Mobile paint stripping for railings and metalwork

Owners of older and heritage homes, painters and renovation contractors, property managers and small commercial landlords.

Quote per job or per square foot or linear foot, plus an hourly rate for awkward or detailed work. Repeat work often comes from painters and contractors who subcontract the prep.

• Physical stamina and comfort working outdoors
• Safe use of chemicals, heat or blasting equipment
• Estimating jobs accurately
• Reliability when working on other people's property

• Lead paint is common on older buildings, so check federal and provincial guidance and whether a lead-safe approach or certified contractor is required
• Check commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage in your province once you hire help
• Containing debris and runoff on site, and checking municipal rules on disposal and on blasting dust
• Check provincial rules for hazardous materials handling and transporting chemicals in your vehicle
• Outdoor work is seasonal in many provinces, so plan for slower winter months

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on whether you use chemicals, heat tools or small blasting equipment, and on the safety gear and transport you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the jobs you win, their size and how many hours you work. The estimate assumes at least about 12 hours a week, and outdoor work can be seasonal.

Check federal and provincial guidance on lead paint and whether a lead-safe approach or certified contractor is required. Also check liability insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire help, debris and runoff containment, and rules on transporting chemicals.