[Guest]

Anybody use a moisture meter for determining time after power wash??? We are in the wet northwest:thumbup:

 

[Mandrake]

Used them many times. While they are subject to variations due to the way they are used they are a nice tool to have. Industry standards typically call for moisture levels no more than 15% in wood. They can however slow production since you will find surfaces that are above the limit which you might typicallly paint. Nice quality control measure that can sometimes help land a job if a customer knows you are the only contractor who is going to use one. I do know that they are formulating some of the deck coating now to be more moisture tolerant (Flood's Supreme Performer is one I believe).

Don't by the cheapo model though - you get what you pay for

Mndrk​

 

[Guest]

moisture meter

i hear so many opinions about how soon to paint after wash.....come on guys...i'm sure this has been around before....what do you say????

 

[Humble Abode]

I use a $37 moisture meter on every single exterior project we do.

 

[Guest]

$37???

Where do you find a $37 meter? I have not looked hard, but $152 is the lowest. how does this one work??

 

[Humble Abode]

It's a probe type and they sell them at Sherwinn Williams.

http://www.amazon.com/Sonin-50211-Rapitest-Moisture-Meter/dp/customer-reviews/B0000224DA

 

[Rich]

Anybody use a moisture meter for determining time after power wash???

No. I wash a house and give it 2-5 days, then I paint. This is how I've done it since day 1.

I use my moisture meter after a recent rain and in areas of constant shade

I paid $100 for mine at a local tool supply store.

 

[Safety Guy]

I use a Delmhorst BD-2000. You can get them through KTA-Tator out of Pittsburg Pa. or Florida. The Pa. # is(412) 788-1300. This model is not cheap, around $500 if I remeber right but it has paid for itself many times over. I use it mostly on concrete block prior to starting block-filler in the spring and fall. More and more we are seeing pumped in foam in exterior walls and they take forever to dry out.

 

[Mandrake]

Try Amazon.com - you'll find them there. Probably cheaper than KTA (I used to work for KTA) - great company though!

Mndrk

 

[Guest]

moisture meter

Thanks for the info about meters and such. I also saw a couple of websites that say 12-14% maximum moisture to paint. Now once again, that's an opinion and I think the more the merrier. I am desiring to uphold our industry rep (it's not always rosy),but I will not risk quality for a buck and if I don't know, I am not afraid to ask---do all the meters read by percentage and do you agree on a maximum moisture reading???:confused1:

 

[Safety Guy]

Most meters give you a percent value, not a "true" percentage. I rely on the paint manufacturers recommendations as far as a maximum moisture reading. There are alot of "upgrades" in products that cost more but will sometimes allow you to paint at a higher moisture level. Lox-on is a good example.

I know Epoxy Guy will hate to hear this but Sherwin Williams has really come out with some innovative products in the last few years that are very moisture tolerant. I fished with some SW honchos last summer and there are some even more contractor friendly products in development and almost ready for the marketplace.

 

[Wolverine]

Moisture Meters:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=moisture+meter&category0=

Our coatings are either applied on steel (white metal blast 3-4 mil profile) where we recommend NO moisture...lol... or... concrete. We have a 2K 100% solids fluoromodified AHC epoxy primer that is moisture insensitive. So, the concrete can be damp... just not soaking wet. We have specifically formulated to avoid the use of moisture meters because there is so much confusion...

Oh... and about SW... I bet the new products will be at least 2 generations behind the latest technology put priced as state of the art!

 

[nextlevelpaintco.]

I use a Delmhorst BD-2000. You can get them through KTA-Tator out of Pittsburg Pa. or Florida. The Pa. # is(412) 788-1300. This model is not cheap, around $500 if I remeber right but it has paid for itself many times over. I use it mostly on concrete block prior to starting block-filler in the spring and fall. More and more we are seeing pumped in foam in exterior walls and they take forever to dry out.

Iv'e never used one but I think it is a good idea talking about masnory I was invoveld in a new lowe's hardware were the block was to wet(or it could have been a leak from the roofers we never found out) and we filled and painted anyway about 6 months later after everything was moved in shelves and all the paint started falling off the wall everybody was trying to sue everybody. this was years ago it never was fixed

 

[Humble Abode]

Oh... and about SW... I bet the new products will be at least 2 generations behind the latest technology put priced as state of the art!

:laughing: I love it...

 

[slickshift]

It's a probe type and they sell them at Sherwinn Williams.

http://www.amazon.com/Sonin-50211-Rapitest-Moisture-Meter/dp/customer-reviews/B0000224DA

I don't leave home w/o it
Contractor supply company, $27

May not be exactly precise, but it gives you a real good clue as to what's up

 

[Tmrrptr]

Delmhorst very good... I like it!

Now, to pay for it.
r

 

[Barry M]

J-Lite I bought from Beth and Rod over at thegrimescene back when they sold supplies. I bought it back when I was a "newbie" and thought I couldn't dare start my business without one....lol Though I have used it a few times, I probably could have managed without it.

 

[Humble Abode]

I really cannot fathom why anyone but a ball busting inspector would need a $500 moisture meter...

 

[Rich]

...and I cannot fathom someone saying they could probably manage without one...(unless you do only interiors or something)

quick story:
I was testing a few areas of bare wood on an exterior railing. There was another fellow doing some work around the property that day. He worked for the property management company (part time) who also hired me to do this job. But his main job was his handyman business. What was one of his specialties??? you guessed it....painting

I've got my moisture meter prongs in the wood...he walks over and asks, "hey what's that thing?".

I snickered as I explained to him- he said "oh, I usually just touch it and if it's dry I paint it":blink: ...that was a sad day

 

[Kelly Painting]

Got one in the truck... the kind with prongs to stick in the wood. I use it to impress a client... or to prove we cant touch the house yet.
I'm also in the North East...(N.E) and I just let the house sit for a day or two.
Never had a problem yet.