Hi all!

My name is Ann and I just joined the forum, I’m a new comer to paint removing services. I’m still trying to understand it all and our little company (just me and my husband) is still navigating through all the different ways to approach the industry. It’s a tough economy! I was wondering – for those of you involved in the industry (especially veterans) business owner or not, what are some of services, tools, strategies, or latest resources you find helpful or profitable in doing your work or - business? Online or offline, I’m sure there is quite a lot in both right?!

Thanks and God bless!

 

I do not know if this will help or if you thought of this:

Yes...the economy is tough right now and I applaud you and your husband in getting out there and trying to make a "mark" and start a business.

As for stripping paint. And if you are dealing in automotive paint only. Just be aware of the EPA and its guidelines for stripping paint along with any state and local guidelines. ESPECIALLY if you are planning on using ANY liquid chemical stripper in your processes containing MeCl (methylene chloride). It is dealing with the new 6H ruling that will be in total effect on January11,2011. It deals with HAPS (hazardous air pollutants). SO if your service is mobile or in a permanent location...just be aware of these issues.

You did not specify on what type of stripping method(s) you are planning on using....and as for my shop, I do everything myself in house....and had to change my processes due to new concerns from the EPA. Sometimes I send out and get urethane bumper covers stripped...but that is not often due to I usually replace them with new ones and do not want to spend the time/money on a part that already has distortion issues in it.

Any bit of advice I can give that you may try to offer your services so that if you are attacking the body shop market. You offer a pick-up and deliver service...if your service is NOT mobile. I know I do not have the time to drive and drop-off apart and go back and get it later. And if it is a mobile service....I have to be concerned about the residue left behind when a part is stripped due top local air quality standards and possible ground water contamination issues due to what type of media was used....and the possibility that if it was a classic car part....was lead in the paint when that paint was used....and now is all over the ground after stripping. Even though the EPA may approve a product for stripping, does not mean that the local authorities approve it for use also. If a mobile service is in your game plan...then extra steps may be needed to keep everybody happy and still use an EPA approved product/method.

Look at EVERY possible angle... because all you and your husband need is some person right out of training that wants to make his/her "mark" with their superiors...and want to make your life a living hell because of some rule that was overlooked. I get inspected by the authorities often...and it is by someone different about each and every time. And for some ODD reason...I passed the time before...and nothing changed...BUT the next person finds something to complain about. I often times feel like I am a circus monkey jumping through hoops. I do not complain about it...but I would like for the "interpretation" of the rules/guidelines to be the same. So do not be surprised if this occurs with you both. Hopefully it does not occur.

And last BUT not least. If you are insured...make sure you take every precaution to exposure to dusts/vapors and skin exposure...so that if you have health issues later....you do not have yourself to blame for not being aware of long term exposure...and a claim being refused or your coverage dropped due to NOT taking these precautionary steps required to keep your insurance intact....IF you are "spot checked" by your insurance carrier.

"DUB"