Mile High Coatings Podcast

David Nanninga

Welcome to the Mile High Coatings Podcast — where we elevate your spaces to A New Peak in Quality! Hosted by David Nanninga, president of Mile High Coatings, this podcast dives into the transformative power of expert residential painting, durable concrete coatings, and high-performance epoxy flooring. Whether it’s a garage in need of a refresh, a basement craving a stylish upgrade, or a patio ready for Colorado’s changing seasons, we explore how premium coatings can enhance aesthetics, durability, and long-term value. Join us as we break down the latest innovations in surface protection, share insider tips, and highlight real-world success stories from homeowners and businesses across Colorado’s Front Range. Whether you’re a property owner looking to invest in quality finishes or a contractor aiming to expand your expertise, this podcast delivers the insights you need to make informed decisions. Get ready to elevate your space — one coat at a time! To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings  970-314-1023 

  1. Jul 29

    The Real FAQ Homeowners Ask About Concrete Coatings

    Most people think a garage floor coating means days of waiting, strong fumes, and confusing product choices. We clear that up with a fast, practical FAQ session built from real client questions, so you can plan your project with confidence and avoid costly surprises. We talk through the number one question we hear: how long until you can walk on the floor again. David explains how today’s coating systems often allow next-day foot traffic, why older epoxy systems took much longer, and what “cure time” really means when you’re trying to get your garage, basement, patio, or workspace back. We also unpack epoxy vs polyaspartic flooring in plain language: epoxy can be more DIY-friendly and forgiving, while polyaspartic is typically harder, faster-curing, and UV-stable but demands proper surface preparation to prevent peeling. From there, we get into what homeowners actually need to do before we arrive, whether you have to leave the house, and the ventilation myth that catches people off guard: an open garage door does not guarantee airflow. We share an easy setup using a fan to create negative pressure and move air out efficiently. You will also hear how an independent coatings contractor can stay flexible on product selection, what warranties commonly cover (and what cracking from slab movement usually does not), how commercial projects think about sequencing, what insurance we carry, and how to maintain coated concrete with simple cleaners. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more straightforward advice, share this with someone planning a remodel, and leave a review so more Colorado homeowners and business owners can find the show. To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings 970-314-1023

  2. Jul 22

    What Your Concrete Floor Needs (And How to Tell)

    Your concrete floor is already telling you what it needs, you just have to ask the right questions. We sit down and walk through how we choose the best concrete coating based on real life: what the space is for, how much traffic it gets, what kind of messes happen there, and what “easy to clean” really means when you live in Colorado. We start with basement floor options, where stained concrete (dye and seal) and polished concrete can deliver a clean look without overbuilding for light foot traffic. We also talk honestly about water issues: a sealed floor is not a waterproofing system, but it can turn a stressful leak into a quick mop-up instead of a ruined carpet situation. Then we move to garage floor coating systems, where traction becomes a safety feature the moment snow and ice hit the slab. We explain why flake floors are so popular, how they stay sweepable while adding grip, and why UV-stable polyaspartic topcoats help avoid yellowing. From there, we cover patio and porch coatings, including a subtle quartz finish that feels calm, durable, and slip-resistant outdoors. We also share what can limit any project, like spalling, efflorescence, and oil-saturated concrete, before zooming out to commercial flooring, industrial chemical-resistant coatings, and why parking garages take such a beating without traffic coatings built for constant abuse. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a homeowner or contractor who is planning a project, and leave us a review so more people can find the show. What surface are you trying to upgrade next? To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings 970-314-1023

  3. Jul 1

    How Mile High Coatings Contractor Sets Clear Expectations

    Bad contractor stories usually start the same way: “They said it would be fine.” We sit down with David Nanninga, president and founder of Mile High Coatings, to get honest about what actually creates a great result in residential painting, commercial painting, and concrete coatings, and why the most important “product” is often clear expectations. We dig into how we run an on-site consultation, the questions we ask to understand your real goal (selling a home, remodeling, repairing a leak, opening a business), and how experience helps us spot projects that are not a great fit before anyone wastes time or money. We also walk through the full menu of services, including interior and exterior painting, concrete staining, polished concrete, epoxy flooring, polyaspartic floor coatings for garage floors and patios, and even custom garage storage design and installation. Then we talk about the calls we get every week: fixing competitor work that failed. We share what we see most often, how we reset scope and outcomes without sugarcoating it, and how better communication prevents surprises. We also explain why being a private, non-franchise contractor matters when you need flexibility with materials, specs, and solutions tailored to your space. If you want a durable finish and a smoother project, listen now, then subscribe, share this with someone planning a renovation, and leave a review with the space you want to upgrade next. To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings 970-314-1023

  4. Jun 16

    How Garage And Patio Coatings Resist Water Stains And Chemicals

    Red wine on the floor. Road salt tracked in all winter. Grease drips by the grill. Even the occasional mystery stain that shows up under a parked golf cart. If you’ve ever wondered what concrete coatings can actually handle and what will eventually leave a mark, we’re getting specific and practical. David Nanninga talks through how different coating systems behave when moisture, spills, and chemicals hit real homes and real businesses across Colorado’s Front Range. We start with the basics that most people miss: sealing is meant to stop liquid water, but concrete can still push moisture vapor upward. That’s where breathable acrylic coatings can shine for outdoor applications, letting vapor pass while still shedding rain and everyday messes. Then we compare performance across acrylic, epoxy flooring, urethane, and polyaspartic coatings, including why polyaspartic is a go-to for garage floors thanks to UV stability and strong resistance to common chemicals like de-icers and household spills. From there we zoom into the tougher stuff. Acid exposure changes the rules, and we explain why specialized products like novolac epoxy exist, plus what happens when acids sit too long. David shares a homeowner scenario we’ve seen more than once: battery acid leaking under an electric golf cart and leaving a white ring that can etch the coating and even stain the concrete. We wrap with seasonal guidance on what projects ramp up in summer, and our favorite interior option for busy households: dye-and-seal stained concrete topped with a durable clear coat for a natural look that’s easy to clean.  If you want a floor that looks great and holds up to real life, listen now, subscribe for more coating tips, and share this with a friend who’s tired of stains. After you listen, what space are you thinking about coating next? To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings 970-314-1023

  5. May 21

    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 Coatings 970-314-1023

  6. May 14

    The Top Misconceptions About Epoxy and Concrete Coatings—Solved

    “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 Coatings 970-314-1023

  7. Apr 29

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

    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 Coatings 970-314-1023

  8. Apr 22

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

    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

About

Welcome to the Mile High Coatings Podcast — where we elevate your spaces to A New Peak in Quality! Hosted by David Nanninga, president of Mile High Coatings, this podcast dives into the transformative power of expert residential painting, durable concrete coatings, and high-performance epoxy flooring. Whether it’s a garage in need of a refresh, a basement craving a stylish upgrade, or a patio ready for Colorado’s changing seasons, we explore how premium coatings can enhance aesthetics, durability, and long-term value. Join us as we break down the latest innovations in surface protection, share insider tips, and highlight real-world success stories from homeowners and businesses across Colorado’s Front Range. Whether you’re a property owner looking to invest in quality finishes or a contractor aiming to expand your expertise, this podcast delivers the insights you need to make informed decisions. Get ready to elevate your space — one coat at a time! To learn more about Mile High Coatings visit: https://www.MileHighCoatings.com Mile High Coatings  970-314-1023