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  Soda Blasting Process

SodaBlasting is the process of propelling Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) with compressed air through a blast hose and out a blast nozzle. The unique properties of sodium bicarbonate allow it to remove paint, grease, mold, oil, soot, and other contaminants without damaging glass, chrome, and even thin sheet metal. It is also possible to SodaBlast other softer substrates such as fiberglass, wood, plastics, carbon fiber, aggregate just to name a few. There are no other blast medias that have these same characteristics. Sodium Bicarbonate is recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration as an A1 Cleaner, so a non-contaminated blast pot can blast food processing and food preparation equipment. One can maintain a pristine SodaBlast by never putting anything else but pure Sodium Bicarbonate in the blaster.

Definition

  • Soda blasting is the use of bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda, in conjunction with compressed air for the removal of paint, rust or any other coating. The process is abrasive, but relatively gentle, and can be used on virtually any surface.

History

  • The process of soda blasting was developed in the 1980s, specifically to clean the Statue of Liberty without causing any harm to her exterior. Due to the success of that project, as well as the other benefits soda blasting offers, it has gained in popularity over the years

Benefits

  • Soda blasting does not damage the surface being cleaned. It also removes grease and other debris. This process can be used to clean any surface, refinish wood furniture or remove paint from metal objects. Additionally, the film remaining after soda blasting treatment is completed inhibits the formation of rust on metal for several months after treatment.

Comparisons

  • Other methods historically used to remove paint and other coatings include sand, glass, aluminum, coal, steel, walnut shells and corn husks. Inorganic methods are extremely harsh, but effective. They remove surface coatings and rust but can damage surfaces with the heat produced by the friction when the substance strikes the surface coating. Organic methods, such as walnut shells, are less harsh, but are less effective. Organic methods are also ineffective at getting into small crevices, and can leave paint or rust behind in tiny cracks in the surface. Soda blasting, however, is extremely effective, cleans surfaces completely without leaving any trace of paint, rust, or other coating behind, and does not scratch or warp the surface during or after application.

Considerations

  • Soda blasting reduces all surface coatings to powder. Due to this effect, it may appear that no clean up is necessary. Toxins may exist in the coating that has been removed, however, so it is necessary to ensure that all residual dust from the treatment has been swept up and disposed of properly.

Clean up

  • Soda Blasting CleanupThe soda blasting medium is in the shape of large crystals and resembles sugar or salt. The crystals shatter or explode when they strike the material being blasted. This action increases the cleaning force of the medium and results in a finer soda material accumulating at the work site.Bicarbonate of soda is water soluble and nonhazardous. Wash the accumulated soda away from the blasting site and down any floor drains or other disposal site. Soda poses no environmental hazard and can be washed into storm sewers or other outdoor areas.In situations where water cannot be used for cleanup, around electrical circuits for example, a vacuum can be used to clean up the soda. A strong suction is necessary to clean upthe fine dust of the soda
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