Stain Colors
Most of the cabinetry we build have some type of stain on them. The stains are selected for any number of reasons. Maybe because it matches what is in their home. It could be a color that they simply like a lot. Perhaps it is a continuation of a color scheme. What ever the reasons, people do expect to receive what they saw on the can or color chart.
There are a couple of areas regarding staining that the customer should be made aware of. Many of the vendors that we meet also are unaware of these caveats.
* The color on the label of the can probably does not match precisely the stain that is actually inside it. The label will say that as well. But most folks do not seem to read that part.
* The color charts for the stain does not match the actual stain. The chart will say that as well.
* Most color charts/photos of stains will be based upon red oak. You will receive a different affect when using other woods.
* Can labels and brochures printed in different batches and or by different printers will be slightly different.
* "Just pick something close." We will do that and accept no responsibility for the end result. If the customer is very serious about a certain color, they need to go out and pick something they like. If it is not that important to them, no problem.
* We do not and will not do in-house color matching. We send color matches out to Sherwin William's Industrial Coatings division. They charge for it. If we did matches, we would charge too.
* Different brands of stains require different types of top coating. Refer to Aquarium Cabinet and Canopy Finishes for details.
* No two cabinets of the same wood and stain can be expected to look the same with out a sample to work from.
* BRI does not accept any responsibility for the deviations or continual availability in stain/paint manufacturer's products.
A lot to cover. But very important to helping the customer have a good experience with selecting stains. We have found some vender's to over promise on exact results based on a photo. This is not necessary and people will appreciate the efforts to inform them on how to make a good decision. No real buyer has ever been lost over this issue, so take the time to confirm colors and expectations. Our experience has been very positive with customers regarding this. If you do not, well sooner or later you are going to have one unhappy customer. BRI does not replace cabinets for free over this. And re-shipping, stripping, re-staining and shipping back again is not a viable option.
As a rule we do try to make whatever wood we are finishing reflect back the color of the chart or can as much as possible. But there is a limit to how much stain can be laid down and the effect it will have. Our concern is a top quality finish that will deliver years of service.
Always feel free to contact us when your customer has questions of this nature. It has never been an impossible thing to deal with. In fact as you well know, many of the customers are very involved hobbyist and will go to extrodinary lengths to acheive the "perfect" aquarium. This is another "item" that they can get personally involved in. And the bottom line is the customer and their satisfaction with the end product.
For more information on aquarium cabinets visit www.briaquaticcabinets.com .
