We take the time to follow up with all our clients to be sure they are satisfied with the results and how the process works.
Sandy: Hello Tom, we have a new twist for our readers this month. Since several of our YCCA members have stepped up to sponsor our column, we are going to launch our first sponsored column this month. Let’s give big a big welcome to Dylan Nordby, owner of Finishing Touch Painting, and Prescott Epoxy Company.
Dylan: Thank you, Sandy and Tom. I have always enjoyed reading your column and am glad to be the first launched sponsor, as they say.
Tom: Welcome. I like the names, Dylan, of both of your companies. Prescott Epoxy Company is direct and to the point. Finishing Touch Painting has a little flair to it. How did you come to the name Finishing Touch?
Dylan: I have always been in the finishing part of the construction industry and when a job is close to being done, we always referred to the ‘Finishing Touch’ as going the extra mile to make sure every aspect of the project has been gone over and the results are the best they can be. The company’s efforts are all predicated on that principle.
Sandy: That adds value for your customers, for sure. Tell us a bit about what is going on in your company this time of year.
Dylan: As we are approaching the colder months, our efforts are to complete all our exterior work while the weather holds. Once the temperatures drop to 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you begin to fall out of spec with most paint manufacturers.
Tom: So, you are getting it done and looking to do more indoor work?
Dylan: Exactly.
Sandy: Tell us about Prescott Epoxy Company. Like Tom says, that is a direct and to-the-point, no-nonsense name. What all do you do?
Dylan: We apply epoxy coatings on floor surfaces such as garage floors, porches and other outdoor surfaces where we can restore damaged concrete surfaces. We can include color and a variety of additives to create non-slip surfaces. On exterior surfaces, we use quartz sand, which makes the surfaces stronger, acting like an aggregate in concrete.
Tom: What do you use on interior surfaces?
Dylan: We broadcast a vinyl flake on both epoxy and polished floors, which are becoming popular in residential applications. Commercial and industrial applications have been around for a while.
Sandy: Give our readers some more information about both products. How are polished floors different from an epoxy application?
Dylan: Well, an epoxy floor is a two-part product application and the polished floors typically have a penetrating sealer applied on the surface. There may be two coats of the sealer as well. Epoxy has the advantage of covering up patched concrete, making the surface more uniform in appearance, whereas a polished floor with a clear sealer does not hide aesthetic flaws.
Tom: I have seen polished floors in some big box stores where a vinyl tile surface has been removed and a polished concrete surface is done. Does traffic play a role in determining which system is used?
Dylan: Yes. A polished concrete floor that is ground and sanded as smoothly as possible along with a strong penetrating sealer is an extremely hard surface that can withstand not only high foot traffic, but also traffic from vehicles such as forklifts. To get the surface smooth, we will use grinding and sanding grit, beginning with a 30-grit and finishing with up to 800-grit sanding paper.
Tom: Wow, most woodworking surfaces do not see much beyond a 220-grit sanding paper. That smoothness makes the concrete surface easier for the sealers to penetrate deeper.
Dylan: Yes, the penetrating sealer is referred to as a ‘densifier,’ making the surface hard and not very susceptible to staining.
Sandy: While you have two different companies, I am curious to know more about the similarities of processes they have.
Dylan: Great question, Sandy. There are two aspects of each company we feel are extremely important. The results for both companies rely on careful and often tedious preparation before the final surface is added and communication with our clients.
Sandy: Cool. Tell us about your company’s approach to both aspects.
Dylan: The level of preparation work varies with each project. With painting, we want to fill cracks, replace caulking and prepare the surface for the final coats of paint. Paint hides the prep work. When you see flaws, it is because the prep work was shoddy. Epoxy and polished concrete surfaces require a similar level of diligence, though the materials used for patching and filling are different. As I mentioned earlier, an epoxy surface, being opaque, will hide the concrete patches’ color differences, while a polished floor’s clear finish will not.
Sandy: You know I am a huge communications gal. Tell our readers what is important about communication with your customers.
Dylan: In a word, everything. From our detailed written proposals clearly outlining the scope of work, to daily updates on the schedule, notifications of any deviations, color selections and where the specific colors go, communicating with clients is critically important for meeting their expectations.
Sandy: Perfect!
Dylan: Communication for us doesn’t end when the job is completed. We take the time to follow up with all our clients to be sure they are satisfied with the results and how the process works.
Tom: That is always an excellent approach. Tell our readers about any promotions going on for Fishing Touch Painting and Prescott Epoxy Company.
Dylan: Sure! As I mentioned earlier, we are looking to increase our indoor work as winter approaches. So, for both companies, we are offering a 10% discount for anyone wanting to get their garage floors done, or interiors painted.
Sandy: That can add up to quite a savings. Dylan, I want to thank you for joining us and sponsoring our column this month.
Thanks for stopping in and reading “At Home with Tom and Sandy.” You’re in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN
Tom Reilly, Architect.
Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association 928-778-0040.
PS: Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning at 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM, 99.9 FM, 95.5 FM or the web: kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry, meet your local community partners and so much more. What a great way to start your weekend!