Replies

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | May 14, 2001 03:59pm | #1

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   TH - A few opinions -

   Corner paint stores vary, but if you approach them the right way and stay loyal, you might be treated almost as well as the pro painters. For instance, don't ask for 10 percent off in a loud voice in front of other customers. Ask if you can set up something like a trade account, etc. and see if you can negotiate a discount separately based on volume or whatever reason you can justify. You never know - it all comes down to how you treat people.

   Cabots is heads above the others in my opinion, worth additional cost, if any.

   Jeff

1. 
   Qtrmeg_ | May 14, 2001 04:34pm | #2

   *Oil Cabot stain has one problem, that is also an advantage. It takes forever to setup.You will find that the fumes will bother a sensitive person longer, the finish is more likely to be damaged by changing weather, and if you are working with material that was pre-stained you will enjoy having the stain rub off all over you, your clothes, and your tools.The advantage is that it penetrates well. If you want to use an "oil-based" stain you might see if there is a Fuller O'Brien dealer near you, their stain is one of the best I have used, and I have used damn near all of them.Water-based stains are a whole different story, and while Cabot is in the race, they have a way to go.As far as the little corner paint store, that is the only store I bother to go to, for many reasons. I choose the best product for my needs, then worry about cost out the door. I think you will find that you can get about the same price as I do, if you ask and pay cash.

1. 
   Stray_ | May 14, 2001 06:50pm | #3

   *did a Cabot semi-transparent oil on my log house a couple years ago. VERY happy with the finish, and how well it penetrated, and has held up. It was only a few more $ per gallon. When you think about the amount of effort that goes into doing the job, it becomes a bargain if you can get away with another year or two between applications.

1. 
   Qtrmeg_ | May 16, 2001 04:43am | #4

   *Stray, this is straight from a Cabot Tech. I wanted the semi for a job and it wasn't available. He said thin the OVT 3 parts stain to 2 parts mineral spirits. 5 gals of stain cost 3 x $20, + 2 x $3. Total per gal $13.20. That little trick would raise hell with an alkyd stain, even though it is done all of the time.

1. 
   jcallahan | May 17, 2001 01:59am | #5

   *I like Cabot's products .......have used OVT (oil), Problem Solver primer, Problem Solver cleaner, bleaching oil plus others .......have been more than satisfied with them all. They have a great tech service deparment,too.

2. 
   Thooks | May 17, 2001 01:59am | #6

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   How many of you have used Cabot's? Is it that much better? How much does it cost? It is only available at what looks like these corner paint and hardware stores and everybody knows that if you don't wear a white monkey suit in there you are gonna pay for the owner's lunch that day.