Thinking about getting into the Concrete Coatings Franchise world? Good call, this industry is booming! Before you dive in headfirst, there are a few things you should know about the tools and gear you’ll need to hit the ground running.
Let’s walk through the must-haves, and we’ll also let you in on why working with a team like Fortress Coatings is a better move for your business.
It All Starts with Surface Preparation
Ask anyone in the concrete coatings business, and they’ll tell you: prep is everything. Without the right surface prep, even the fanciest coating is going to peel faster than bad wallpaper.
Here’s your essential prep toolkit:
- Concrete Grinder: Think of it as a giant sanding machine that gets the floor ready for coating.
- Shot Blaster: For bigger jobs, this machine deep-cleans and textures the surface perfectly.
- Industrial Vacuum: Grinding kicks up a ton of dust and breathing it in is not the best plan. Always pair your grinder with a powerful dust collection system.
Pro Tip: Invest in high-quality equipment from the start. It’s tempting to save money on cheaper tools, but you’ll just end up replacing them halfway through your first busy season.
Coating Application Tools: Your New Best Friends
Once the surface is ready, it’s time for the magic—the coating. Since you’re gearing up for the concrete coatings franchise market, make sure your application tools are up to date.
You’ll need:
- Mixing Drill and Paddle: No, your kitchen mixer won’t cut it. These heavy-duty tools properly blend your coating materials.
- Rollers and Squeegees: Good tools create smooth, even finishes. Smooth, even finishes create happy customers.
- Spike Shoes: Walk across wet coatings without ruining all your hard work.
Important: You’ll also need a temperature-controlled environment to properly store your coating chemicals. Extreme heat or cold can ruin the materials before you even get them on the floor, so make sure your shop or storage space can maintain a stable climate.
At Fortress Coatings, we specialize in polyurea and polyaspartic coatings, not epoxy. Why? Because polyurea lasts longer, looks better, and has a lifetime warranty for discoloration and a fifteen year warranty for cracks (most companies only offer a five year warranty for epoxy!).
Important: We don’t touch epoxy—it simply doesn’t meet the high standards we believe our customers deserve.
Safety Gear (Because You Like Breathing)
The work may look simple, but it’s tough on your body. Make sure you suit up properly:
- Respirators: Dust and chemical fumes are no joke.
- Gloves and Safety Glasses: Always a must.
- Knee Pads: Trust me, you’ll want these.
A little investment in safety gear today saves you a lot of regret tomorrow.
Business Basics You’ll Thank Yourself For
Starting strong isn’t just about tools; it’s also about how you run your business. Make sure you have:
- A reliable truck or trailer to haul your gear.
- Marketing materials like a website, flyers, and social media accounts.
- Solid training on the latest techniques and customer service best practices.
Why Is Fortress Coatings a Better Choice?
Here’s where Fortress Coatings stands out – unlike a typical concrete coatings franchise, we’re locally owned and operated, which means no crazy franchise fees or royalty payments draining your profits. We believe you should keep the money you earn, simple as that.
At Fortress Coatings:
- We use top-of-the-line products that outperform traditional epoxy.
- Our team has years of hands-on experience—we know what works and what doesn’t.
- We offer an unbeatable warranty on your floors.
- We’re committed to honesty, quality, and hard work, not corporate red tape.
- Most importantly, you stay independent and profitable, without franchise fees weighing you down.
Work With Fortress
Starting your own business in the concrete coatings franchise space is exciting and a little nerve-wracking. However, with the right gear, a strong work ethic, and a team like Fortress Coatings in your corner, you’ll be laying down gorgeous, rock-solid floors in no time.
Skip the franchise headaches. Bet on yourself. You’re already ahead of the game with Fortress-quality floors and support behind you.
Bonus: When you partner with Fortress, we’ll provide you with a full list of recommended supplies—and even offer an equipment package to make getting started even easier. Everything you need to launch successfully, without the guesswork.