Transitions
Those in between times start with the initial load in of the job. The goal here, for us, is to pack everything in that we know will be needed for initial stages of the project. It is usually heavy with prep and prime gear. The Kovrd bag is usually on the scene from these early stages, through job completion.
We try to keep the initial load in as compact as possible, and work out of one “stage area.” From there, each painter can branch out to their work space with the items they will need.
Keeping the footprint small and compact, especially on residential interior painting projects, accomplishes a couple of things.
- It minimizes the inconvenience to the customer
- It is simple and centralized for the crew
- It is easiest to duplicate at the end of the day
- This sets up a quick start the next morning
We use the Kovrd bags to store and organize gear as well as to keep paint tools wet overnight.
Losing less time in the transitions means that production time is maximized. If we set up jobs properly, everything is there that the painters will need, and they can find it.
We have all heard the clock tick on as painters wander around looking for what they need. When they don’t find it in the house, they go out to the van.
When they don’t find it in the van, maybe they go charge it to your account. The day just got shot.
Biggest Loser
The end of the day can be a real loser. Painters are often scrambling to hit their production goals, which has them working into what should be clean up time, which often will compromise end of day organization, in turn impacting a solid next day start.
Having a system for the end of the day, which not only includes returning everything to the staging area, but also leaving everything clean and organized is critical. Sometimes, depending on the type of project, we will designate one person on the crew to initiate the end of day clean up while others are still wrapping up production for the day. We believe in sharing responsibility, and sometimes the way to do that is through defined roles. Most importantly, we have to be flexible, because we are always rolling with the punches every day – defeating variables as they arise.
End of Day Bonus
One way that we have been able to “make time” in all segments of our day, and especially at the end of the day, is by spending less time pouring paint from trays to cans, and wrapping up rollers frames and naps for next day usage.
Paint brushes, rollers and trays full of paint stay airtight inside.
The Kovrd bag saves hours each week by eliminating those tedious and repetitive tasks. It is like a little zippered time capsule that is designed to keep paint and paint tools wet and uncontaminated for extended periods of time.
In this new world of waterborne paints that dry quickly, this is key. We all know that if you leave paint cans open, or roller trays out in the open, there is no stopping chemical reactions (a whole bunch of evaporation) from taking place. Paints dry out, leading to compromised product.
The Kovrd bag makes all of the potential problems associated with on the job paint handling go away. Other benefits include being able to use it during transport. Often, it is not appropriate or possible to clean paint application tools in a customer’s home. Kovrd makes it possible mobilize this stuff for cleaning off site, without risk of making paint messes in vehicles.
The bag also makes a handy bench top mat for breaking down spray guns for solvent or water based cleaning.
The bag also opens up for use as a small drop. We have found it to be ideal to slide under doors that are being painted in place. And we also use it as a bench top surface for breaking down spray guns for cleaning and maintenance. I always make it a point to have one laying in the cargo space in the back of my vehicle, because it takes up no space whatsoever, and has so many functional uses on all kinds of projects.
Best of all, this is a product that costs less than $20 and pays for itself exponentially. This is a much classier way to do what you used to do with trash bags. Kovrd makes trash bags look, well, trashy. To your customers, presentation is everything.
Makes a great drop for your sprayer mixing station.
This product is available at Sherwin Williams.
I saw this product in my paint store and scoffed, “another overpriced gimmicky product.” After reading this article, I’m ready to give it a chance.
Definitely worth checking out, Daniel. Let us know how it works out…
Great article Scott and many a true word! The Kovrd is proving to be an invaluable piece of kit with so many different uses. Its certainly getting zipped up over here with the UK paint trade
Absolutely agree, Russ. It’s a handy piece, and takes up so little space. All about function. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.