Written by Joanne 

The first training session covered the following main ideas. Below lists some important things that were discussed about each:

Introduction to Job Budgets:

-          The price of  a painting job is comprised of 3 components: job costs, overhead costs, and profit.

-          The estimator gives a certain number of hours the job must be completed.

Shop Set-Up and its daily upkeep:

-          Having the shop organized, out of the way, and close to the work area helps with efficiency and a safe and clean job site.

-          There is a checklist spreadsheet that will be online for the job managers or painters at the jobsite to do a daily inventory on materials at the site. Using this will definitely help make sure we all have what we need in a timely fashion.

Painters Tools and their Maintenance:

-          Make sure all tools on the list are clean and are brought to the jobsite everyday.

Efficient Washing of Paint Rollers and Brushes

-          During this part of the training we got to talk a bit about the environment and how finding ways of cleaning rollers and brushes as well as disposing of painting waste is important. As George said: We are “Ecopainting” so we have a responsibility to our friends in the ecosystem!

-          A three bucket washing system was suggested for washing paintbrushes to minimize the use of water.

-          If you are painting a colour similar to the colour previously used on your brush/roller, they do not need to be 100% free of paint, the colours will blend enough and by the second coat it won’t matter. Basically, get your brushes/rollers as clean as they need to be without using too much water.

Task Sequencing:

-          MES (Most Efficient Sequence)

-          Something that may be new for some: painting doors, frames, and any other vertical trim after the ceilings and before the walls.

Masking and Dust Protection for Interior Furnished Areas:

-          Protect all property!

-          Block off rooms not being painted by closing doors or using plastic to close off the room. This will keep the dust out and cut down on clean up time and unhappy customers who don’t like dust!

-          Take pictures of the layout of the room to make it easier to return everything to its right place.

-          Take note of, or take pictures of, previous damage/paint on hardware etc.

Important Notes:

• George is looking for volunteers to be the Environmental watchdog! I believe we will all have the honour of this position at some point.
• Next session will be held in the new office, suite 207. I think we are all looking forward to taking out some anger on those walls!  
• More hands-on learning and activities to follow in the next 6 weeks.

Starting after training: Bonus system for all jobs!! That means more money for the painters, if jobs are completed under budget: more money = happy painters J. This is why things such as task sequencing and efficiency are so important!