On-Site paint stripping for trim, railings and metalwork
Travel to homes and job sites to strip paint from railings, porches, radiators, trim and other pieces that can't be moved.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
38,280 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.8% in a year
NAICS 238320 “Painting and wall covering contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A mobile service that strips fixed or heavy items on site: wrought iron railings, gates, porch columns, window frames, trim and radiators. You use heat tools, chemical strippers and sometimes portable blasting such as soda blasting.
Your first three steps
- Choose your main method (chemical, heat or portable blasting) and buy a starter kit plus protective gear
- Look into EPA lead-safe certification for work on pre-1978 homes and take a course if needed
- Contact local painters, restoration contractors and historic-home owners and offer a paid test job
Who pays
Owners of older homes, painters, general contractors, restoration firms and property managers.
How it makes money
Quoted price per job or per linear foot or item, or an hourly rate. Subcontract work for painters and contractors can fill quiet days.
Skills that help
- Safe working with chemicals, heat and respirators
- Estimating time and materials
- Protecting surrounding surfaces
- Driving and hauling equipment
Watch out for
- Federal lead-safe rules (EPA RRP) may apply to paid work on older homes. Check requirements and get certified if they apply
- Some states and cities require a contractor or specialty license. Check your state licensing board
- Dust and silica hazards if blasting, and restrictions on certain chemical strippers
- Containing and properly disposing of paint debris and chemical waste
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
- A truck or van to carry equipment
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: on-site paint stripping for trim, railings and metalwork
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile paint stripping business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your heat tools, strippers, any blasting equipment, protective gear, and whether you already have a truck or van to carry everything.
How much can on-site paint stripping earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many jobs you take, their size, your pricing, and how far you travel. These are estimates only, and results will vary.
What licenses or rules should I check for on-site paint stripping?
Check whether federal lead-safe rules (EPA RRP) apply to paid work on older homes, and whether your state or city requires a contractor or specialty license. Also check chemical stripper restrictions, dust hazards, waste disposal, and insurance.
Other ways to run this business
Furniture and small-item paint stripping from home
Strip old paint from furniture, doors and small metal pieces in your garage or workshop space for local customers.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Paint stripping workshop for doors and furniture
Rent a small unit and strip doors, mantels, furniture and metalwork in volume for homeowners, dealers and contractors.
- $8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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