Soda Blasting
Comprehensive nontoxic industrial cleaning solutions
Soda blasting is softer and safer than sandblasting, not tearing up the substrate. Whereas sandblasting is suitable for removing rust, like all abrasive media, there is a risk it can tear up, pit, or warp the target object. When those risks are high, soda blasting is used instead of sandblasting.
Using baking soda as the blasting media, it’s nontoxic, nonflammable, and FDA-approved. Because baking soda is water-soluble, it makes clean-up more manageable and environmentally safer; simply rinse away debris with a hose.
How Does Soda Blasting Work?
Soda blasting removes surface contaminants using sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Specialized blasting machines use compressed air to propel particles against the surface to be cleaned.
With significant blast strength, the sodium bicarbonate particles bust and release energy when they come in contact with the surface, and the coatings and contaminants are removed. The blasting machine and sodium bicarbonate work in unison to perform the process in a manner that produces little to no damage to the substrate.
Soda Blasting Applications
Due to its low abrasion cleaning action, sodium bicarbonate is effective for numerous applications on various materials.
It is effective at cleaning:
- Metal
- PVC
- Plastics
- Masonry
- Wood
- Fiberglass
- Stone
- Stucco
- Alloys
- Concrete
- Aluminum
- Composites
It can remove:
- Paint
- Graffiti
- Residue
- Coatings
- Powder coatings
- Contamination
- Oil
- Grease
- Asphalt
- Rust
- Stains
- Mold
- Odors
- Chemicals
- Fire & smoke
Drawbacks of Soda Blasting
While soda blasting has some benefits over sandblasting on specific jobs, it has several drawbacks.
- Soda blasting works using an alkaline mixture that could soak in the soil and alter the pH balance. Its use around plants and foliage requires care and a thorough clean water rinse.
- On smooth surfaces, soda isn’t as effective as grit. While the lack of abrasion is advantageous due to its minimal harm to substrates, attaching a coating to certain metals might be tricky.
- Sodium bicarbonate cannot be stored for long as the solution tends to condense and congeal. Eventually, it becomes useless for cleaning and can damage the blasting machinery.
- While less than sandblasting, there is still cleanup when using soda blasting meaning the process takes longer and areas need to be cordoned off.
Portland Blasting Offers Alternatives To Soda Blasting
Using the latest technologies, Portland Blasting offers superior results without the drawbacks of mediums requiring cleanup or much more extended time commitments to perform the work. Our use of laser, induction, and dry ice blasting ensures you always get superior results with the least downtime and cost.
