bidding a large brightwork job

[yem23]

Good perspective davidpm. Your scenario is exactly what happened to me on the last job. I left with a good reference, but was burnt out by the time it was said and done.

[CalebD]

Good posts from others which gives me more wind in my sails for suggesting alternative finishes for the toe rail (Cetol, Bristol Finish, Honey TeaK). It makes you sound more professional that you even know about other finishes (and you can ditch the foam brushes while you are at it - Rebecca Wittman notwithstanding). Anyway, everyone has their way of doing things and I think you have been given good advice here so put in your bid - with its fudge factor for extra BS and let them decide.
The more finishes you play or work with the better you will be able to decide which to use.
All the best.

[LarryandSusanMacDonald]

I wanted to ask Larry and Susan what they think about honey teak for the toe rail.

Sorry, can't help you on that one - never used it. I checked their ad on the net:

• Spray On Easily Repairable
• Sandable and Buffable
• No Sealers
• No Primers
• Apply all Coats in (1) Day
• Apply Out of Doors
• Brush On - Roll On - Spray On
• Application not effected by temperature of 15º - 100º
• Can withstand the snuffing of a cigarette - 2000º
• Chemical and Abrasive resistance not effected by: Teak Cleaners, MEK, Lacquer thinner, Acetone, Battery Acid and Fuels

Sounds too good to be true - especially those last two items. If that were true, we'd all be using it.

Some mention was made of the Bristol Finish - we've had bad experiences with it - peeling up and falling off - even over good wood. And scraping it off is a BEAR! We don't use it anymore.


Might consider one of the teak oil finishes - keeps the color and easy to maintain.

I can't believe the rascal expected to pay only $1500. That's for option 3 - no prep, working from the dock with a broom, no tape, and a rum in one hand.