Graffiti cleanup can be a daunting task because of the possibility of adding further damage to the graffiti-defaced surface. Graffiti removers will not only target the graffiti, they will also cause the removal of the existing surface coating. This is where the application of a graffiti barrier comes in.
There are two types of graffiti barrier – the sacrificial and non-sacrificial graffiti barrier. Property owners trying to stick to a tight budget will often choose the sacrificial graffiti barrier. This graffiti barrier system involves the use of a wax- or paraffin-type coating that provides “one-time” protection and easy removal of graffiti with the use of a power washer. Sacrificial graffiti barriers require cheaper materials but are more expensive labor-wise because of the need to have a second coating to be applied. When property owners believe that the vandalism to the building is only an isolated case, then they prefer to use sacrificial graffiti barriers.
For buildings that are chronically defaced, painting contractors often use non-sacrificial graffiti barriers. This barrier system offers clients a more long-term solution to the habitual graffiti problem by enabling “quick and easy” graffiti removal in the future. Non-sacrificial graffiti barriers are more appealing and less labor-intensive than having to reapply a second coating using a sacrificial graffiti barrier coating.
These days, there is a strong shift towards graffiti control systems that are more environmentally conscious. Consumers and end users who demand safer alternatives to traditional formulations of strong solvent and toxic chemicals challenge manufacturers more and more to come up with graffiti control systems that are effective and at the same time safe, healthy and environment-friendly.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
How to Use Graffiti Cleaners
Removing graffiti markings usually takes very careful effort to avoid damaging the building even further.
First, before graffiti cleaner is used, it is very important to perform a “test patch” on the building's surface. This testing is necessary to determine the compatibility, yield, thickness and dwell time needed for the particular graffiti removal job. The material safety data sheet that comes with the graffiti cleaner should also be reviewed carefully because this sheet gives out important information on health and safety considerations during handling and application.
Carefully take note of the specific "soak in" time needed to remove the graffiti. Smooth surfaces can take only minutes to be cleaned with a simple application of the remover, agitating the surface, and a quick wipe and rinse. A porous surface like brick and concrete has a longer “soak in” time, around 15 to 60 minutes, and often requires a second application.
To complete the graffiti removal process, use a power wash (note: a power wash is a great force of water coming through a hose and washes off the building) that has the capability to provide the least amount of water pressure. The process of removal requires a good remover to soften the graffiti, and the consequent low-pressure removal by a power washer will ensure no etching or scarring to the building surface.
As alternative to power washers, graffiti removal can also be done using spray bottles, sponges, rags, nylon brushes and pads, although extreme care should be taken to avoid scarring.
First, before graffiti cleaner is used, it is very important to perform a “test patch” on the building's surface. This testing is necessary to determine the compatibility, yield, thickness and dwell time needed for the particular graffiti removal job. The material safety data sheet that comes with the graffiti cleaner should also be reviewed carefully because this sheet gives out important information on health and safety considerations during handling and application.
Carefully take note of the specific "soak in" time needed to remove the graffiti. Smooth surfaces can take only minutes to be cleaned with a simple application of the remover, agitating the surface, and a quick wipe and rinse. A porous surface like brick and concrete has a longer “soak in” time, around 15 to 60 minutes, and often requires a second application.
To complete the graffiti removal process, use a power wash (note: a power wash is a great force of water coming through a hose and washes off the building) that has the capability to provide the least amount of water pressure. The process of removal requires a good remover to soften the graffiti, and the consequent low-pressure removal by a power washer will ensure no etching or scarring to the building surface.
As alternative to power washers, graffiti removal can also be done using spray bottles, sponges, rags, nylon brushes and pads, although extreme care should be taken to avoid scarring.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Challenges in Graffiti Cleanup and Maintenance
Fixing graffiti damage is more of an art than a science. The challenges to building personnel and painting contractors are varied, such as how and where graffiti has been applied. Often these challenges come frequently, particularly when vandals repeatedly deface the property. And at each act of vandalism a different set of factors or variables need to be considered by the property owner and painting contractor to determine what method of cleanup to use.
One factor to consider during graffiti cleanup is the kind of paint used by vandals to deface property. The most popular method is spray paint, which comes in thousands of color choices and formulas. Graffiti removal is different depending on the paint’s characteristics. Water-based enamel, for instance, is easier to remove than epoxy, urethane or automotive finish.
The type of surface where graffiti was applied also adds to the challenge of cleanup. Smooth and glossy surfaces such as glass, marble or wood are easier to remove graffiti from, as compared to rough and porous surfaces like brick or cement.
Painting contractors avoid using traditional methods to remove graffiti. Painting over the graffiti makes the property look worse and tends to encourage vandals to repeat the crime. Harsh chemicals and sandblasting are also risky because they can damage the substrate and cause safety and health problems to applicators and building residents.
It's a good thing that there are graffiti cleaners that work to solve these challenges. Graffiti removers effectively eliminate graffiti without damaging the substrate or leaving some scarring to the property. Graffiti removers are also environment-friendly and safe to use.
One factor to consider during graffiti cleanup is the kind of paint used by vandals to deface property. The most popular method is spray paint, which comes in thousands of color choices and formulas. Graffiti removal is different depending on the paint’s characteristics. Water-based enamel, for instance, is easier to remove than epoxy, urethane or automotive finish.
The type of surface where graffiti was applied also adds to the challenge of cleanup. Smooth and glossy surfaces such as glass, marble or wood are easier to remove graffiti from, as compared to rough and porous surfaces like brick or cement.
Painting contractors avoid using traditional methods to remove graffiti. Painting over the graffiti makes the property look worse and tends to encourage vandals to repeat the crime. Harsh chemicals and sandblasting are also risky because they can damage the substrate and cause safety and health problems to applicators and building residents.
It's a good thing that there are graffiti cleaners that work to solve these challenges. Graffiti removers effectively eliminate graffiti without damaging the substrate or leaving some scarring to the property. Graffiti removers are also environment-friendly and safe to use.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The War Against Graffiti
Graffiti splashed on buildings and structures is ugly and indicates ruin and degradation. No matter how new or clean the building really is, when graffiti is splashed on the structure, it results to a dilapidated and dirty look.
Graffiti vandalism is on the rise in many communities. Vandals have become bolder in “tagging” or defacing properties. They commonly target public structures like bridges and overpasses, but more often now vandals do not spare even residential neighborhoods and business districts.
Everywhere in the country, graffiti damage affects hospitals, hotels, highways, transportation systems and residential homes. The vandals also target schools and academic institutions. Vandalism arises anywhere, either in urban or suburban communities. Any building, be it painted or not, are considered “billboards” for vandals.
Because of the damage to property that graffiti vandalism brings, more and more communities are taking proactive approaches to solve the problem, concerned with the lowering value of the defaced property, negative customer perception, and lost revenue. The burden of graffiti cleanup often falls to the property owner, who is required now in most cities and municipalities to remove graffiti on their property within 24 to 48 hours after being vandalized.
This situation creates an opportunity for painting contractors to provide value-added service to clients by offering graffiti cleanup and maintenance. Industrial painting contractors can attract more clients when they add graffiti removal and maintenance to their capabilities.
Graffiti vandalism is on the rise in many communities. Vandals have become bolder in “tagging” or defacing properties. They commonly target public structures like bridges and overpasses, but more often now vandals do not spare even residential neighborhoods and business districts.
Everywhere in the country, graffiti damage affects hospitals, hotels, highways, transportation systems and residential homes. The vandals also target schools and academic institutions. Vandalism arises anywhere, either in urban or suburban communities. Any building, be it painted or not, are considered “billboards” for vandals.
Because of the damage to property that graffiti vandalism brings, more and more communities are taking proactive approaches to solve the problem, concerned with the lowering value of the defaced property, negative customer perception, and lost revenue. The burden of graffiti cleanup often falls to the property owner, who is required now in most cities and municipalities to remove graffiti on their property within 24 to 48 hours after being vandalized.
This situation creates an opportunity for painting contractors to provide value-added service to clients by offering graffiti cleanup and maintenance. Industrial painting contractors can attract more clients when they add graffiti removal and maintenance to their capabilities.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Professional Organizations for Industrial Coating Contractors
Industrial coating contractors often make it their goal to join a professional organization and be certified in their field of expertise. Membership to professional organizations is a great opportunity to network with industry experts and colleagues involved in the coating and painting contractor business. Industrial coating contractors submit themselves to the requirements of certification-awarding organizations in order to be evaluated against industry standard practices and to further improve their skills and reputations.
In the industrial coating industry, there are several organizations that contractors can join in. The National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA) is a non-profit organization for industrial coating contractors. The Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology is another professional organization that is based in Pennsylvania and provides educational, promotional, and professional development services.
The Powder Coating Institute and Society of Vacuum Coaters is a specialty professional organization catering to specific technologies.
Below are more professional membership organizations revolving around the coating and painting industry:
- Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)
- Canadian Paint and Coatings Association
- Steel Structures Painting Council
- Society for Protective Coatings
- Coatings Research Group, Inc.
- Surface Engineering Coating Association
- National Association of Pipe Coating Applicators
- Industrial Painters Coalition (IPC)
- Painting and Decorators Foundation (PDF)
Most of these professional membership organizations have strict requirements prior to accepting any industrial coating contractor into their roster. That is why the inclusion to any of these membership organizations is a great honor for industrial coating contractors, because it shows that their experience, commitment, and competence have been found worthy of the confidence of their peers.
For clients, the certification and membership of an industrial coating contractor to any respected professional organization should be a basic requirement for contracting with them.
In the industrial coating industry, there are several organizations that contractors can join in. The National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA) is a non-profit organization for industrial coating contractors. The Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology is another professional organization that is based in Pennsylvania and provides educational, promotional, and professional development services.
The Powder Coating Institute and Society of Vacuum Coaters is a specialty professional organization catering to specific technologies.
Below are more professional membership organizations revolving around the coating and painting industry:
- Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)
- Canadian Paint and Coatings Association
- Steel Structures Painting Council
- Society for Protective Coatings
- Coatings Research Group, Inc.
- Surface Engineering Coating Association
- National Association of Pipe Coating Applicators
- Industrial Painters Coalition (IPC)
- Painting and Decorators Foundation (PDF)
Most of these professional membership organizations have strict requirements prior to accepting any industrial coating contractor into their roster. That is why the inclusion to any of these membership organizations is a great honor for industrial coating contractors, because it shows that their experience, commitment, and competence have been found worthy of the confidence of their peers.
For clients, the certification and membership of an industrial coating contractor to any respected professional organization should be a basic requirement for contracting with them.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
SSPC Certification Programs – QP3 and above
Continued: SSPC certification programs
The previous blog talked about the first two program categories – QP1 and QP2 – provided by the Society for Protective Coatings or SSPC for industrial coating contractors. Undergoing SSPC’s certification program will add to the credibility and marketability of any coating contractor. Some more categories under SSPC’s certification program are discussed below:
QP3 assesses coating contractors’ ability to perform protective coating and surface preparation inside or outside any building. The guidelines in QP3 are vital to coating longevity. Industrial coating contractors are reviewed on their work practices when it comes to permanent structures that are enclosed or covered -- locations that are not subject to varying outdoor weather conditions. QP3 also reviews contractors’ capability to conduct on permanent facilities without roof or walls and are open to the weather.
QP5 is for inspection companies specializing in industrial coating and lining industries. QP5 reviews the capabilities of inspection companies to provide quality inspections. This program promotes consistent and quality inspections and ensures checks and balances between the inspection company and building owners.
Other SSPC category programs are QP6 that certifies the ability of industrial thermal spray contractors to apply metallizing sprays such as zinc, aluminum, and zinc anodes on steel. QP8 certifies contractors’ ability to apply polymer coatings in industrial, business, or institutional buildings. Another certification program, the Protective Coatings Specialist Certification (PCS) certifies that contractors can handle all commercial, industrial, and institutional coating needs.
SSPC’s certification programs certify industrial contractors and even inspection companies. The valuable certification process ensures that these companies meet industry standards and will be able to provide quality service to their clients.
The previous blog talked about the first two program categories – QP1 and QP2 – provided by the Society for Protective Coatings or SSPC for industrial coating contractors. Undergoing SSPC’s certification program will add to the credibility and marketability of any coating contractor. Some more categories under SSPC’s certification program are discussed below:
QP3 assesses coating contractors’ ability to perform protective coating and surface preparation inside or outside any building. The guidelines in QP3 are vital to coating longevity. Industrial coating contractors are reviewed on their work practices when it comes to permanent structures that are enclosed or covered -- locations that are not subject to varying outdoor weather conditions. QP3 also reviews contractors’ capability to conduct on permanent facilities without roof or walls and are open to the weather.
QP5 is for inspection companies specializing in industrial coating and lining industries. QP5 reviews the capabilities of inspection companies to provide quality inspections. This program promotes consistent and quality inspections and ensures checks and balances between the inspection company and building owners.
Other SSPC category programs are QP6 that certifies the ability of industrial thermal spray contractors to apply metallizing sprays such as zinc, aluminum, and zinc anodes on steel. QP8 certifies contractors’ ability to apply polymer coatings in industrial, business, or institutional buildings. Another certification program, the Protective Coatings Specialist Certification (PCS) certifies that contractors can handle all commercial, industrial, and institutional coating needs.
SSPC’s certification programs certify industrial contractors and even inspection companies. The valuable certification process ensures that these companies meet industry standards and will be able to provide quality service to their clients.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SSPC Certification Programs – QP1 and QP2
The Society for Protective Coatings or SSPC gives industry standard certifications through its Painting Contractor Certification Programs. Industrial coating contractors usually submit themselves to SSPC’s certification standards because being certified by SSPC adds to the credibility of any industrial coating contractor’s portfolio.
Industrial coating contractors seeking certification in SSPC’s standards must undergo several categorized programs, ranging from QP1 to QP6. The first two programs review the industrial coating contractor’s competency to deliver quality work and the contractor’s capability to adhere to safety, health and environmental compliance standards.
Below are the details of the first two certification programs:
QP1 is the minimum standard certification program for industrial coating contractors who usually conduct surface preparation and coating application activities to any open-air marine and industrial steel constructions. Coating contractors with activities involving liquid storage containers, ship maintenance, electrical power plants, bridges, industrial warehouses, and retail food facilities are covered in this program category.
QP2 certifies coating contractors on their ability to perform hazardous paint removal. Industrial coating contractors must be able to exhibit their protective capabilities and be able to keep their workers away from harm during any project. QP2 certification is divided into two parts based on two different environments in common hazardous paint removal activities. Category A is for negative air containment and Category B is without negative air containment.
The next blog will discuss the rest of SSPC’s program categories – Q3 and higher.
Industrial coating contractors seeking certification in SSPC’s standards must undergo several categorized programs, ranging from QP1 to QP6. The first two programs review the industrial coating contractor’s competency to deliver quality work and the contractor’s capability to adhere to safety, health and environmental compliance standards.
Below are the details of the first two certification programs:
QP1 is the minimum standard certification program for industrial coating contractors who usually conduct surface preparation and coating application activities to any open-air marine and industrial steel constructions. Coating contractors with activities involving liquid storage containers, ship maintenance, electrical power plants, bridges, industrial warehouses, and retail food facilities are covered in this program category.
QP2 certifies coating contractors on their ability to perform hazardous paint removal. Industrial coating contractors must be able to exhibit their protective capabilities and be able to keep their workers away from harm during any project. QP2 certification is divided into two parts based on two different environments in common hazardous paint removal activities. Category A is for negative air containment and Category B is without negative air containment.
The next blog will discuss the rest of SSPC’s program categories – Q3 and higher.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Certified Industrial Coating Contractors – Value for Your Money
To make sure you get the most superior and long-lasting results for your building coating project, hire a certified industrial coating contractor. Industry experts and end-clients agree: the work done by certified contractors often stands the test of time.
Industrial coating contractors with certification are an attractive option to clients because they provide lower risks to the project when hired. They also provide better protection to the structures when coatings are applied, assuring longevity in service life.
Because clients often prefer certified coating contractors to non-certified ones, contractors make it a point to be certified. They submit themselves to the certification process where their capacity to handle projects are evaluated by a neutral third party certification body. This third party organization will visit the contractor’s business site and examine their capabilities and demonstrated competencies. Once a certification has been awarded, industrial coating contractors can carry this in their portfolios to draw clients.
Working with non-certified contractors increases the risk of inferior work that doesn’t meet safety and professional standards. This increases the chances of project failure and damage to public relations. At worst, the unthinkable risk to human lives is even possible.
For better protection, opt only to work with an industrial coating contractor that has the essential certifications for the job.
Industrial coating contractors with certification are an attractive option to clients because they provide lower risks to the project when hired. They also provide better protection to the structures when coatings are applied, assuring longevity in service life.
Because clients often prefer certified coating contractors to non-certified ones, contractors make it a point to be certified. They submit themselves to the certification process where their capacity to handle projects are evaluated by a neutral third party certification body. This third party organization will visit the contractor’s business site and examine their capabilities and demonstrated competencies. Once a certification has been awarded, industrial coating contractors can carry this in their portfolios to draw clients.
Working with non-certified contractors increases the risk of inferior work that doesn’t meet safety and professional standards. This increases the chances of project failure and damage to public relations. At worst, the unthinkable risk to human lives is even possible.
For better protection, opt only to work with an industrial coating contractor that has the essential certifications for the job.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Part 4 – Tips to Get the Best Industrial Painting Contractor in the Market
Continued: Tips to Get the Best Industrial Painting Contractor in the Market.
This four part series focused on how to get the best industrial painting contractor for your building paint job. There are two remaining, though no less essential, steps. These steps are about two complementing elements of every industrial painting process – communication and technology.
9. Establish a clear communication system
Examine and agree on the most effective communication lines and mode of communication (i.e., phone numbers, cell phones, office phone). Knowing the best way to contact your contractor and making sure that your contractor responds within a reasonable time will lay the groundwork for harmonious and effective communication, even before the project start date. Setting up communication channels is the important key to avoid problems deep into the project. A contractor that is slow in returning phone calls and cancels on appointments is a major hindrance to the project.
10. Get the best quality paint
Emphasize your preference for high-quality paints for the project. When faced with the decision to choose between sub-standard yet low-priced paints over high-quality paint, contractors should always go for the higher quality paint. The rule of thumb in the paint industry is that the extra cost of quality paints is a small investment that can be recouped because they are longer lasting.
Choosing the right industrial painting contractor may seem exhausting at first, but once you follow the tips discussed in this 4-blog series, you are on your way to choosing the right industrial painting contractor. The selection process is an exercise in patience, competence, good communication, and project execution. The reward for a facility manager is a, brand-new-looking, pleasing-to-the-eye building.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Part 3 – Tips to Get the Best Industrial Painting Contractor in the Market
Continued: Tips to Get the Best Industrial Painting Contractor in the Market
Other factors that are valuable in the selection of an industrial painting contractor are proven experience and degree of professionalism. Below is the third set of useful guidelines that tackle these factors:
6. The best post-work warranty
The contractor must be able to assure you that a post-work warranty is available for the project and that the warranty is available for a reasonable amount of time after project completion. Long after the project, if ever there is a paint failure within the warranty period, the contractor must be able to provide the necessary labor and materials to alleviate any problems.
7. Choose the company with proven work history
Action speaks louder than words, never more so than in industrial painting jobs. Award the painting job to the contractor that can provide the best client references of their past work. Take the time to contact these clients and ask for feedback regarding the contractors' work. Client testimonials are important.
8. Face-to-face presentation and assessment
First impressions are always vital to any selection process. Once a contractor is in front of you for a presentation, discreetly watch out for those telltale signs that can indicate if the contractor is a professional and courteous, or disorganized and haphazardly. Your impressions at this point may turn out to be the norm between you and the contractor should you decide to hire them, to your disadvantage or benefit.
A reliable post-work warranty, proven work history, and face-to-face assessment of the contractors are some of the valuable factors that need to be considered when choosing the painting contractor for the project.
The next blog will discuss two more practical tips in choosing an industrial contractor – clear communication line and the best quality paints.
Other factors that are valuable in the selection of an industrial painting contractor are proven experience and degree of professionalism. Below is the third set of useful guidelines that tackle these factors:
6. The best post-work warranty
The contractor must be able to assure you that a post-work warranty is available for the project and that the warranty is available for a reasonable amount of time after project completion. Long after the project, if ever there is a paint failure within the warranty period, the contractor must be able to provide the necessary labor and materials to alleviate any problems.
7. Choose the company with proven work history
Action speaks louder than words, never more so than in industrial painting jobs. Award the painting job to the contractor that can provide the best client references of their past work. Take the time to contact these clients and ask for feedback regarding the contractors' work. Client testimonials are important.
8. Face-to-face presentation and assessment
First impressions are always vital to any selection process. Once a contractor is in front of you for a presentation, discreetly watch out for those telltale signs that can indicate if the contractor is a professional and courteous, or disorganized and haphazardly. Your impressions at this point may turn out to be the norm between you and the contractor should you decide to hire them, to your disadvantage or benefit.
A reliable post-work warranty, proven work history, and face-to-face assessment of the contractors are some of the valuable factors that need to be considered when choosing the painting contractor for the project.
The next blog will discuss two more practical tips in choosing an industrial contractor – clear communication line and the best quality paints.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Part 2 – Tips to Get the Best Industrial Painting Contractor in the Market
Continued: Tips to Get the Best Industrial Painting Contractor in the Market.
The previous blog initially provided several tips on how to get the right industrial painting contractor in the market, here are several more no-nonsense tips for building owners and facility managers:
3. Identify the most suitable painting process
This is the point where details become so important in your quest for the best industrial painting contractor for the job. This process should include discussions with potential contractors on such technical matters as surface preparations, priming, finishing, among others. This can provide clarity of the actual project requirements, that in turn allows for the appropriate technical process to be applied, which translates to an accurate estimate of the project.
4. Plan on property protection
During painting, building objects such as nearby plants, furniture or ornaments may need to be removed or protected from the painting activity. If this is the case, clarify with the contractors how they plan to do so to prevent damage to your building assets and protect business property inside and outside of the building.
5. Strive for the most cost-effective schedule
The bidding contractor should provide you with a time line of the painting activity. Estimates and timeline are compared for an estimated date of completion. This time line is an effective way to track the progress of the activity. If ever the estimates don’t meet the scheduled completion date, ask the contractor how they will address the issue of late completion and what is their contingency plan or "Plan B" in such case.
Identifying the most suitable painting process, planning on protecting the objects in the building and getting the most cost-effective schedule for the project are some important details that can drive the project towards successful completion.
The next blog will provide more useful tips on choosing an industrial contractor, particularly on warranties, work histories, and face-to-face presentations.
The previous blog initially provided several tips on how to get the right industrial painting contractor in the market, here are several more no-nonsense tips for building owners and facility managers:
3. Identify the most suitable painting process
This is the point where details become so important in your quest for the best industrial painting contractor for the job. This process should include discussions with potential contractors on such technical matters as surface preparations, priming, finishing, among others. This can provide clarity of the actual project requirements, that in turn allows for the appropriate technical process to be applied, which translates to an accurate estimate of the project.
4. Plan on property protection
During painting, building objects such as nearby plants, furniture or ornaments may need to be removed or protected from the painting activity. If this is the case, clarify with the contractors how they plan to do so to prevent damage to your building assets and protect business property inside and outside of the building.
5. Strive for the most cost-effective schedule
The bidding contractor should provide you with a time line of the painting activity. Estimates and timeline are compared for an estimated date of completion. This time line is an effective way to track the progress of the activity. If ever the estimates don’t meet the scheduled completion date, ask the contractor how they will address the issue of late completion and what is their contingency plan or "Plan B" in such case.
Identifying the most suitable painting process, planning on protecting the objects in the building and getting the most cost-effective schedule for the project are some important details that can drive the project towards successful completion.
The next blog will provide more useful tips on choosing an industrial contractor, particularly on warranties, work histories, and face-to-face presentations.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Part 1 – Tips to Get the Best Industrial Painting Contractor in the Market
Before it gets to the point of becoming glaringly obvious that the building is deteriorating, you as a facility manager should make the decision to hire an industrial painting company for the job. This task is made easy if you follow some common sense tips below:
1. Specify the correct painting requirement
You really have to sit this one out and come up with a detailed scope of the work you need. The scope should answer questions like: what are the areas of the building that need to be painted? What are the areas that don't? Any particular technique preferred? Any special consideration before, during and after the work is done? For the most accurate quotes from painting contractors, they need to bid on the exact scope of work from which to base their estimates. Error a little, and the price estimates will be off, potentially resulting in problems.
2. Send out a request for quotes
Contact at least three contractors, provide them with the requirements and invite them to bid. Not sure who to contact? Many companies have their presence in the web. Browsing through industrial painting contractors’ websites will provide important knowledge about the services and expertise these contractors offer.
The next blog will discuss more valuable tips on hiring the best industrial contractor for the job.
1. Specify the correct painting requirement
You really have to sit this one out and come up with a detailed scope of the work you need. The scope should answer questions like: what are the areas of the building that need to be painted? What are the areas that don't? Any particular technique preferred? Any special consideration before, during and after the work is done? For the most accurate quotes from painting contractors, they need to bid on the exact scope of work from which to base their estimates. Error a little, and the price estimates will be off, potentially resulting in problems.
2. Send out a request for quotes
Contact at least three contractors, provide them with the requirements and invite them to bid. Not sure who to contact? Many companies have their presence in the web. Browsing through industrial painting contractors’ websites will provide important knowledge about the services and expertise these contractors offer.
The next blog will discuss more valuable tips on hiring the best industrial contractor for the job.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Why Facility Managers Need to Choose the Best Painting Contractors
It’s time for your facility to get a new look. If it’s getting dilapidated on the edges, then you as a facility manager automatically know that it’s maintenance time for your building. First order of business: a paint job from a good painting contractor.
For your allocated maintenance budget, it’s very possible to actually find the best and finest painting contractor for the job. It just takes extra care on your part and avoidance of some risky practices. One such risk is to simply hire the last contractor who did the job. There’s a big chance there are more and better options now offered in the market than last year. Be wary also of price-friendly contractors that will offer you the moon in terms of painting job costs yet turn out sloppy and disastrous work.
Why the need for much care and consideration? Well, think of it. Since you and your building occupants would be the ones to live with and see, everyday, the annoying result of every iota of below-par workmanship, delayed delivery of service, and worse, a terrible coating system failure, doesn’t a job done well the first time at the best price seem the better option for you?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Painting Technique is Key
After looking around for industrial painting contractors, examining their capabilities, and evaluating their proposals, you are finally down to one or two candidates. This is the time to look deeper into the technical process that will be employed for your building maintenance project.
How to proceed? For one, you can discuss with the candidate contractors the type of painting system suited for your project. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Such discussions can yield tremendous benefits to you as you arrive at the final choice of contractor based on their technical expertise.
For protective and decorative painting projects, contractors typically offer the following services below:
There are more of these techniques in the market, and examining them would be to your best advantage.
How to proceed? For one, you can discuss with the candidate contractors the type of painting system suited for your project. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Such discussions can yield tremendous benefits to you as you arrive at the final choice of contractor based on their technical expertise.
For protective and decorative painting projects, contractors typically offer the following services below:
- Coil or roll coating is a high-speed process for metal coating
- Dip or immersion coating where parts are submerged in a tank filled with paint
- Dry lubricants are painted over surfaces of machine parts to reduce corrosion
- Powder coating is used for finishing by applying electrostatically-charged dry paint particles to surfaces
- Web coating applies a layer of paint on surfaces of continuous sheets.
There are more of these techniques in the market, and examining them would be to your best advantage.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Painting Contractor Services on the Web
When choosing the best painting contractor for building maintenance, facility managers thankfully now have the Internet to assist in the search. Most industrial painting contractors have their presence in the Internet. Their web sites are easily accessibly at the click of the mouse in the comfort of the office. Many of these companies list out their services and previous experiences in their web sites. Some even have their client’s endorsements and approvals scanned and placed as content in the website for everyone to see. Painting contractors have wisely taken their marketing strategies to the Internet arena with beneficial results, both to themselves and to their potential clients.
For facility managers, it is now only a matter of comparing contractor's bids and shortlisting them according to specified criteria like the ones discussed in the previous blog: Checklist for Choosing a Painting Contractor. The websites also give out their contact persons and phone numbers.
The ease of communicating with the contractor online is a blessed value-added, when compared to the pre-Internet era of looking them up at the phone book, calling them up, and waiting for them to respond. The time is lessened in the search for the right industrial painting contractor for the job. The Internet is a valuable vehicle that is used for facilities managers looking for commercial building painting contractors.
For facility managers, it is now only a matter of comparing contractor's bids and shortlisting them according to specified criteria like the ones discussed in the previous blog: Checklist for Choosing a Painting Contractor. The websites also give out their contact persons and phone numbers.
The ease of communicating with the contractor online is a blessed value-added, when compared to the pre-Internet era of looking them up at the phone book, calling them up, and waiting for them to respond. The time is lessened in the search for the right industrial painting contractor for the job. The Internet is a valuable vehicle that is used for facilities managers looking for commercial building painting contractors.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Checklist for Choosing the Best Painting Contractor
Facility managers should be able to answer “YES” to all the questions below when considering hiring a painting contractor:
1. Does the contractor have a valid and updated license to operate in your area, avoiding legal hassles that can stall or halt your project?
2. Does the contractor’s organizational structure suit your job needs, with key management and technical people available for your requirements?
3. Are the contractor’s resources – manpower, equipment, and time – capable of delivering the job within the project life cycle?
4. Does the contractor have the experience required for the painting assignment you require?
5. Are comments from the contractor’s previous clients satisfactory and reassuring that they will deliver the same quality to your painting project?
6. Can the contractor comply with insurance, safety, health and environmental standards and certifications required for the project?
Lessen the risk of a botched paint job. Hiring the best industrial painting contractor is of paramount importance.
1. Does the contractor have a valid and updated license to operate in your area, avoiding legal hassles that can stall or halt your project?
2. Does the contractor’s organizational structure suit your job needs, with key management and technical people available for your requirements?
3. Are the contractor’s resources – manpower, equipment, and time – capable of delivering the job within the project life cycle?
4. Does the contractor have the experience required for the painting assignment you require?
5. Are comments from the contractor’s previous clients satisfactory and reassuring that they will deliver the same quality to your painting project?
6. Can the contractor comply with insurance, safety, health and environmental standards and certifications required for the project?
Lessen the risk of a botched paint job. Hiring the best industrial painting contractor is of paramount importance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
