Questions, answered.
Everything people ask before starting a polyurea containment business — and a few things facility owners want to know.
Starting a business
Do I need coatings experience?
No. Plenty of successful applicators started with no coatings background. Training covers the equipment, surface prep, spraying, quality testing and safety. Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn matter more than a résumé.
How much does it cost to start?
Startup cost depends on the rig size, whether you already own a suitable truck, prep equipment, insurance in your state and your opening material inventory. Rather than quote a generic number, we’ll build a budget for your situation in a free consultation.
What equipment do I need?
A plural-component spray rig (proportioner, generator, air compressor and heated hose — ArmorThane’s standard 20′ rig includes a PMC PHX-40, 45 kW generator, 23 CFM compressor and 100 ft of hose), plus surface-prep tools, testing gauges and safety gear including supplied-air respirators. See the rigs.
Do I need a license?
Contractor licensing rules vary by state and sometimes by city or county. Check with your state’s contractor licensing board. Industrial customers will also ask for proof of insurance and a safety program.
Who are my customers?
Fuel distributors, farms and ag retailers, utilities, manufacturers, chemical companies, water and wastewater plants, mines, fleets, airports, hospitals and data centers with generator fuel. Environmental consultants, engineers and tank installers are excellent referral sources.
Can I add containment to my existing bedliner or coatings shop?
Yes — that’s one of the most common paths. You already understand polyurea; a mobile rig and containment-specific training let you take your skills on-site to commercial and industrial customers.
What else can I do with the same rig?
The same equipment sprays truck bedliners, industrial floors, roofs, waterproofing, tank linings, trailers and much more — so you can diversify your work.
About polyurea
What is polyurea?
Polyurea is a coating formed by the rapid reaction of an isocyanate component with an amine resin blend. It’s sprayed hot through a plural-component gun and gels in seconds, forming a tough, flexible, seamless membrane.
Is polyurea resistant to every chemical?
No coating is. Polyurea performs well against fuels, oils and many chemicals, but each job should be checked against the manufacturer’s chemical-resistance data for the specific chemical, concentration and temperature. Aggressive chemicals may require a specialty topcoat.
How thick should a containment lining be?
Thickness is set by the project specification based on the chemicals, traffic and substrate. Containment linings are commonly specified in the tens of mils (thousandths of an inch) and verified with thickness gauges during and after application.
Is spraying polyurea safe?
It’s safe when done correctly. Isocyanates require proper respiratory protection — typically supplied-air respirators — plus skin and eye protection, ventilation and training. Once fully cured, the coating is inert.
For facility owners
How long will my containment be out of service?
Surface prep usually takes the most time. The polyurea itself cures quickly, so many containment areas are back in use the next day. Your applicator will give you a schedule for your specific site.
Can you coat over old, cracked concrete?
In most cases, yes. Cracks, joints and spalls are repaired first, the concrete is prepared and primed, and then the polyurea membrane is applied.
How do I get a quote?
Use our project request form. We’ll review the details and connect you with a trained ArmorThane applicator.
Talk to a real person.
We’re happy to answer anything about equipment, training or starting a containment business.