Pricing question.

[Dick Pewthers]

Once again, I find myself turning to the professionals for answers.

I have recently been approached and asked if I would finish a door with two sidelights. The builder ordered the door without finish for a house he is building but has run out of time. He will supply all the materials I request for the 7-foot door (including the sidelights) and wants me to do the hands-on work. It is made of knotty poplar and anyway I look at it, the job will probably take four coats (sealer, stain, two topcoats) to complete. Since I do not have an HVLP system, I will using a brush (with ample amounts of Floetrol--or similar product).

I recently read (within the past 2-3 months) an article in one of my monthly magazines (it MAY have been Fine Woodworking, but I am unable to put my hands on it) that described a process for finishing outdoor projects with some kind of new epoxy lacquer. According to the article, this stuff is the greatest stuff yet for anything exposed to the sun. . .like this door will be.

Your help with (a) a fair price to charge for the work and (b) the site of the article regarding the finishing process mentioned above is TRULY appreciated.

Dick Pewthers Lake Travis, TX

[Bob in NC]

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Dick, the article was titled "A Durable Outdoor Finish" and was in the FWW October 2005 issue (#179). The finish consists of a thin, penetrating 2-part epoxy sealer called "MultiWoodPrime" and made by Smith & Company. This was followed by a spar varnish top coat.

Don't know about pricing. Good luck.

Bob

[Sonny]

I don't have any experience with the epoxy sealer, it may very well hold up to exterior exposure better than other applications. I'd like to know more about this sealer.

I don't have much confidence in the spar varnish topcoat holding up, long term, if exposed to direct sunlight. I've used tung oil and Water-Lox (marine finishes) for the limited exteriors I've worked with/on.

As per price, charge by the hour. If your experience is lacking in this area, don't charge a normal hourly rate .... reduce your hourly rate a bit.

[Toller]

Epoxy is not UV durable. The spar varnish is to protect the the epoxy. Once it breaks down, the epoxy will also. Doesn't sound like a particularly clever system.

[Tom P]

I recently redid (strip and refinish) a 9 foot 36 inch door for a customer. I did it in my shop and charged 750.00 I called around and found that to be a fair price for Dallas. I use the best outdoor finish i could find at the time. The customer like the job and had me do 2 other doors. I garantee my work for at least as long as the manufacturer does there product. The 2 rules to follow in construction ( I can,t see it from my house and It's good enough for the girls I go with) Seriously Get the best finish you can find and do the best job you can. CALL LOCAL SHOPS FOR PRICING AND CHARGE WHAT IS COMPARABLE! Don't undercut the people making a living at this. I am sure you would not like them doing you job for cheap. Most important is to stand behind your work a satisfy the customer.

Tom Peters Quinlan TX

[Ba r r y]

Which was what?

Thanks, Barry

[Tom P]