The fastest way to lose money in a coatings business is to “learn” on a customer’s floor. We sit down with David Nanninga, president of Mile High Coatings, to talk through what new entrepreneurs need to know before starting a residential painting, concrete coatings, or epoxy flooring company across Colorado’s Front Range.

We get practical about the first moves that actually matter: connecting with local distributors and suppliers, taking advantage of free demos and samples, and learning the chemistry behind mixing, pot life, and cure times. David explains why hiring experienced applicators can shorten your learning curve, how the right equipment and process protect quality, and why the unglamorous pieces like insurance and paperwork still make or break a small business.

Then we dig into the mindset lessons that save you from expensive mistakes. How do you price fairly without scaring people off? How do you generate leads and prospect consistently? And when you are hungry for revenue, how do you learn to say no to the wrong projects so you can focus on the work you do best? David also shares why painting can be a lower-barrier on-ramp compared to professional floor coatings, plus what he learned starting from scratch during the 2008 Great Recession by building relationships in the community.

If you’re thinking about starting a painting contractor or coatings contractor business, hit subscribe, share this with a friend who’s considering the leap, and leave a review with the biggest question you still have.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

The fastest way to waste money on a garage floor, basement coating, or patio finish is hiring a contractor who only knows how to sell one solution. We get honest about what actually separates a great coatings company from a slick pitch, and why a value system in the field often matters more than the brand on the bucket.

We talk through how we approach residential painting, concrete coatings, and epoxy flooring across Colorado’s Front Range: starting with the condition of the surface, the customer’s timeline, and the real use of the space. Moving in, selling, remodeling a business, or finishing a tenant space all change what “best” looks like. You’ll hear why we’ve built Mile High Coatings to offer multiple application options instead of forcing every project into the same system, plus what that flexibility looks like from a small porch to a 30,000 square foot commercial job.

David also shares the origin story, from starting solo in 2008 to landing early larger flooring work, learning with the right support, and hitting a turning point on a fire station project that proved the team could execute at a higher level. We close with practical ways clients save: bulk buying that improves value, and a one stop approach for garage upgrades that can include paint, floors, and demo so you are not coordinating three different trades, while still bringing in licensed electricians where needed.

If you found this helpful, subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation, share it with a friend planning a remodel, and leave a review to help more Colorado homeowners find reliable epoxy flooring and concrete coating advice.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

A painting bid can look simple until you realize two “same size” estimates can mean totally different prep work, materials, and outcomes. We sit down together to unpack what homeowners should ask before signing anything, so you can hire a contractor with confidence instead of crossing your fingers.

David Nanninga, president of Mile High Coatings, walks through the questions that actually protect you: how to confirm contractor insurance with proof in writing, why you should request a certificate of insurance, and what to ask when subcontractors might be involved. We also talk about why company longevity doesn’t always equal crew experience, and how training systems and job supervision can be the difference between a smooth project and a mess you inherit.

From residential painting to concrete coatings and epoxy flooring, the theme is the same: clarity beats guesswork. We share practical ways to compare estimates apples to apples, understand what “prep” really includes, and choose materials that match your timeline, whether you’re selling soon or planning to stay for the long haul. We also touch on referrals, testimonials, and what a real quality walkthrough should look like at the end of the job, especially for garage floor coating work where you can’t always inspect everything immediately.

If you’ve ever felt pressured to “sign today,” or you’re staring at a stack of bids that don’t line up, this conversation will help you slow down and make a smarter call. Subscribe for more straight talk on residential painting, epoxy floors, and durable coatings, and if this helped, share it with a friend and leave a quick review.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

A worn concrete floor doesn’t always need to be torn out to look brand new. We talk through the real-world option that often gets misunderstood: the concrete overlay. If you’ve heard terms like “overlay” or “micro-topping” and assumed it’s just another coating, we clear that up fast and explain what it is in plain language a homeowner can use. We also share what an overlay is made of, how it’s mixed with an acrylic modifier, how thin it really is, and why that detail matters for performance and final look.

Then we get practical about decision-making. The big question isn’t “Can I put an overlay here?” but “Should I?” We dig into substrate requirements, especially moisture vapor transmission through the slab and how it can lead to delamination, peeling, and chunking. We also explain why outdoor concrete tends to be where failures show up first, and why an old overlay can be surprisingly hard to identify once edges are hidden by landscaping or the surface resembles standard concrete.

Finally, we cover where overlays deliver the most value: basements and commercial spaces with a patchwork history of tile, carpet, laminate, and adhesives. When removed floors leave permanent grid lines and visual scars that grinding can’t erase, an overlay can create a consistent canvas for a stained and sealed concrete look that’s durable and clean. If you’re planning concrete resurfacing, decorative concrete, or a stained concrete floor upgrade across Colorado’s Front Range, this conversation will help you avoid expensive mistakes. Subscribe for more straight answers, share this with a friend considering a floor redo, and leave a review telling us what space you want to transform next.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

Your garage can feel like a constant negotiation between clutter, hobbies, and the stuff you swear you’re “getting rid of soon.” We get practical about what actually works, starting with a simple idea: choosing the right garage cabinets isn’t about picking a look, it’s about matching function, durability, and layout to real life.

We break down how a professional garage storage consultation should go, including why it needs to be collaborative, especially when two homeowners have different ideas for the space. From open garage shelving to tall cabinets, stacked cabinets, and drawer-heavy setups that act like a tool chest, we talk through how to choose a system based on access, safety, and how often you’ll use what you store. We also explain why garage ceilings and wall space can be a huge advantage when you plan storage vertically, and when that only makes sense if you’re comfortable grabbing items from a ladder a couple times a year.

Then we get into the details that make a cabinet system last: weight capacity, thick shelves, soft-close hardware, smooth drawer glides, and built-to-order sizing that lets you design around obstacles like outlets, windows, sprinkler control boxes, and garage door rails. You’ll also hear what we commonly see with DIY garage cabinets and repurposed kitchen cabinets, plus a philosophy we stick to: start with what you know you need, avoid overselling, and add more storage later if your life changes. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the show with a friend who needs a garage reset, and leave a quick review with your biggest garage storage challenge.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

What Are Some Experiences Your Team Has Had With Fixing Clients' Unsuccessful DIY Projects?

A beautiful floor should outlast the first season, not peel the moment your car rolls in. We share two revealing stories from the field—a garage epoxy torn up by hot tires and a basement stain and topcoat that sidelined a family’s living space—to unpack why DIY floor coatings fail and what it takes to make them last. From surface prep to chemistry to timing, this is a practical roadmap for anyone eyeing a garage, basement, or patio upgrade.

We break down hot tire pickup in plain terms and explain why big-box epoxy kits often can’t stand up to daily heat and pressure. You’ll hear how underpowered rental grinders and light acid etching leave concrete too slick for strong adhesion, and how industrial diamond grinding creates the consistent profile coatings need. Then we move indoors, exploring the narrow application windows of stains, dyes, epoxy basecoats, and fast-curing polyaspartics. Small misses—like humidity, mix timing, or dust control—compound fast, while crews who do this daily have the tools and instincts to avoid them.

Along the way, we point to the hidden costs of do-overs: grinding off failed material, rescheduling life around cure times, and paying twice for one floor. You’ll come away with a clear checklist for success: verify contaminants and moisture, use mechanical prep to hit the right surface profile, select systems matched to heat, traffic, and UV, and plan around weather and debris when working outdoors. Whether you’re considering DIY or hiring a pro team, these real-world lessons will help you choose the path that delivers a durable, great-looking finish the first time.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend planning a floor project, and leave a quick review so others can discover it too.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

How Have Clients' Education And Awareness About Coatings And Paint Changed Over The Years?

What happens when homeowners show up armed with research, buzzwords, and big renovation goals? We lean into the shift and show how better questions lead to better floors—if you pair information with real-world evaluation. From garages and basements to patios and commercial spaces across Colorado’s Front Range, we break down the chemistry, the prep, and the price factors that separate a floor that only looks good on day one from a floor that performs for years.

We start by tackling the gap between online advice and on-site reality. A video can’t read moisture, spot weak concrete, or price-in crack repair, but a quick visit can. We explain why phone quotes fall short, how concrete condition drives cost, and where small choices—flake size, topcoat type, cure window—change timelines and durability. Then we get practical with the essentials: epoxy as a versatile base, urethanes for abrasion and UV protection, and polyaspartic for fast return to service and strong color stability. No hype, just clear use-cases and trade-offs.

You’ll hear how we translate goals into systems that work: heavy chemical zones might earn a novolac epoxy layer, while sun-soaked entries benefit from an aliphatic topcoat. We also unpack decision-making styles, from “seen it, want it, book it” to “research rabbit hole,” and share a simple framework—options, pros, cons, and fit to budget—that speeds choices without regret. If you want a garage or patio that stands up to snow, salt, hot tires, and weekend projects, this guide gives you the clarity to invest once and enjoy the results.

If the conversation helped you cut through coating confusion, follow the show, share it with a friend planning a makeover, and leave a quick review so more homeowners can find trustworthy guidance. Ready for a free quote? Visit online or call 970-314-1023.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

What Are The Steps Involved In House Painting, And How Does It Complement Coated Flooring? 

Want paint that actually lasts through Colorado sun, snow, and everyday life? We dig into the pro workflow that turns a simple color change into a durable upgrade: gentle exterior washing to remove dirt and webs, careful caulking that seals out moisture, and targeted scraping and priming on vulnerable wood like sills and door casings. From there, we explain how masking protects fixtures and masonry, why spraying the body and rolling trim yields sharp lines, and how premium coatings with solid warranties outperform bargain options when UV and weather go to work.

Inside the home, we get practical about scope: which rooms and surfaces to paint, how many colors make sense, and when to choose rolling versus spraying. We share real timelines for a modern 3,000–4,000 square foot home and the variables that speed things up or slow them down—architectural details, substrate age, and the number of windows and trim profiles. Washability takes center stage for busy households: cabinet-grade enamels for doors and trim, smart sheen choices for hallways and corners, and the balancing act between touch-up friendliness and stain resistance. You’ll hear how to match sheen to traffic so walls clean up fast without flashing.

We also cover site safety and sanity savers, including why pets and paint don’t mix and how a single curious dog can undo an entire cleanup in seconds. Throughout, we keep the focus on process over hype: the quiet steps that protect your home and make a fresh finish last years longer. If you want fewer callbacks, fewer scuffs, and a finish you can be proud of, this guide lays out the path from estimate to final walkthrough.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend planning a repaint, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Ready for a durable refresh? Get a free quote at MileHighCoatings.com or call 970-314-1023.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

What Outdoor Requests Do You Typically See The Most This Time Of Year?

Spring doesn’t just change the weather—it changes what you see every time you pull into the driveway or step onto the porch. We dig into the projects homeowners rush to first as temperatures rise: patio resurfacing, pool deck traction, garage floor upgrades, and the overlooked hero of curb appeal—driveway protection. With Colorado’s fast melt-and-freeze cycles, we explain how to plan for quick weather windows, choose systems that actually last, and avoid the summer scheduling crunch.

We share why quartz broadcast finishes earn their place on porches and pool decks, how subtle earth tones like tan and gray complement stone and landscaping, and what to consider if your concrete needs repairs before color. For garages, we talk epoxy and polyaspartic options, plus the real-world logistics of clearing the space. Temporary storage, including a mobile cargo trailer, makes it easier to knock out a one to two day install without turning your life upside down.

Driveways deserve special attention. Road salts and magnesium chloride quietly eat away at unprotected concrete, leading to pitting and scaling. We break down why penetrating sealers outperform film-formers on driveways, how they chemically fortify the slab from within, and why the right treatment can deliver years of low-maintenance protection. And for play, we cover pickleball and basketball courts: traction-tuned acrylic systems, accurate measurements, and custom color schemes that mirror your favorite team while still handling sun, snow, and heavy use.

If you’re eyeing a spring refresh, now is the time to plan. Get ahead of the rush, protect the places you park, play, and gather, and choose coatings that look great and perform through every season. Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe, share the episode with a neighbor, and leave a quick review so more homeowners can find practical tips that actually work.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023 

How Do I Know If My Existing Concrete Is Suitable For A New Coating?  

Your concrete is telling you a story—if you know how to read it. We dive into the real-world signals that reveal whether your slab is ready for a new coating, from subtle surface scaling to deeper structural clues. Newer slabs often breeze through prep, while older driveways, garages, and patios show wear patterns like exposed aggregate, efflorescence, and oil saturation that need smart fixes. We break down how moisture vapor transmission undermines coatings, how to identify and mitigate it, and which primers and systems can stand up to challenging conditions.

Cracks get special attention because they rarely stop at the surface. We explain why fractures typically run through the full thickness of the slab, how water intrusion accelerates erosion beneath, and what that means for movement, settlement, and long-term durability. You’ll hear practical approaches for crack repair, when lifting methods come into play, and how the right coating or sealer complements structural fixes. For stained, “gnarly” floors, we share proven tactics: selective degreasers, poultice treatments, mechanical profiling, and specialty primers that restore adhesion even on compromised substrates.

We also confront the slow, steady damage from magnesium chloride road salts. Cars carry de-icers into garages and onto driveways, where chemistry quietly erodes the cement paste. Our take: act early with penetrating sealers outside and durable coating systems inside to stop the decay before it spreads. By the end, you’ll have a checklist to evaluate your concrete, choose the right prep, and protect the surface for years. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share with a friend who’s eyeing a floor makeover, and leave a quick review to help others discover the show.

To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit:
https://www.MileHighCoatings.com
Mile High Coatings
970-314-1023