“The Barn Artist” Project Information and Prep List

Scott, The Barn Artist, looks forward to working with you on this project. Below is a checklist to help everything go smoothly, based on his 28+ years of experience. Please review it carefully and let Scott know about any concerns, and realize outdoor work and indoor work are very different, as noted below.

Arrival and Setup

  • Travel: Scott will arrive in an RV with a trailer or a truck with a trailer and typically stays onsite overnight in the RV or trailer for the project duration. Think of it like a small tractor trailer or school bus and the room and traction it would need.
  • Projection: He uses a projector at night (outdoors, or indoor areas with sunlight) to outline the artwork, often arriving late evening for outdoor projects and working on the outline of the design at dark. Please be sure to tell Scott if you have indoor areas with lots of windows and natural light!
  • Weather:  Painting depends on conditions—wind, rain, humidity, cold, or heat can shift start and finish dates. South-facing outdoor surfaces get intense summer sun which is hard on the paint and the painter, this is why Scott asks about direction of the work surface area. Outdoor areas that face due south may need to be scheduled in cooler months.

Equipment Access

Scott’s RV and lift need clear access to the work area. Please check for these potential issues:

  • Narrow or steep driveways
  • Sharp turns or dips in the path
  • Rough terrain (e.g., ditches, holes, rocks, roots)
  • Muddy, soft, or wet ground
  • Low tree limbs or power lines (the RV and trailer needs 12’ x 12’ clearance)
  • Steep slopes or banks near the work area, too steep might mean Scott’s lift will not work
  • Gates/fences: Ensure they’re open, with 12’ x 12’ openings
  • Scott’s RV rides very low to the ground

Site Preparation; outdoor work

  1. Clear the space: Keep the work area free of obstacles, with room for an RV or large truck and trailer.
  • o   Grass: Please trim and mow the grass in front of the work area. 
  • o   Scott also needs work space for a tripod 50 feet in front of the work area for the projection layout of the artwork at dark.  
  1. Power: Provide a nearby working outlet within 50’-100’ of the work area. Scott can bring a generator if needed—please inform him so he can plan to bring these supplies (may add a fuel fee).
  2. Water:
  • o    For pressure washing only, a good leak free water hose and water source is required onsite.
  • o    For paint sprayer cleanup, if needed, a few buckets of clean water rather than a water hose.
  1. Lighting:
  • o    Turn off or explain controls for lights near the work area (e.g., streetlights, pole lights). Covering lights may be simpler than disabling them.
  • o    For indoor gyms, ensure lights can be manually switched off. Automatic systems may shut off during work, and emergency lights need a breaker switch for projection clarity—room must be as dark as possible.

Schools and Indoor Work – extremely important

  • Scott’s scissor lift can only operate on completely flat surfaces. A sidewalk ramp, no extreme turns, 36” doors or double doors MUST have a removable center post. A 32” door will only work if the door itself will open fully, and sometimes the door hardware needs removed.
  • Access: Ensure double-door entry, ground-level access, and absolutely no steps or stairs.
  • Gym Floors: talk to Scott if you feel your floor needs plywood protection. This must be provided by the facility.
  • Bleachers must be pushed back to 2 rows of seats. 3 rows or more is an issue.
  • Remove top-row handrails so Scott has a clear area to work.
  • Walls: Clear banners, flags, tape, and fasteners for a clean surface. If Scott does this, an extra charge may apply.
  • Cleanup: a custodial room or sink area will be needed IF Scott has a large amount of pre-painting work and uses his paint sprayer. Most of the time this is not needed.
  • Wi-Fi: Scott would like to have a Wi-Fi connection while working at the school

Payments and Changes

  • Payment: Have the balance ready upon completion. Also any major change requests after painting starts may require additional costs.
  • Delays: If access issues (e.g., listed above) prevent Scott from setting up equipment or beginning work in a timely manner, or especially if Scott cannot perform the work, there will be a lost wages charge. This is an extreme last measure, and has only happened a couple of times over Scott’s 25 year career.

Final Notes

Thank you for preparing ahead! “The Barn Artist” created this list from past hiccups—like tricky access, uneven ground, or other snags—to foresee any potential issues and prepare for them. Scott intends to make this as easy for you as possible. Please carefully review it, check the photos of his equipment, and mention any concerns to Scott. He’s excited to bring this project to life!