Mile High Coatings Podcast

Polished Concrete: Commercial Spaces Rely on It—and Why Residential Homes Should Too

Polished concrete looks like a design choice, but it’s really an operations decision, and it can save you serious time and money when you choose it for the right space. We dig into why more businesses across Colorado’s Front Range are skipping new flooring materials and instead upgrading the concrete slab they already have, turning it into a finished surface that’s durable, bright, and simple to maintain. We talk through the biggest benefits of polished concrete flooring for commercial spaces: long-term cost effectiveness, impressive durability, stain and moisture resistance, and the day-to-day reality of cleaning a smooth, hardened surface. We also get specific about a trend we keep seeing in renovations, pulling up VCT tile and finding a perfectly workable slab underneath, then polishing it to eliminate waxing cycles and constant floor repairs. Residential polished concrete comes up too, especially for basements and slab-on-grade homes where homeowners want something that looks sharp but doesn’t demand constant upkeep like carpet. We also cover customization options, from colored stain to borders and geometric patterns, plus realistic project timelines for a restaurant-sized floor. Finally, we share where polished concrete is not the best option, including slippery garage conditions, greasy kitchen areas, and certain chemical environments, along with alternatives like polyaspartic coatings with flakes for added traction. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more practical coating and flooring guidance, share the episode with someone planning a remodel, and leave a review with the space you’re working on so we can cover more real-world scenarios.To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

The Top Misconceptions About Epoxy and Concrete Coatings—Solved

3w ago00:10:57Tap to summarize

“Epoxy floor” is one of the most searched home improvement phrases, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. We sit down to untangle the language around concrete coatings, epoxy flooring, and modern options like polyaspartic systems, so you can make a smart decision for a garage, basement, patio, or commercial space without getting lost in buzzwords.We walk through the simple but important truth: epoxy is a concrete coating, but not all concrete coatings are epoxy. From sealers to urethanes and acrylics, different coating classes serve different goals, and the best choice depends on how the space is used, what it is exposed to, and what “durable” needs to mean for you. We also talk about why people often search using the wrong term, then end up comparing products and advice that do not actually fit their project.Then we get real about expectations. We explain what a “lifetime floor” and “lifetime warranty” commonly cover in the coatings industry, especially delamination, peeling, and flaking, and how that differs from normal wear and tear. If you have ever wondered whether a garage floor coating can really last decades, we share the practical reality and what factors influence long-term performance.We also dig into the rise of DIY epoxy kits, why they so often disappoint, and why prep work can make or break adhesion. If your biggest worry is safety, we cover slip resistance and how a professional system can be built to reduce slipperiness. Finally, we discuss timeline and return to service, including common guidance for walk-on use and when you can park again.If you found this helpful, subscribe for more straight answers on residential painting and concrete coatings, share the episode with a friend planning a project, and leave a review with the question you want us to tackle next.To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

From Paintbrushes to Polyaspartics: How I Expanded Into Coatings and Storage

Apr 2900:11:21Tap to summarize

We started out painting homes, but a single question kept nagging at us: what else can we do besides paint walls? That curiosity led us straight into high-performance coatings like epoxy flooring and concrete staining, and it changed what we could offer homeowners and businesses across Colorado’s Front Range. If you’ve ever looked at a dusty garage slab or a worn patio and wondered what a durable finish could do, we break down the real path from “idea” to “installed,” including the early lessons that only show up once you’re on the job.We also dig into why garage floor coatings naturally pull storage into the conversation. After enough garage projects, customers ask for cabinets and organization and they want a clean, finished space, not just a nicer floor. We share how we researched options, chose a manufacturing partner, invested in software and design training, and made sure installation quality matched the standards we expect from coatings work. Along the way, we talk about why we expand slowly, why training and demos matter, and how we avoid saying yes to work we can’t deliver at a high level.Finally, we cover what customers request most throughout the year, including the seasonal push for patios, walkways, and driveways as warmer weather hits, plus why garage projects can be steady year-round even if timing makes them easier in spring and summer. If you’re planning an epoxy garage floor, concrete coatings, or garage cabinets, this conversation gives you a practical framework for choosing the right solution and setting the right expectations. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s planning a garage upgrade, and leave a review with the one space in your home you’d most like to transform.To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

Start A Coatings Business Right: From Zero Experience To Professional Work

Apr 2200:13:40Tap to summarize

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 Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

Raising the Bar: What Truly Sets Mile High Coatings Apart

Apr 800:15:41Tap to summarize

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 Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

The Homeowner Checklist For Choosing A Contractor And Painter With Confidence

Apr 100:13:29Tap to summarize

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 Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

Discover How Concrete Overlays Refresh Worn Floors Without Replacement

Mar 2400:11:19Tap to summarize

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 Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

Garage Cabinets That Actually Work: How To Plan Garage Storage Around Real Life

Mar 1700:13:06Tap to summarize

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 Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

From Peeling Garage Floors To Pro Fixes: Why Preparation And Materials Matter

Mar 1100:11:50Tap to summarize

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 Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

Smarter Choices For Stronger Floors: How Educated Homeowners Choose Better Coatings

Mar 400:12:08Tap to summarize

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 Coatings970-314-1023

Transcribe →

All episodes

Polished Concrete: Commercial Spaces Rely on It—and Why Residential Homes Should Too

The Top Misconceptions About Epoxy and Concrete Coatings—Solved

From Paintbrushes to Polyaspartics: How I Expanded Into Coatings and Storage

Start A Coatings Business Right: From Zero Experience To Professional Work

Raising the Bar: What Truly Sets Mile High Coatings Apart

The Homeowner Checklist For Choosing A Contractor And Painter With Confidence

Discover How Concrete Overlays Refresh Worn Floors Without Replacement

Garage Cabinets That Actually Work: How To Plan Garage Storage Around Real Life

From Peeling Garage Floors To Pro Fixes: Why Preparation And Materials Matter

Smarter Choices For Stronger Floors: How Educated Homeowners Choose Better Coatings