From: "Brandon Ives" <brandon@ivycycles.com> Subject: Re: Barber Pole <Re: [CR]Looking for pics of Doug Fattic frames>
> looking at Mercian's page they charge 34 pounds for the barber pole these
> days. The reason it's expensive is it's a very tricky mask to get
> correct. First you pain a base color. Second you need to get the spiral
> right and tight without any gaps. Then you need to mask two lug
> edges which can be a pain. Lastly you shoot your top color. Then you
> get to remove the masking and a piece that long can also be quite tricky
> to get off and keep the edges crisp. I think the cheapest priced
> I was quoted was $125. Most painter charge in the ballpark of $50 just
> for just a contrasting band on the seattube so $125 seems about right for
> the work involved. Any additional color involves quite a bit of extra
> time that has nothing to do with spraying paint. My guess is Mercian can
> do it so cheaply because they have a system set up inn place that saves
> them time and are familiar with the job.
> best,
> Brandon"monkeyman"Ives
> Vancouver, B.C.
Since Mercian knows how to do it they don't have to charge as much. I've found when a tradesperson quotes a shockingly high price they're trying to discourage the customer. But if they're willing to pay.....
OTOH: Some of the masking charges I've seen quoted by bike painters border on the ridiculous. Sure it's a pain but supposedly one gets better (and faster) at doing these things.
Pete Geurds
Douglassville, Pa