Professions Code and other construction-related state codes; and complete California Contractors License Law rules and regulations.

“This book is designed as a quick-reference tool to help our state’s 300,000 licensees keep up with continual changes in state contracting law,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “It’s also a great resource for anyone trying to get their state contractor license."

The 2013 law book can only be purchased from the publisher, LexisNexis. This year’s updated law book includes a convenient CD for Windows, and Mac computers. The book costs $25 plus tax, and $9.49 for shipping and handling. Major credit cards are accepted.

Summer HEAT !!

Remember to protect your paint and spraying equipment from the heat on these 100 degree days.  Paint skins up really fast if left in the sun, even if the lid is on and the can has never been opened.

Also, the paint in the siphon set of your pump will get really hot.  If you have a “low boy” with the black hose, it will exceed the outside temperature inside the hose.  Skins will then peel off of the hose or pipe and be sucked into the pump, causing damage and plugging.  Using a screen and/or strainer bag will not help with this.  These skins are on the pump side of the screen.  Manifold filters are on the gun side of the pump, so they help keep the gun/tip from clogging, but do nothing to protect the pump.

Keep your airless and all paints under cover, but DO NOT EVER drape an airless with cardboard or tarps!  They need air flow to keep from overheating the motors.

HOT WEATHER WARNING

I'm seeing quite a few pumps come on that are clogged up with paint skins.  Your paint at the pump siphon set will get really got in this weather.  Both will form paint skins. The black siphon hoses will get too got to touch. At these temperatures, skins will form inside the hose!
Keep all material and machines in shaded areas. Strain all material and clean your machine thoroughly. This means using soap and water after each use.

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2013 Quick Starting Coupon

I intended to have a coupon for a discount on repairs out in the mail by January first. Here it is the third week in January and I still don't have it done. So I'm going to post it here for all of my customers to print out and bring in. I will still send 1 out in the mail and either coupon can be used.
This coupon is good for 15 percent off of your entire repair bill. This coupon is valid for the entire month of February and March 2013.
This discount does not include special order parts, machines, or special labor rates, such as overtime.
To get your discount, present this coupon with the machine when ordering the repair; It cannot be used after the machine is finished and the invoice is printed This discount is off of our regular posted retail prices. Individual discounts will not apply.

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2013

January is starting off the year with an increase over 2012. December closed 2012 with the best December in 6 years.  This put 2012 into the " good year " group. Not great, but good.
We're getting freezing weather this January so remember not to leave any material or water in any pump, line or gun that's not being used. I'm seeing an inordinate amount of electrical problems this winter, so make sure you check all of your a/c cords, connections and supply lines before using your airless. Any problems at any of these points can cause the electricity to arc. This will take out your off on switch and or your motor circuit board. Also be extra careful on all ladders, scaffolds and roofs. Any and all metal surfaces will be very slick.

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