Paint Project Questions

[SailMaster]

Hello all,

In dealing with a local marine paint contractor, we have an agreement for him to do an Awlcraft job on my top side during the current haul out. Upon finding some peculiarities in his numbers and facts, I have taken over the management of the materials. I now find that he is wanting to use another primer brand which is not the recommended primer for Awlcraft.

His statements to me are, that they have used it on other boats with no problem. They have "tested it" and it is the same as the Awlgrip 545 only in a different can and a lower price.

The product he wants to use is: Uraglow Procote 2-Part Epoxy Primer 2 Gallon Kit

The question is:

1. should I risk screwing up a major investment by going against the Awlgrip recommendations.

2. Should I even not consider this guy any more. He comes with the boat yards recommendation. But he has trouble with the facts at times.

Thank you for your help,

Sailmaster

 

[Rob19574]

painting a boat, especially the topsides is a huge undertaking. If your gut tells you this guy may not be the right one for the job, then go with that. Primer is not something to skimp on - it will make or break the paint job and you should not try to save a few $. If you cant trust someone with the small stuff -- what do you think you will get on the big items?

 

[Bob McL]

Stick with the paint manufactures' recommendation. That way if something goes wrong, you can ask for help from them. If he can't remember the facts some times - RUN LIKE HELL

 

[tommays]

On a really expensive job were looking to shave 100 bucks off the primer cost ?

 

[SailMaster]

Yes that is exactly it Tommays. We had a set price including materials. And he was trying to add a few bucks to his profit margin by using a cheaper primer.

 

[finding41]

I'm a contractor. Fire him. The other reply's are correct. He is making $ on the product. Not in the most honest way.
I tell my clients strait out I charge X#$ for a can of paint. My price delivered to the site is about $5 less than what they can get it for, before tax. I make $ on this. Not allot, but it pays for one of the guys to go get it.
He sounds like he isin't the most forthright type of person. If I was to have a choice I'd go with someone else or if none available, get him to do the work.
BUT make sure you have it all in writing! All of it. Sand, wash, rinse, remove wax to customers satisfaction.... clean up, etc.
And make sure you know what is to be done and make sure it is being done in the right order.
So you have to be the foreman of the job. Or look for at another guy in another town/yard.
Don't take anything less than what you expect. Remember that you get what you pay for most times.
Good luck.

 

[Steve Dion]

SM: You may want to ask him who is going to pay for the material & labor if the primer fails and the mfg. voids their warranty because of the primer.

Have you seen his other work? I would ask for several references.