Sodablasting is a specialist cleaning method that uses sodium bicarbonate fired at high pressure to remove surface contamination such as smoke deposits, paint or rust.
It is a very gentle process that is suitable for use on even delicate surfaces.
Benefits of sodablasting:
It doesn’t produce excess heat
Other materials that are used in abrasive blast cleaning release excess energy through heat, which can warp metal or damage wood. The lower pressures and softer particles used in sodablasting mean that this doesn’t happen.
It is environmentally safe
Soda particles are soluble and biodegradable, so they are easily washed away after the cleaning process. Sand, however, it is a silicate that doesn’t dissolve and is harmful to the environment. The alkaline properties of soda could have a small effect on the pH content of soil, so you may wish to wash down areas of vegetation that come into contact.
It is non-toxic
The dust produced by sandblasting is toxic if inhaled, but sodablasting dust is not. However, as the finish is stripped, it is broken into tiny particles that could be harmful to the lungs. It is therefore still necessary to wear respiratory protection when sodablasting.
It prevents rust
Sodablasting is a great technique for removing rust and actually helps to prevent further rusting. After the rust or other surface is stripped away, the soda particles leave a fine white film over the metal. This helps to act as a barrier, giving the metal’s surface additional protection from oxidation.
It is gentle and versatile
Sodablasting is a gentle technique, making it suitable for use on delicate surfaces. It can be used on metal, stone, wood and even plastic without causing damage to the surface. Although it is gentle, this method is also capable of removing grease and oil residue, and the small particles allow the soda to penetrate the smallest crevices of the surface to be stripped.
Uses of sodablasting:
Stripping paint
The gentle nature of sodablasting means that, with the right pressure, particulate mix and technique, you can remove one layer of paint at a time. Sodablasting is ideal for stripping paint from hard surfaces like steel but can also strip paint from soft woods without causing damage. It is commonly used for bodywork on cars and other vehicles.
Graffiti removal
A popular use of sodablasting is to remove graffiti, especially from delicate or hard-to-clean surfaces. The small particles allow abrasion in tiny crevices, making it a good choice to remove unwanted paint from statues, carved wood or intricate architectural features.
Cleaning smoke damage
Sodablasting is an effective method of cleaning smoke and soot deposits. It deodorises as it breaks the soot particles loose, removing both the stain and the odour.
Professional sodablasting by CleanSafe
CleanSafe use sodablasting as part of our expert cleaning service, including smoke and soot damage cleanup, graffiti removal and brick wall cleaning.
For more information about this service contact us online.
