Mobile abrasive blasting service

Take a truck-mounted or trailer blasting rig to farms, yards and job sites to strip rust and old paint.

Startup costC$12k to C$45k
Monthly revenueC$3k to C$15k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeMonths

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

An on-site blasting service using a portable compressor and blast pot to clean steel, trailers, equipment, gates, tanks and masonry. You bring the kit to the customer, so large or fixed items can be done where they sit.

Your first three steps

  1. Price out a used or new compressor, blast pot, hoses and a supplied-air hood, and decide what vehicle or trailer will carry them
  2. Take a respiratory protection and abrasive blasting safety course, and check your province's occupational health rules
  3. Introduce yourself to local farms, welding shops and contractors, and offer a discounted first job you can photograph for before-and-after examples
Who pays

Farmers, contractors, fabricators, property owners, fleet and trailer owners, and small industrial firms.

How it makes money

Hourly rate or fixed quote per job, plus charges for media, travel and any protective prep or cleanup. Repeat work from contractors and fleets helps steady income.

Skills that help
  • Comfortable with heavy equipment and compressors
  • Careful, safety-minded working habits
  • Quoting jobs and judging surface condition
  • Driving and towing
Watch out for
  • Silica sand is restricted or discouraged in many places, so check which media are allowed in your province and use safer options
  • Old paint may contain lead or other hazardous coatings, so check testing and disposal rules before blasting
  • Dust, noise and overspray near neighbours, waterways or drains may need containment, and municipal or environmental rules can apply
  • Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
  • Outdoor work depends on weather, and winter can slow the season in much of Canada

🔒 Full research report for Canada

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile blasting business in Canada?

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on the compressor, blast pot, truck or trailer, safety gear and blasting media. Get quotes before buying, as these figures are estimates only.

How much can a mobile abrasive blasting service earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many jobs you take and their size. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week. Winter can slow the season in much of Canada.

What rules should I check before starting mobile blasting in Canada?

Check which blasting media are allowed in your province, as silica sand is often restricted. Also check testing and disposal rules for lead or hazardous coatings, containment and municipal or environmental rules, liability insurance, and WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire.

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