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BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-24-2014, 06:05 PM

Most larger restoration shops have the capability to do it in-house using the photo-etched plate method.

What I have learned that makes the price difference is more about the "Pre" & "Post" work, ...and not necessarily the woodgraining application itself. To start with, how is the artist prepping the window trim? Are they media blasting it or wire brushing it? Are there any dents in any of the metal? Some jobs I have seen by "Pros" leave the dents, waviness, & marks in the metal. Granted this is a small detail to some folks but it does cost money to make proper repairs to correct this. Next, ask what kind of primer they will be using. You can save $$ by allowing the artist to use a spray can single-stage primer over a catalyzed 2k urethane primer. Also ask if they will be using filler (Bondo) or work the dents out with a Hammer & Dolly. Ask if they scuff sand or whether they block the piece.

Again, the actual pattern transfer process takes about the same time no matter who the artist is providing this ain't their first 'rodeo'. I will also tell you that not using a plate-transfer method (hand drawn pattern) is quicker to do however it lacks the crisp detail when compared to the plate.

In closing, ask them what type of clear coat are they using. Again, some use a spray can of lacquer clear. A couple of thin coats are much different in costs vs. a couple of spray 2k urethane coats. Ask the artist if they will be color-sanding and hand-polishing the clear afterward. Where this is most noticed is in the crevices and corners.

Again, it is all in the quality level expected. The better quality jobs take more time, --which translates into more $$. If you find a shop that does it for less, check to make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples between the two artists.

11-24-2014, 06:05 PM	#5
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 12,246	Re: Woodgraining Most larger restoration shops have the capability to do it in-house using the photo-etched plate method. What I have learned that makes the price difference is more about the "Pre" & "Post" work, ...and not necessarily the woodgraining application itself. To start with, how is the artist prepping the window trim? Are they media blasting it or wire brushing it? Are there any dents in any of the metal? Some jobs I have seen by "Pros" leave the dents, waviness, & marks in the metal. Granted this is a small detail to some folks but it does cost money to make proper repairs to correct this. Next, ask what kind of primer they will be using. You can save $$ by allowing the artist to use a spray can single-stage primer over a catalyzed 2k urethane primer. Also ask if they will be using filler (Bondo) or work the dents out with a Hammer & Dolly. Ask if they scuff sand or whether they block the piece. Again, the actual pattern transfer process takes about the same time no matter who the artist is providing this ain't their first 'rodeo'. I will also tell you that not using a plate-transfer method (hand drawn pattern) is quicker to do however it lacks the crisp detail when compared to the plate. In closing, ask them what type of clear coat are they using. Again, some use a spray can of lacquer clear. A couple of thin coats are much different in costs vs. a couple of spray 2k urethane coats. Ask the artist if they will be color-sanding and hand-polishing the clear afterward. Where this is most noticed is in the crevices and corners. Again, it is all in the quality level expected. The better quality jobs take more time, --which translates into more $$. If you find a shop that does it for less, check to make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples between the two artists. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .