While working on an exterior residential paint project I decided to try a new technique while applying a primer product to the gutters, facia, and soffit. For decades this part of painting really challenged my thought processes and painting strategies. In my own mind I had never been able to resolve nor identify a better way to complete this task. The standard systems that have existed for decades still were the prevalent ways to complete the task. This status quo drove me crazy. I always try to think outside the box, but this particular task and appropriate new strategy, consistently evaded me.
To complete the task of priming and painting gutters, soffit, and facia, painters would have to perform many hours of masking to protect the roofing from the overspray produced by the spray application. Masking is a task that requires the purchase and use of many masking materials only to be discarded in the trash once the project is completed. The other option is to use a brush and roll application to complete the task. The brush and roll application is equally as unappealing as it also requires other painting products which are expensive and also disposable.
To complete the task on this particular project a thought came to me. It clearly was Divine Intervention as it seemed so clear and easy. I could not in my own mind believe how simple the solution was. I proceeded to tape three sections of cardboard together to make a section that was between eight and nine feet in length. I taped two more sections of cardboard to the back to make it more supportive and stronger for the upcoming trial and application. The result of five pieces of cardboard and a bunch of painters tape resulted in a cardboard shield measuring approximately 1ft. high X 8ft. long.
A friend from church, who worked with me on several projects in the past, was assisting me on this day. Mario is his name. Mario held the makeshift shield up above the gutters while working from a ladder. This shielded the roofing from potential but guaranteed overspray as I sprayed the gutters, soffit, and facia. Completing this task was significantly quicker than any of the traditional ways reducing the project time by hours. We primed the gutters, soffit, facia, and downspouts in less than an hour. The top coat was completed equally as effectively and efficiently.
That evening and the following days, I began to research products to construct a more solid prototype. I went to most of the big box stores in Florence and Canon City searching for potential products for the prototype build. It was amazing how little materials were available that seemed to fit my desired product. Again through Divine intervention a thought came to me. I needed to check with a local glass company because it seemed like the product I desired might look like a window. I immediately went to a local glass vendor, McCasland Glass. As fate would have it Chuck McCasland, the owner, was just entering the business. He immediately inquired as to how he could help. He told me that he could help me most if he knew what the application was for. Chuck and I walked to my truck where I showed him the cardboard prototype. After a few minutes of thought Chuck showed me some product options ultimately resulting in the utilization of Lexan Glass, framed with a strong extruded aluminum product. This seemed great to me and was an outstanding start to my product start up. In the next few days I learned that the extruded aluminum used to frame my prototype was not going to be available. I have to admit this was extremely frustrating and seemed like a great barrier. If this set back would have not happened the next part of the story may not have happened. Sometimes we do not know how big of blessings seemed failures are.
While throwing my internal tantrum over the material setback I spoke to a few friends and some family about the product. Everyone thought it was an interesting idea which validated my inventive nature and motivation to proceed. In the midst of my discomfort a thought came to me. Again Divine Intervention. I needed to speak to an amazing friend I had met when painting his home. His name is Jim Burr and this man designs and builds telescopes. Him and his wife Love God and in my opinion this was God working through him while developing this product. We set a meeting time and I spoke with Jim about the product. After visiting about the project I asked Jim what he would do differently if the product was his. Looking at the prototype Jim asked me what it would look like with a piece of aluminum instead of the Lexan Glass. I asked Jim if it would be flimsy and Jim proceeded to show me how strong aluminum could be with the proper bends applied. Jim went to the trouble to pull out a piece of aluminum he had on hand and proceeded to apply a few bends we had discussed to the aluminum. In a few minutes I knew this was the answer to my manufacturing needs. Jim made a phone call to a manufacturer in Denver Colorado that he used to get product from while constructing his telescopes. Jim gave me the contact information. I thanked Jim for all he had done for me and proceeded to contact area businesses to proceed with the manufacturing of my product.
I contacted several area businesses who told me they were unable to perform the bends I requested. I contacted the company in Denver who also told me their equipment was not capable of making that tight of bends but they knew of a company that could do it. Roadrunner Fabrication in Denver Colorado was the final company I chose to manufacture my product. The staff at Roadrunner Fabrication is extremely friendly and outgoing. They completed the task perfectly resulting, in my opinion, the best painters tool introduced to the painting industry in decades.
I named the shield “Inside The Lines”. We have it available in 1ft. X 8ft., 1ft. X 6ft., and 1ft. X 4ft. Lengths. It is a two piece product including the shield and the handle mount. It is an extremely strong but lightweight design. Patents are pending. Inside The Lines is a tool made by a painter for painters. This tool will pay for itself in just a few hours considering the savings in materials and labor costs. This will save companies around the world thousands of dollars per year. I am promoting my product on social media sites and my YouTube Channel “Project Complete”. The products can be purchased on my website. I am including the links to the video and the links to purchase the item from my website.
https://projectcomplete.com/product/inside-the-lines-painters-tool/
https://youtu.be/Y6b1Pf_dEVg?feature=shared
Brian McFee
Painter and Owner of Project Complete and projectcomplete.com
