The more you can do for my coater, the better he'll treat you. I buy the $6 can of stripper and go at it, just to save him a little time blasting, and to identify any potential problem areas. My guy does not mask. I mask and prep what needs to be done, and he gives me a good blast and coat for a good price. He's not a bike guy at all.

I've learned that he's better at some colors than others, or perhaps some just cover better, thinner, etc. He's best at red; probably all the Farm-All work he gets,...