• SodaBlasting is a process that uses baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) as a blast medium delivered by compressed air onto the surface to be cleaned.

• SodaBlasting is state-of-the-art technology that is non damaging and environmentally friendly.

• Baking soda is a natural product that is 100% bio-degradable and water soluble, the cleanup is both easy and environmentally friendly.

Just what is Sodium Bicarbonate?

For a scientific/technical explanation of our environmentally friendly cleaning product download a PDF file for Sodium Bicarbonate here [1.3MB].

What applications can SodaBlasting be used for?

• The SodaBlast process will clean and strip most vulnerable surfaces with superior results.

• SodaBlasting can be used to clean a variety of materials including fibreglass, metals, wood, masonry and other surfaces. (See links on home page for more details).

What is the difference between wet and dry soda blasting? Dry SodaBlasting: is easier to clean up and the soda does not stick; provides a cleaner finish; provides a ready to paint finish after washing.

Wet SodaBlasting: offers dust suppression; chemical activation adds to the cleaning capabilities; gives an excellent finish.

Can soda be reused?

No soda granules fragment once they have been blasted.

Will SodaBlasting remove rust?

The short answer is - "Yes, in some instances". The dynamics of it are:

In-place inspection of structural steel often requires the removal of rust and paint without damaging the substrate that might occur with other mechanical methods and sand blasting. Since both 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 variety 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 a 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 anodes and cathode steel molecules which can be observed by the absence of rust over the bare metal after extended periods. Sand blasted and mechanically cleaned surfaces will start to rust in a matter of hours.

AUTO

Is SodaBlasting a car expensive? How long should it take?

SodaBlasting's value is associated with the speed and quality of work and the superior finish it provides. Every job needs to be assessed - however rates are very competitive and SodaBlasting provides a superior finish in a much shorter time.

On average a medium sized family car should take around 6 - 8 hours to strip, depending on the average factors. (See Automotive for more details.)

Will SodaBlasting damage the rubber or hurt the car?

SodaBlasting will not usually damage rubber. SodaBlasting is not advisable for indicators, tail lights or headlight covers. SodaBlasting will not etch chrome aluminium or glass.

What about residue?

Any surface should be thoroughly washed and prepared before applying any etch primer.

MARINE

What advantages are there to SodaBlasting a boat versus conventional sandblasting?

SodaBlasting cuts down the time required to clean the surface significantly and provide a superior finish.

Should I tape off through holes before SodaBlasting?

Yes, tape off all holes to keep the soda out of the 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 gel coat?

SodaBlasting will not damage the gel coat. The hardness of gel coat is about 2 times the hardness of the soda.

Will SodaBlasting damage wood?

There are many things to consider when blasting wood; however hardwoods are generally alright and can be blasted at lower pressures. Soft woods such as pine need to be carefully test blasted before commencing the job because the wood is in some cases softer than the soda.

GRAFFITI

How many square metres can be Soda Blasted in 1 hour?

This of course depends on the job, however a good conservative number is around 20-28 sq metres per hour depending on the PSI (pressure) used to blast the material.

If the PSI of the blast material is increased, will greater areas be cleaned in a faster time?

Yes, by increasing the pressure used to blast the soda it is possible to achieve much faster removal of graffiti and paint on the surfaces to be cleaned. However this depends largely on the surface to be blasted and what is required to be removed.

As much as 60 sq metres has been claimed to be cleaned in an hour, however it would depend on the substrate.

FIRE/MOULD

How many square metres fire and mould damage can SodaBlasting restore in an hour?

SodaBlasting can typically restore damage from fire and mould at about 27 - 55 square metres per hour. This will again depend on the area to be blasted. Obviously you can blast faster in a larger area with a harder surface.

I am considering dry ice blasting, Is SodaBlasting better?

Dry Ice has many benefits; however fire and mould restoration is not one of them.

Residues left from SodaBlasting become a working component to the complete restoration of the property due to its ongoing odour abating quality.

CO2 blasting doesn't compare since it has no odour abatement components.

SodaBlasting is an average of 5.5 times more productive than dry ice.