When I first started,I used CWF UV because it was readily available. I quickly learned that if you want to stay in business,you have to use quality materials and CWF is not quality.It is a surface sealer,which means it is like a wax and it wears away very quickly.The behr used to be the same way,but they have improved it somewhat,I still would not use it to save my life.One of my customers who hired me was going to seal their deck themselves,they had already bought
behr from home depot.I refused to take the job if they insisted on using it.I finally convinced them that the stuff was not pro- grade and I would be happy to return it for them.Well I have gotten 3 other jobs from their recommendations and have been back to do the maintenance.This would not have happened if I had used Behr!Behr and weather beater were rated fair and poor in last years consumer reports and CWF was not even tested!
My sealer of choice is Olympic Natural look Protector Plus,it came in second in the toned division in consumer reports,right under Sikkins which is fifty dollars a gallon.This is a great selling point and surprisingly many of my customers will have a subscription to consumer reporst and I can refer them to that issue.It is extremely user friendly,I was sealing 6 decks a day with this stuff(many of you won't believe that,I would urge you to use it once and you will see).Their is only minimal stain pads used.You can spray onto the deck from the outside and not even use a dropcloth it does not leave drip marks or streaks.Everything blends together.no backbrushing is needed and it dries in fifteen minutes.I can usually place furniture back on the deck before I leave which makes the customer very happy.It is cheaper than some of the crappy sealers out there.It has lasted for two years so far and I have not gotten a single complaint.
This year I will be switching to Ready Seal because they have a lot more colors,it also is extremely user friendly and will be a relief to not have to keep running to the lumber yard for supplies.
P.S I spend a third of my season removing failed finishes amd most of them are behr and CWF UV because they are available at the local home depot and DIY'ERS are talked into using them by paint department employees.
[This message has been edited by JR Wood (edited February 26, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by JR Wood (edited February 26, 2000).]