About Soda
What is SodaBlasting?
SodaBlasting, as its’ name implies, is a process that delivers a bicarbonate of soda (Baking soda) based medium by compressed air onto fiberglass, metals, wood, masonry, and other surfaces. Some of the many uses include de-painting, de-greasing, removal of graffiti, mold remediation, and fire/smoke restoration.
This is a new state-of-the-art process that is non-damaging and environmentally friendly. The SodaBlast process will clean and strip the most vulnerable surfaces with unequalled results. And because baking soda is all natural, 100% bio-degradable and a water soluble blasting medium, the clean-up is both easy and gentle to the environment.(see the MSDS in this manual for details)
Which SodaBlaster do I need?
This is a great question, and one that is better answered after some information is gathered. What are you looking at blasting? Obviously someone blasting barges in Alaska would need a larger SodaBlaster than a body shop blasting one door at a time. Do you have a compressor? How much power does your compressor have?.
SodaBlasting Automotive
Will SodaBlasting Warp Panels?
No, SodaBlasting will NOT warp panels.
Will SodaBlasting Remove Rust?
The short answer - yes. The dynamics behind it - In-place inspection of structural steel often requires the removal of rust and paint without damaging the substrate that might occur by methods of mechanical cleaning or with sandblasting. Since both of these methods affect the surface modules, the altered steel can present an inaccurate determination as to the actual condition of the steel.
SodaBlasting is used in a multitude of applications involving surface remediation of substances that cover sensitive substrates. In the case of structural steel, surface molecules are not removed or translocated in the surface cleaning process. When SodaBlasting is used as the surface preparation method in removing old paint and rust in preparation of a protective coating, other phenomenon occur that are unique to the process. SodaBlasting will remove electrolytes, such as acids and chlorides, which is referred to as a passivity process to the metal. The result is that the metal will not have activated anode and cathode steel molecules which can be observed by the absence of rust over bare metal after extended periods. Sandblasted and mechanically cleaned surfaces will rust in as little as a matter of hours.
Is SodaBlasting a car Expensive? How long should it take?
SodaBlasting's value is associated with speed and quality of work. A certified, factory trained SodaBlaster will estimate time and pricing based on several factors:
What is the size of the car? What do you want stripped, from the inside, outside, door jams, engine and trunk compartments? How many layers of paint are you having stripped?
With all that in mind, a typical car should take about 4 hours to strip inside and out, assuming there were 2 layers of paint on it.
Will SodaBlasting damage rubber? What will it hurt on a car?
SodaBlasting will not usually damage rubber; however, if the operator dwells too long on an area, you may need to re-surface it with Rubber Renew or a similar product. SodaBlasting is not advisable on cornering lamps, taillight or headlight covers, soft plastics, or blast out molding. SodaBlasting will not etch or scratch chrome, aluminum, or glass.
What about residue?
An automobile should be prepared, thoroughly washed with hot water or soap and water before applying any etching primer.
SodaBlasting Boats
What are the advantages to SodaBlasting a boat vs. conventional sanding?
What are the advantages to SodaBlasting a boat vs. conventional sanding?
Should I tape off thru holes before SodaBlasting my boat?
Yes, tape off the thru holes to keep soda residue out of areas inside the hull.
I have boat blisters, will SodaBlasting help me?
Yes, by increasing the pressure to remove the gel coat, SodaBlasting can reveal blisters.
Will SodaBlasting damage the gelcoat?
SodaBlasting won't damage the gel coat. The Moh's hardness of the gel coat is about 2 times the hardness of the soda.
SodaBlasting Graffiti
Will SodaBlasting damage wood?
Because there are such differences in woods, from a soft pine to a hardy oak, there are many things to consider in SodaBlasting wood. Certainly a pine would need to be blasted at a lower pressure, in adjusting the pressure you should
How many square feet can be SodaBlasted?
A good conservative number for SodaBlasting graffiti is between 150~300 sq. ft. per hour. The time will depend on what you are blasting. A flat wall will
SodaBlasting Fire/Mold
How many square feet of fire/mold can SodaBlasting restore?
SodaBlasting can typically restore damage from fire and mold at about 300~600 sq. ft. per hour. This will again depend on the area to be blasted. Obviously you can blast faster in a large area than say a crawl space where your own arm is in your way.
I’m considering dry ice blasting, is SodaBlasting better?
Where dry ice has many benefits, fire and mold restoration isn't one of them. Residue left from SodaBlasting becomes a working component to the complete restoration of a property due to its' ongoing odor abating quality. CO2 Blasting doesn't compare since it has no odor abatement components. SodaBlasting is an average of 5 1/2 times more productive than dry ice.
Another item to consider is that when dry ice blasting - the hose becomes hard, like a pipe. This makes blasting hard to maneuver in different areas. SodaBlasting hoses remain pliable and easy to maneuver throughout the blasting process enhancing your abilities to clean and restore.
