Particular customer

[Blown Away]

Did an estimate today for an elderly woman that live on a back bay in a stucco type house that is three years old. House has 3 decks that are in good condition but are gray for the most part. Owner wants to maintain this "weathered" look. Owner wants the decks cleaned and sealed and still maintain this gray look. One of the probelems I am sure to encounter is the not so gray areas under mats and other protected areas. i told the lady that I would do some research and get back to her. Advised her that she might be better off getting a gray stain and having all of the decks unifrom. Alos advised her of the UV protection that she would get with a "clear" sealer. Any help would be appreciatted.


Steve
Blown Away

 

[spraymasters]

Steve,
You need to explain to her that the gray is actual damage to the wood by UV. To properly clean the surface of the wood you would need to get the graying off. If she likes the old look then she will pay the price in future wood damage. Most of the good cleaners will take the gray off anyway. Any pressure at all will also take it off. I would try and convince her that she needs to protect the wood by properly cleaning it then sealing it with a natural wood sealer.
To the best of my knowledge {which is limited}, a clear sealer will NOT protect the wood from UV. You need a stain with color.
We have had to educate lots of customers about their decks. Just did one last week with the same request. After we put Ready Seal, Natural Cedar, on it they loved it!!!
Dennis

 

[Jon Fife]

hi steve,

i have customers ask for that occasionally, they like the weathered look. what i do is try and convince them to go with a natural wood tone. Now, most all types of sealers do make a 'driftwood grey' or 'cape cod grey' color. these will offer protection, but the reason that i dont offer these to people is because 97% of people don't like this color, and they are the neighbors that i am trying to impress!! if you go with a natural wood tone, the neighbors will love it and you'll get other jobs in that area. i also find a lot of times that the customer does not realize how good you can make their wood look, and they believe that they are stuck with the grey color, and dont realize they have other options. make sure and let us know how this one turns out!
best regards,

jon fife
nashville,TN
(615)837-3663

 

[Mike Hughes]

Like was said above, any cleaning is going to wipe away the gray look...........to most people that is a good thing.........but ......whatever.

If you clean it and put a clear sealant on it, it will be gray again in about 8 months most likely.........but will still be protected from water. Of course, like was said above, this will not protect from UV rays, and the deck will suffer.

Do you have any pictures of jobs to show her what you can do for the deck? Most people don't even realize how good it can really look if they let you do your thing (the right way).

Good luck.

 

[Blown Away]

Thanks all for the quick replies. I did advise her of the UV issues and the damage to the deck, but like the topic said particular customer. She stated several times over and over how she did not like the color of her neighbors decks. The neighbors decks were cleaned and sealed last year. But anyway, I kind of told her that it was not really possible to clean AND still keep the gray look. I will talk to her today and tell her the advice that I have recieved. Thanks again. I think she respected that I did not give her a price right away concerning a job that I was unsure of, maybe that will win me the job.


Steve
Blown Away

 

[Mike Hughes]

Steve,

This doesnt sound like a job you should want to win........seems like this lady is too hard to please and your time would be better spent elsewhere. Its impossible to clean the deck and retain the gray look..........she has unrealistic expectations that will never be satisfied.............I'd walk.