How would I go about wrapping a water tower?

[DerbyCitySignGuy]

Perhaps, you misunderstand my view. You see, I'm a capitalist and I enjoy the freedoms which come with it. When someone who doesn't show an ounce of interest or has the care to further themselves by asking questions, I simply shove it right back in their face, in hopes they might try harder, next time. This particular member doesn't wanna further himself or his business, but just bleed the membership dry with 28 stupidly dumb questions from k101. He has never ONCE, come back and say thank you and show how this place has helped him/her..... if at all.

Take you for instance........ why do you feel the need to question me, when you don't agree with ANYTHING I ever say or do ?? Sure, you give a few 'likes' here and there to keep the captain happy, but it's nothing more than lip service on your part. You take every chance you can to either try to make a fool of me, point out political differences or just play some silly game you dreamed up like King of the Mountain. Remember derby, this a a very small sandbox in the game of life here at s101. I'd say maybe a quarter of the people here are sign people..... some good, some very good, some mediocre..... some large, some small, some just starting out, while the majority are either wannabees, gimme, gimmes, hacks, hobbyists, tourists and whatever else comes through those doors. We don't have a wall or gates, so basically anything is allowed in, as long as they pass a little test first and we're left to deal with it. So, why not just deal with it ?? You don't like my comments..... ?? A long time ago, the "ignore" button was introduced and it filters out people like me, but as you and some of your buddies always say..... we're all allowed to participate, huh ??

So, while you go around being 'Hall Monitor', no one else can ?? Is that how it goes ??

Thank you, derby, for allowing me to speak. ​

I didn't even read all of this drivel.

Gino, the only person that makes a fool of you is you. Retire, get off the forums.

 

[Gino]

The OP already stated they were aware of safety issues and indicated they were considering outsourcing the project already.

"Everyone has to start somewhere, but this might not be the job to learn on, consider outsourcing this and observing," is a reasonable response. "lolololololol" and all the other personal attacks are completely unnecessary and unprofessional.

This isn't SignsPolice101, I'm not sure why Gino and others feel the need to dictate to others what they are and aren't capable of based on a few lines of text.

Oops, guess I spoke too soon, I'm not allowed to voice my observations or opinions, afterall.

You see, you wanna command what others say...... and I only want others to make sense or apply themselves. They might do better if they learn for themselves instead of being dictated to. In this OP's case, he hasn't shown one iota of learning a thing, in over 7 months.... other than lip service, which seems to run rampant here.

 

[bannertime]

The OP already stated they were aware of safety issues and indicated they were considering outsourcing the project already.

This was noted later in the post and was not present when I had actually loaded the page. It's good to see they are considering that. However, you can't just say you're aware of the safety issues if you don't even know how to do the job. That's not how it works.

"Everyone has to start somewhere, but this might not be the job to learn on, consider outsourcing this and observing," is a reasonable response. "lolololololol" and all the other personal attacks are completely unnecessary and unprofessional.

This isn't SignsPolice101.

And neither are you the Signs101 Police. It's just your perception that something might unprofessional. I personally agree some post may be unnecessary, but it's not my business to call it as such.

feel the need to dictate to others what they are and aren't capable of based on a few lines of text.

When the few lines of text provide the conclusion that the author doesn't know what to do. If they had said anything about having high rise experience or mentioned anything about rope work, then this post would have gone a lot differently.

My only hope that OP doesn't attempt it on their own, because I've seen first hand what happens when people make assumptions about the risks of the job. Not saying this specifically about OP; but being confident that you've got all the bases covered is not a good start, and likely means you're missing something.

 

[TimToad]

Gino, why do you feel the need to do this to every single person who asks a question? Unless you deem it "worthy" you go on the attack every time.

What's the point? This is a forum for sharing knowledge. You're making it so people don't want to ask questions. When will you be happy? When no one asks any questions, because everyone is an expert?

The very NAME of this website infers and suggests a LEARNING or classroom environment.

 

[Hero Signs]

You got to get a design idea from the client.
One of the coolest tank jobs, with an massive budget can been seen by these guys, https://www.nativesunproductions.com/epicart

The job all depends on the tank too, probably 20 variations out there or more.
The job interests me as the largest painting I have done was 2,054 sqft, but simple

 

[WhatsYourSign?]

Are you the type of person who is man enough to admit when you're wrong Gino? Or are you the type who refuses to believe they could ever be wrong about anything?

I suspect the latter...

Perhaps, you misunderstand my view. You see, I'm a capitalist and I enjoy the freedoms which come with it. When someone who doesn't show an ounce of interest or has the care to further themselves by asking questions, I simply shove it right back in their face, in hopes they might try harder, next time. This particular member doesn't wanna further himself or his business, but just bleed the membership dry with 28 stupidly dumb questions from k101. He has never ONCE, come back and say thank you and show how this place has helped him/her..... if at all.

Here's some examples of where I've done the very things you say I've never done (not even once, right?):

• I went back to say thank you - x1
• I went back and said thank you - x2
• I went back to let people know how things ended up, and I said thank you - x3
• Yep...another thank you - x4
• I'm no mathematician, but I think we're past once now... - x5
• Broken record much? - x6
• Are you still reading these Gino? - x7
• Here's another... - x8
• Ninth time's a charm? - x9
• This is beginning to get old... - x10
• Lucky #11? - x11
• On the 12th day of S101... - x12
• It's Friday and here's the 13th! - x13
• And again... - x14
• I'm beginning to think you're full of crap... - x15
• Yep, definitely full of crap - x16
• One last one for good measure - x17
• I created a post about sales and marketing in the sign industry to give back value to the community (as I have more experience in sales and marketing)
• There were some people curious about the back story of a post/poster, so I did the leg work and shared it with others.

 

[WhatsYourSign?]

Here's the reality Gino - I don't claim to know as much as you or anybody else on this forum. However, to try to imply I make no effort to learn anything or get better is a far cry from the truth.

Less than a year ago, I bought a failing sign shop that couldn't do anything more complex than vinyl signs and banners and we're now doing significantly more complex installs every week.

Some of the things I've learned since my first post on this forum, include:

• How to fabricate and install custom channel signs
• How to fabricate and install custom cabinets
• How to sell and install LED display panels
• How to choose the right materials for the job (this will always be a work in progress, but I've come a long way since I started)

The good news for you is that I still have a ton more to learn, so you'll have plenty more opportunities to feel superior to me (and show everybody just how superior you are!).

I don't have a mentor in the industry, so you guys are my collective mentor. If I have to deal with the occasional crotchety old man who wasn't loved as a child and therefore has no empathy for somebody else who isn't as far into their journey as they are? So be it...but rest assured, your unhappiness in life will not deter me from my lifelong journey of learning.


I look forward to the next opportunity for you to share with everybody what makes you so great. In the meantime, I've got some work to do to help create my next learning opportunity.

 

[SignosaurusRex]

If the design allows, wrap it in paint. There are plenty of "Wall Dogs" that can and will do the job for far less $$ than an actual "Wrap" costs. By the time you get the wrap printed and ready for install...the "Wall Dog" painters will have the job done. I suggest that if you are going to be in the position to bid on these jobs... align yourself with a well experienced crew that do these kind of jobs in their sleep.

 

[WhatsYourSign?]

If the design allows, wrap it in paint. There are plenty of "Wall Dogs" that can and will do the job for far less $$ than an actual "Wrap" costs. By the time you get the wrap printed and ready for install...the "Wall Dog" painters will have the job done. I suggest that if you are going to be in the position to bid on these jobs... align yourself with a well experienced crew that do these kind of jobs in their sleep.

That seems to be the consensus.

I'll either find somebody who specializes in this who will give me a finder's fee or just pass on the opportunity. Not enough to gain and too much to lose.


Appreciate the feedback, thanks.

 

[SignosaurusRex]

That seems to be the consensus.

I'll either find somebody who specializes in this who will give me a finder's fee or just pass on the opportunity. Not enough to gain and too much to lose.


Appreciate the feedback, thanks.

A third option is too work close with someone who specializes in this type of work and learn all you can to apply to future projects. Possibly get some hands-on experience. You can then be a bigger part of future projects or at least gain a knowledge base to apply. With that, you can garner a larger cut of the $$. A close relationship with a specialist is a good animal to feed, one that will hopefully reciprocate without biting the feeding hand. The key here is to "work smarter" rather than "working harder" and still make good $$.

 

[GAC05]

Seeing as it is a water tower - maybe a candidate for Hydro Dipping?.......

 

[player]

I agree there are companies that refurbish and offer the lettering option. In Canada, (look up) the painting is regulated. The tanks have to be looked after a certain way. We used to spray illuminated sign faces and the guys lettering the tank used the liquid rubber mask (I forget the name, but Gripflex was the brand.) It came in 5 gallon plastic pails and we would roll it on. It was a blueish milky colour but dried clear. When dry it was cut with an exacto and peeled. Anyhow they ran out and bought some from me. So they were using it to mask the image, cutting it and either rolling or spraying it.

I would seek out the water tower guys, but that's me.

 

[astro8]

On the high ones that I've worked on 100'-150' has always been to lower you over the side in a bosun's chair with a scale drawing, piece of charcoal, folding ruler, string line with plumb bob and a pot of paint.
Some lower ones have cleats welded to the tank where you attach brackets to hold planks but you always seem to be nose to the tank or at arms length. Walking around a tank like this was heart in your throat stuff. No harness, no nothin'.
I can't imagine trying to wrap one with the wind factor up 200', I had wind blowing streams of paint off the brush.

All of this is past tense. Never get me up there again, I've wised up.

P.S. The requests we get here lately for lettering, graphics on tanks specify 2pak paint.

 

[TimToad]

That seems to be the consensus.

I'll either find somebody who specializes in this who will give me a finder's fee or just pass on the opportunity. Not enough to gain and too much to lose.


Appreciate the feedback, thanks.

There is a Walldogs International group on Facebook.

As a lifetime Walldog who was featured in a 1982 Signs Of The Times article focussed on our impending demise, I'm relieved and proud to know that predictions of our extinction were inaccurate.

Having actually done several water tanks, I'll skip the overly personal and presumptuous judgements this thread devolved into like so many threads do and counsel you on the fact that few other types of projects are as risky from a life safety perspective as a water tank job. Depending on which style of tank it is, whether it has a platform or not are huge factors. At 200' above grade, just scouting the tank for how to rig it will be a difficult undertaking.

One thing to consider with tanks is the lack of ease to get to the top in order to drape a rigging harness, fall lines, etc..

Whether you pursue this project or not, I hope you consider the fact that we can't be everything to every potential client and some projects are just not worth the risk, even for the most experienced among us.

 

[equippaint]

Thinking a little more about this, and really many other jobs, I would not sub it out. What happens if it fails, they don't finish it, they give substandard work, they change order it and the client wont approve or someone gets hurt and you get drug through the mud as well? It's all on you. I know some will disagree but I am not a fan of subcontracting an entire job out. If it's a portion of a job that is out of the capability or license capacity of my business that is a little different story. You're on the hook to cash flow it and these big involved jobs usually don't come and go without some sort of problem a long the way.

 

[Johnny Best]

Thinking a little more about this, and really many other jobs, I would not sub it out. What happens if it fails, they don't finish it, they give substandard work, they change order it and the client wont approve or someone gets hurt and you get drug through the mud as well? It's all on you. I know some will disagree but I am not a fan of subcontracting an entire job out. If it's a portion of a job that is out of the capability or license capacity of my business that is a little different story. You're on the hook to cash flow it and these big involved jobs usually don't come and go without some sort of problem a long the way.

Totally agree with you on the subcontracting. I think the OP is trying to learn this business as he stated with other posts and maybe he thought there was some trick to getting this accomplished. Maybe someone knew a secret, like renting angel wings and hovering up there to install wrap. I think that is why one member voiced his thoughts on all the questions all the time.
But this site is made for information but like the news sometimes you get fake information as with the subcontracting that people advise him with. But sometimes when you voice or share your thoughts it also invites to be criticized.
In another post someone wants to know what to glean glass with to get vinyl to adhere. No one asks what to prep the water tower needs to get the wrap or paint to stick, but I am getting ahead of myself on that subject.
The OP probably had a bid come across his desk to do a water tower and quickly hits S101 for info like he did the other topics he is becoming good with like installation and maybe a water tower could not be that hard since he is doing so well with the other parts of sign making as he stated.

 

[spectrum maine]

I agree there are companies that refurbish and offer the lettering option. In Canada, (look up) the painting is regulated. The tanks have to be looked after a certain way. We used to spray illuminated sign faces and the guys lettering the tank used the liquid rubber mask (I forget the name, but Gripflex was the brand.) It came in 5 gallon plastic pails and we would roll it on. It was a blueish milky colour but dried clear. When dry it was cut with an exacto and peeled. Anyhow they ran out and bought some from me. So they were using it to mask the image, cutting it and either rolling or spraying it.

I would seek out the water tower guys, but that's me.

spraylat by lacryl

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Sometimes you just need to pass on a job ... no subbing, don't ask a finders fee, just pass. If you start getting requests often, for something you don't offer THEN look into what it would take to get into that business.


BTW, can you point me in the direction of the "Sedation Services" company advertising on the water tower?... sounds like something I'd be interested in.

 

[WhatsYourSign?]

There is a Walldogs International group on Facebook.

As a lifetime Walldog who was featured in a 1982 Signs Of The Times article focussed on our impending demise, I'm relieved and proud to know that predictions of our extinction were inaccurate.

Having actually done several water tanks, I'll skip the overly personal and presumptuous judgements this thread devolved into like so many threads do and counsel you on the fact that few other types of projects are as risky from a life safety perspective as a water tank job. Depending on which style of tank it is, whether it has a platform or not are huge factors. At 200' above grade, just scouting the tank for how to rig it will be a difficult undertaking.

One thing to consider with tanks is the lack of ease to get to the top in order to drape a rigging harness, fall lines, etc..

Whether you pursue this project or not, I hope you consider the fact that we can't be everything to every potential client and some projects are just not worth the risk, even for the most experienced among us.

Thanks to some very helpful perspectives, like yours, I've decided to pass on this opportunity.

I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with me...thank you!

 

[WhatsYourSign?]

Totally agree with you on the subcontracting. I think the OP is trying to learn this business as he stated with other posts and maybe he thought there was some trick to getting this accomplished. Maybe someone knew a secret, like renting angel wings and hovering up there to install wrap. I think that is why one member voiced his thoughts on all the questions all the time.
But this site is made for information but like the news sometimes you get fake information as with the subcontracting that people advise him with. But sometimes when you voice or share your thoughts it also invites to be criticized.
In another post someone wants to know what to glean glass with to get vinyl to adhere. No one asks what to prep the water tower needs to get the wrap or paint to stick, but I am getting ahead of myself on that subject.
The OP probably had a bid come across his desk to do a water tower and quickly hits S101 for info like he did the other topics he is becoming good with like installation and maybe a water tower could not be that hard since he is doing so well with the other parts of sign making as he stated.

That's more or less how it came about. We're doing a bunch of work to rebrand a large facility and this was one of the items on the list as we've been working through things.

However, I'm going to let them know we're not the right partner for this piece of the project...it's not worth the risks for many different reasons, as have been shared here (both physical and business risks).