Sandblasting Business Overview
A sandblasting business provides abrasive blasting services that use pressurized streams of materials to clean, smooth, or modify surfaces. This process involves propelling abrasive materials like silica sand, glass beads, or steel shot against surfaces at high pressure using specialized equipment.
These businesses serve construction companies, manufacturers, automotive shops, and property owners who need surface preparation or restoration services.
The common business models in this industry include:
- Mobile Service Provider: Offers on-site sandblasting services with portable equipment that can travel to customer locations
- Fixed Location Facility: Operates from a permanent workshop where items are brought in for sandblasting treatment
Related: Checklist To Start A Business
How Do Sandblasting Businesses Make Money?
Sandblasting companies generate revenue by offering surface preparation and cleaning services across various industries and applications.
These businesses earn income through several established service offerings, which can include:
- Construction Surface Preparation: Most sandblasting revenue comes from preparing surfaces in construction projects, as building codes often require proper surface treatment before applying coatings or finishes. This includes cleaning concrete, removing old paint, and prepping steel surfaces.
- Industrial Equipment Cleaning: Companies earn money by cleaning and maintaining industrial machinery, removing rust, corrosion, and built-up materials from equipment surfaces.
- Automotive Restoration: Revenue comes from removing paint, rust, and old materials from vehicles during restoration projects.
- Marine Services: Businesses generate income by cleaning and maintaining boats and marine equipment, focusing on hull preparation and maintenance.
- Metal Fabrication: Companies receive payment for preparing metal surfaces before welding, painting, or coating applications.
- Graffiti Removal: Revenue is earned through cleaning graffiti from buildings, walls, and other surfaces using controlled abrasive blasting techniques.
- Historic Restoration: Income is generated from carefully cleaning and restoring historic buildings and monuments while preserving their original materials.
Industry Statistics
Sandblasting services fall under NAICS code 238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors, which includes businesses that provide surface preparation and coating services. Here are some highlights about this industry.
Sandblasting Industry Size & Growth: The sandblasting services industry generated $12.1 billion in revenue last year. The industry has shown steady growth, with an average annual increase of 1.3% over the past five years. Growth projections remain positive for the next five years, driven by increased construction activity and rising demand for surface preparation services in both residential and commercial sectors (IBISWorld).
Number of Sandblasting Businesses: There are 17,997 sandblasting businesses operating across the country. The industry consists mainly of small to medium-sized companies, with no single business controlling a large enough share of the market to be considered dominant. This creates opportunities for new businesses to establish themselves in local markets (IBISWorld).
Sandblasting Profit Margin: Sandblasting businesses typically maintain profit margins between 8% and 12% of revenue. These margins account for operating costs, including equipment maintenance, materials, labor, and overhead expenses.
Startup Stories
Also See: Ideas for Naming a Sandblasting Business
Costs To Start a Sandblasting Business
Starting a sandblasting business typically requires between $75,000 and $200,000. There are several expenses to consider when starting a sandblasting business. Here are some of the common startup costs:
Equipment and Tools: Professional sandblasting equipment includes a commercial-grade blast pot, industrial air compressor, various nozzles, blast hoses, moisture separators, and full safety systems. A complete setup with necessary accessories typically ranges from $40,000 to $100,000.
Vehicle and Trailer: A heavy-duty truck and enclosed trailer are needed to transport equipment, compressors, and materials to job sites. This transportation setup typically costs between $30,000 and $50,000.
Dust Collection System: Environmental regulations require proper dust collection and containment equipment. A commercial-grade system with proper filtration typically costs between $8,000 and $15,000.
Initial Materials: Starting inventory of abrasive materials like silica sand, glass beads, steel shot, protective equipment, and containment supplies requires approximately $10,000 to $20,000.
Facility: A secure storage space or workshop area for equipment and materials ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 monthly, with first and last month’s rent plus deposit due at startup.
These estimates serve as general guidelines, and actual costs will differ based on location, business size, and equipment quality.