Backup Chemical? Help needed...

[hadishon]

Hi,
I need to do some demo's for local gas stations and need a chemical to use on concrete that I can buy at Lowes. There is no local chemical company here and I won't be able to go to one until I know I have a job to use the chemicals on. (this is what happens when you are getting low on cash... gotta float checks to get by...)

So does anyone know of a chemical that would do a good and simular job as professional chemicals that I can by at Lowes?

Once I get the job, I plan on using something simular to HD-80 and Citric Acid.

Would a deck stripper work well on concrete without damaging it?

Or would I be better off just using their bottled concrete degreaser?

Any ideas on an acid I could use to brighten the concrete after cleaning?

Thanks!

 

[hadishon]

BTW, I've talked to the local authorities and conservationist and have "OKed" plans for washing any gas station in the region...

So I have the waste water problem taken care of.

 

[hadishon]

I'm also going to be washing with a HOT HP Washer that is rated 3500 PSI, 3.5 GPM, at up to 305 degrees and use a turbo nozzel.

 

[Dan S]

[QUOTE

So does anyone know of a chemical that would do a good and simular job as professional chemicals that I can by at Lowes?

If there was such a chem Why would we be buying the better more expensive stuff..................


Once I get the job, I plan on using something simular to HD-80 and Citric Acid. >>HD_80 Isnt that expensive ...... why jack around with cheep butt chems?

Would a deck stripper work well on concrete without damaging it?
what kind of deck stripper? why not just use bleach.


Or would I be better off just using their bottled concrete degreaser?

Any ideas on an acid I could use to brighten the concrete after cleaning?

Thanks!

I think if you are going to be successfull in this business YOU need to spend some money ..... the bank has all kinds of it .. YOu are wasting your time If you think you are just going to go to lowes and slap something on that you dont know too much about . YOu are just fooling yourself and your customers......

DO the job right BUY the best from the BEST and then you have something to go on .....................pressure washing isnt like carpenters, plumbers ......etc...... YOU need to stand out from your competitors......... USE only the best chems and equipment.

sorry if this seems HARSH but gezzzzzz man DO you wanna be a power washer or what ?

 

[hadishon]

I stopped by lowes and looked over their chemicals... not a very good selection. What looked to be the best that they have is made by "Johnson Wax - Professional"

They make a Degreaser that has Sodium Metasilicate, Tetrasodium salt, and Potassium Carbonate. (bottle says up to 64 Gallons and it's purple)

They also make a floor stripper chemical with Sodium Hydroxide in it. (bottle says makes 5 gallons)

Anyone have any expierence with these?

 

[hadishon]

Dan, I understand and agree with your post. I just simply do not have any money to go get chemical. I have to drive 50 miles one way to get the chemical. I don't have the money to do it right now. All I'm looking for is something that I could use that is in my town that I could get to do a small demo with. Once the place says "ok" I will get the proper and best chemicals before I clean the job. I know it's not that expensive but, I'm broke... Fridge is even empty. If I'm gonna make it as a powerwasher it's not gonna matter if I have the best chemicals tomorrow... It matters that I get a job so that I can get the chemicals and eat.

The whole reason that I'm in this mess is because my first job burnt down the night before I was going to clean it. I can't say pity me because a very nice couple lost their house and both their cars in the fire. But, the day before that job, I bought the rest of the equipment I would need to do the job on the following day. I can't take that equipment back... It literally made me almost pennieless. I have just enough money for gas to get the proper chemicals when I get a job and then float a check for the chemicals which will be paid by the money I get from the job.

I hate excuses and these are not exuses it is just the way it is and I'm going to make my way through it. I'm not also asking for pity just a little help on what would be the best chemical to use for a couple demo's until I get someone to say YES on a job? I'm thinking one of the two above would probably do a decent job. I don't know what to use to brighten and neautralize the concrete with though, any ideas on where I can get some citric acid or OX besides a regular chemical shop?

Thanks

 

[Dan S]

I can understand ........ But lets say you do a "demo" with chem A ( 'ya know the cheap stuff ) ...... they say OKAY Mike you got the job ... Now you think HUH I better use chem B...... B/C it is better and do a better job.... NOw you are messing with two chems with two different results.......

YOu need to do the DEMO with the CHEM you plan on using if not you will be pulling your hair out.

Thats all Im trying to say .. I dont mean to dis-credit 'ya Im just trying to open your eyes a lil wider.

 

[hadishon]

I see your point but, wouldn't HD-80 and Citric acid do a better job then anything Lowe's sells? Wouldn't it do a better job? If yes and I get the job, the only thing I really see is a happy service station manager...

I'm conisidering going to get the right chemicals first thing in the morning, float the check, and hope I get a job when I get back to town. Risking on the bank end, less risking on the job end.

 

[Aplus]

Mike,
Of course professional grade chems are what you really need, but I understand your situation. Apparently Dan has forgotten what it's like to be starting out. Being a moderator on this board, I feel my responsibility is to help/suggest to get you in the right direction, and to point out possible problems, rather than belittle you for asking questions, and looking for alternative ways to get the job done.

Zep makes an ok concrete cleaner/degreaser, the thing is, it's not very concentrated, and it winds up being very expensive compared to pro grade stuff in larger quantities.

You may have to use the stuff straight out of the bottle to get the results you need. You will have to do some testing of the strengths to find out. I think the purple stuff and yellow stuff are what you should have.

HD-80 is a very good degreaser, and can be used to clean concrete. Just keep it off black top, as it can degrade the surface.

In my experience, I've found sodium hydroxide or sodium metisilicate based products to work best, depending on whether you're cleaning animal based grease, or automotive based grease. So the point is, it's best to have at least a couple different products with you to handle any given situation.

I should also warn you that a turbo nozzle can cause a heck of a lot of damage, and I don't recommend them unless you are experienced in their use. I feel the proper use for a turbo nozzle is for things like stripping old paint and such, and not for general concrete cleaning.

I know you desperately need to get some cash flow going, but I'll tell you up front that using the wrong tools can end up causing damage that you will be responsible for, or you'll end up doing an unimpressive demo, and not get the work anyway.

You don't need citric acid, but maybe oxalic acid, for removing rust stains, and general concrete brightening.

Zep also makes a deck cleaner that is green in color that is oxalic acid based, and will do the job in a pinch.

Good luck.

 

[Dan S]

Tony,
BElieve me I dont forget what it was like . I wasnt saying anything outa line ... WAS I ?

And as a mod >>> I thought I had did my part and give him the other side .... I have no-clue where that came from .........

Mike ... once again if you feel that I was outa line with what I said . Please dont take it in a bad way, I truly meant no harm ...

I think you knew what I was saying ... maybe (*)

I can feel the cabin fever just waiting to burst!!!

 

[Larry L.]

In most cases You already have the best chemical you can buy for concrete,305 degree hotwater.If you need a degreaser check with your local Auto parts store or farm supply store.

 

[BigPete]

castrol super clean - wal-mart - $5/gal



turn that thing down to about 297 degrees 305 is a little high.

 

[ron]

zep and/or a janitorial supply should be close to you.
both will have stronger chem's then a home supply store.

 

[hadishon]

Thanks for the advice,

Dan, no offense taken at all... Maybe I under stand your tone and reasoning because I grew up in PA.

I'm going to go get some chemicals and when I get back to town, sell, demo, whatever I have to do to get a job. If I don't get a job by tomorrow... I'm going to be in a really tight spot... but I'll make it out.

 

[hadishon]

Ron, the county I am has a population of like 80,000 people and not 1 janitorial or chemical store.

Maybe I'm getting into the wrong business ay? .......

 

[Dan S]

Hang in there Michael .... You can make it happen

I do know that if you are going to do a demo with one chem you should do the job with the same .......so you wont have different results.........

What part of PA?

If 'ya ever come back for a visit look me up ..Im in the center part of the State...................

KEEP HAMMERING .... DONT GIVE UP !!!

 

[oneness]

I was thinking about this today at work...Now, I know we all hate lowballers, but that IS an option for you at this point. If money is that tight, drive around a few neighborhoods and knock on every house that needs something washed, and offer to do it VERY CHEAP. Heck, do a driveway for $20.00. Wash a house for $50.00 or $75.00. Just go door to door. Do whatever you have to to get some money coming in.

 

[hadishon]

Well... I got the good chemicals today.

I also may have gotten a gas station. It's 6,000 Sq Feet and I quoted them $600. The 1/2 owner that was there said YES and we are just waiting for the "OK" from the other owner. The owner that I did not meet has been after the one I did to clean better. He (the owner I talked to) has been trying to pressure wash the concrete with a HD cheap unit for months with not very good results. Also for the $600 I'm going to clean their lights on their canopy. They have lady bugs on them. He said just squirt them off... His washer couldn't get anywhere close to hitting the lights, I have an extension.

The owner I talked to wanted me to wash tonight but he couldn't get in touch with his partner all day... he was frustrated. So he said he will tell me tomorrow and I should wash tomorrow night.

I think $600 may be a little low... There is a bit of gum since his machine wouldn't cut it, but this job would help me a ton...

As for lowballing... I hate lowballing and feel I have been on the low side when bidding but, this is because I need the work and don't have a good grasp on what this area will pay.

I also got several owner names for other gas stations that really need washing. It's funny when I ask a manager about cleaning their station and they say, I Hope!... but you have to call this guy...

 

[hadishon]

About Mike's idea of knocking on doors, I think I'm going to try that. I have been putting flyers out. I got one job out of flyers so far but that was the job that burnt down the night before...

What I might do is give them a price that is lower then I would want but not quite at the lowballer's prices...

Better yet, what if I give them a honest good bid and if they say no, ask them how much they will pay me to do the work?

If the say a decent amount, do it... If not, walk away.

I might average higher doing it that way then starting out lowballing.

Thoughts?

 

[oneness]

Michael:

Great news on the gas station! I know starting out is discouraging at times. $600.00 may be a bit low, but heck, it's a job at this point. Do this one to get a feel for how long it takes, and figure your hourly rate based on that. Then you'll be in a better position next bid.

As far as lowballing, I was just suggesting a way to get some cash coming in for a day or two...Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

I hope you get good news today on the station!