I got a call from a reference asking if I can paint a Razorback on his parking lot. What specific paints work best... Do I need to use a primer... etc? I've heard of putting some kind of acid on the concrete before you paint?
I do a lot of custom paint, and tell people I'll paint anything that will take paint, but I have never painted a concrete space that I'm assuming will take some abuse. This could potentially open a new part of the state for some bigger jobs for me. I hope to get the job.
Thanks, Kelsey
[ January 27, 2012, 08:44 PM: Message edited by: Kelsey Dum ]
Posted by Tim Barrow (Member # 576) on :
are you sure it is concrete and not asphalt? either way you'll need to seal it first then I would put down a base coat of latex traffic marking paint as a primer. any good industrial oil base enamel should work on top of that,...I use glidden bar-ox at the track to paint the area around the christmas tree for the dragstrip it holds up for about a year or so but no paint will last forever if cars continually drive over it
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
Kelsey, I painted this Talladega Superspeedway logo in 2001. Tim has painted many more logos on asphalt & concrete than I have and he is correct about the base coat. On this job we used latex that was made by Gower Paint in Ohatchee, Alabama (256-892-0019). It was the best latex I have ever used! This photo was taken in 2010 when I went back to the speedway for a visit. The painting was still there! The Alabama sun faded the crap out of it but it had not been touched up in 9 years!! I think the base coat is the secret! Do what Tim said!! Have fun!!!! I love these jobs!!
Tony
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
OOps!! Forgot the painting!!!
Posted by Kelsey Dum (Member # 6101) on :
Wow, that's big and looks great. Thanks for the info guys.
Posted by Kelsey Dum (Member # 6101) on :
I just talked to the guy this morning. The razorback is only about 6ft x 3ft and it IS asphalt.
I guess my next question is how should I price this? I've done wall murals before and usually set the price per sq. ft.... or should I charge by the hour??? And what is a fair price? I know I'm going to have to order some paint unless I can find someone local that carries that stuff.
Posted by Kelsey Dum (Member # 6101) on :
So I quoted him a rough estimate of $860 - $1060. It's a 2 hour drive and I will have to stay one night with one helper. Quoted him at 8-12 hours of work + travel/lodging/supplies.
Is this a good estimate or am I underestimating myself?
Posted by John Arnott (Member # 215) on :
Kelsey, I get these odd jobs like this all the time. A quick pounce pattern, and go paint it. Take a small roller for the fill in. I drive a couple of hours, paint, drive home. $500-$600 Normal days labor.
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
I'm with John, this shouldn't take two days, nor require a helper, heck on a six foot logo, you'll just get in one anothers way. Plan this one out carefully. Make use of the asphalt for the black in the hog. Same with the white traffic paint for the white in the hog. Aside from all the bending over, the red is going to be the biggest pain, most likely taking two coats. BTW, the traffic paint is usually available at Porter's and it dries very quickly.
Posted by Kelsey Dum (Member # 6101) on :
Cool. Thanks for the advice. I over think things sometimes. I guess I would rather be over prepared than under prepared. Thanks again friends.
Posted by John Arnott (Member # 215) on :
Kelsey, If there is one thing I've learned after all these years is that prep is the most important. Make it look easy when you get there.
Posted by Kelsey Dum (Member # 6101) on :
Oh I always make it look it easy... I'm awesome like that, lol. At least that's what I tell myself. I would much rather tell a customer the price is lower than the estimate rather than higher. There is no reason I shouldn't make a decent profit. I am a business after all.
