brushing and rolling

[Target P/W]

Hi everyone.
I have a couple of questions regarding stain application. When applying with a brush, do you squeeze the brush between the boards to cover the inside areas?. I have found that time consuming and wreaks havoc on expensive brushes. Any tips?.
Also, what is wrong with rolling the stain on provided that you backbrush?.

Thank you for your time..

Chris...

 

[Tim Mcculla]

we use big 'mop' brushes. six by two inch stain brush that has a screw out handle to replace with a broom stick. when doing decking we apply lightly the full brush to centers of board and 'run' the center, as the brush gets 'empty' we work the edges to the crack. We avoid lap marks by running only six boards at a time from end to end, starting brushing at dry and working back to wet, and NEVER stoping on a board not completed.

We never use a full brush in hard to reach spots (excessive drips) and are very carfull of squizing the brush into hard to reach area's this tends to wreck your brush and get your drop clothes bellow full of your material.

We don't roll decks - I think the big brush is the best aplicator for speed and working in the material to the wood.

Just my Thoughts.

Tim

 

[Deck Man]

roll and brush

I roll 4 boards at 10 foot lenths, then back brush them out. I brush in betwwen the boards prior to rolling. I use a 9 inch roller and 4 inch brush with an extension on it.

 

[bluegrass]

what about spraying?

hey guys, ive been researching this industry for a while now, and by the way, thank everyone for inputting to these BB's, you guys are great. I have learned alot from you.
anyway,
its obvious from your post you choose to roll,or brush on stains.
so............ have you tried airless sprayers( if thats even possible.. Airless sprayer) and if so, why do you prefer rolling or brushing? as opposed to spraying?

 

[ron]

ron p/bluegrass

wind is the biggest problem- masking and protecting
time is the second- same as above
customer perception is the third-working by hand seems better
cost of equipment a poor fourth- can cost up to $550
followed by clean-up of equipment-time again
still need to backbrush most times

 

[bluegrass]

thank you ron

those are good reasons

 

[Sunny1]

Depending on the sealers you use, spraying can be difficult. If you use Ready Seal, then spraying is great(except on windy days) cuase the only backbrushing to do is when your done to get rid of excess puddles and ensure eveness. When brushing or flatpading is required, Ready Seal goes on FAST. And runs aren't a worry. Want a motto-"Less rework=more profitability" Sure a sprayer can be costly, but an initial investment can add more to the bottom line in the long run. Prep work is ussually well worth the time saved over hand doing everything.

 

[mhpoole]

i use graco airless on the railing, i use a roller on the ground. I use penofin and slop it on i rarely have to back brush, and they turn out perfect. Penofin doesnt show overlap marks, no runs, just looks great.

Mark

 

[Deck Works]

Airless Sprayer on all vertical services (no back brushing)
Airless Sparyer on all horizontal with a quick back brush of the surface.

Pump sprayer for clear

Poly the house, drop clothes everywhere. Cut in as well. Prep takes almost the same as staining.

This is by far the fastest way to do a job.