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Insider Tips for Success in the Sandblasting Industry

Picture of Michael Galardi
Michael Galardi
7 min read
Insider Tips for Success in the Sandblasting Industry
5:57

Top Tips for Sandblasting Success

  1. Embrace persistence and patience
  2. Research and presentation matter
  3. Patience and maintenance are key
  4. Prioritize safety
  5. Understand your market needs
  6. Educate your customers

Venturing into the sandblasting and surface preparation industry can be challenging, especially for newcomers. To ease your journey, we’ve gathered advice from seasoned professionals who use Dustless Blasting equipment. Their insights can guide you through common hurdles and help you establish a successful business.


Embrace Persistence and Patience

"Just stick with it. I just think people are expecting it to happen overnight, it’s not going to. It’s going to take some time. It’s going to take a little bit of money. If you’re persistent and keep at it, you’re going to get that phone to ring.”

Patrick Grimes emphasizes the importance of perseverance. Success in this industry doesn’t come overnight. Grimes advises staying committed, even when progress seems slow. Understand that building your business requires both time and investment, but with persistence, your efforts will eventually pay off as you start gaining traction and attracting clients.

Patrick has been featured twice in our Pointers with the Pros series, once when starting his business with a DB500® Mobile S and later when purchasing his third machine, the DB800® Mobile Dual XXL.

Research and Presentation Matter

"Do a little research as far as clean up and disposal, how you present yourself, and learn the vocabulary [NACE and SSPC standards].”

Mike Ritz highlights the value of thorough preparation and respect of the trade. Familiarize yourself with cleanup and disposal regulations to ensure compliance. Additionally, presenting yourself professionally and understanding the industry-wide surface preparation standards from NACE and SSPC will enhance your credibility. Being well-versed in these aspects not only builds your expertise but also instills confidence in your clients.

Patience and Maintenance are Key

"Don’t get impatient when blasting cars! Proper psi and angle is key. The other big one is maintenance. Do it, live it, document it!”

Charles Burton advises patience when working on intricate projects, such as car blasting. Preventing thin body panels from warping can require some finesse with the nozzle and experience tuning your machine's blast settings.

Additionally, consistent maintenance of your equipment is crucial. By documenting and adhering to regular maintenance schedules, you ensure equipment longevity and reliability, which is vital for your business' sustained success.

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Prioritize Safety

"When you’re [blasting off a coating] that you’re even a little concerned with, make sure you are covered up really well. Tape up your suit to your gloves and your pant legs to your boots.”

Personal protection is paramount, as Mark Wenger stresses. When dealing with potentially hazardous coatings, comprehensive PPE is essential. Ensure that all possible entry points for debris are sealed, and your protective gear is securely fastened. This attention to detail safeguards your health and prevents accidents, allowing you to work confidently and effectively.

Understand Your Market Needs

"Take a look at what your area needs. We bought our machine without doing any research, it definitely works that way too, but it feels more secure if you do some of that research ahead of time.”

Frank F emphasizes market research. Identifying the specific needs of your area can guide your service offerings and ensure your investment aligns with local demand. Although some succeed without initial research, understanding your market provides a sense of security and direction, increasing your likelihood of success.

Educate Your Customers

"Educate your customer on flash rust. Ask them when they plan on priming and painting it. That way someone doesn’t get left with a project that develops rust after you’re done blasting, that just leaves a terrible taste in their mouth.”

Michael Robison suggests proactive communication. Informing your clients about potential issues like flash rust and coordinating their priming and painting schedules can prevent problems post-blasting. This not only ensures better results but also fosters trust and satisfaction, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

Conclusion

Starting a business in the sandblasting and surface preparation industry requires more than just the right equipment. Persistence, preparation, safety, and market understanding play pivotal roles. By following the advice from experienced professionals, you can build a robust and successful business.

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EXPLORE MORE WITH POINTERS WITH THE PROS

Interested in deeper insights and more detailed advice from experienced professionals in the sandblasting industry? Check out our video podcast series, Pointers with the Pros. Each episode features industry experts who share their strategies, tips, and real-world insights.

Catch the full interviews for a comprehensive look into the surface preparation business and learn directly from those who’ve mastered the craft. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, Pointers with the Pros offers valuable guidance to help you succeed.

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