We detail the pros and cons of blast cleaning as a surface preparation technique – from classic types like abrasive and wet blasting to an eco-friendly variant called soda blasting
Blast cleaning is an efficient and highly-effective surface preparation technique that involves using a hose-like tool to forcefully propel water, media, air, and other types of substances. Blast cleaning can be used to swiftly and safely be used to clean or prepare almost any surface or structure prior to applying specialist coatings. The types of surfaces that blast cleaning performs on include:
✔️ Brick
✔️ Carbon fibre
✔️ Glass
✔️ Metals
✔️ Reinforced polymers
✔️ Rubber
✔️ Steel
✔️ Stone
✔️ Wood
✔️ And more
This blog details the pros and cons of using blast cleaning. If you’d like further guidance at any point, please call our surface preparation team and fire away. We’re always happy to help.
Types of blast cleaning and why we like them
The type of blast cleaning you need depends on the type of materials that your surface or structure is made of. Different types of blast cleaning are also opted for depending on which qualities are preferred (i.e. some variants accumulate minimal dust, others do not require cleaning after application, etc.).
Following are the popular types of blast cleaning methods. At CCUK, we offer a free feasibility survey and cost analysis prior to booking your blast cleaning service. Take advantage and book your slot before you put down your phone or leave your desk! ????
Hydroblasting, or wet blasting
Hydroblasting, wet blasting, water blasting… whatever you’d like to call it! Hydroblasting is an abrasive type of surface preparation that uses hot or cold water. Hydroblasting is used to:
✔️Remove dust
✔️Remove rust
✔️Degrease surfaces and structures
✔️Corrosion repair
✔️Surface profiling
✔️Remove hazardous chemicals
✔️Decontaminate substrates
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Grit blasting
What is media blast stone cleaning, or grit blasting?
Also known as media blast stone cleaning and sandblasting (although the latter isn’t the correct technical term!), grit blasting uses high pressure to propel a stream of abrasive material against your surface or structure. It’s sometimes known as abrasive blasting and is great at smoothing rough surfaces, shaping surfaces, and/or removing contaminants from a surface.
[Request a free feasibility survey]Air blast cleaning
Also known as vacuum blasting or dustless blasting, air blast cleaning is very similar to grit blasting. It’s also an abrasive type of blast cleaning, but instead of using compressed air alongside abrasive media, it uses water or fluid.
The pros and cons of dustless blasting
Air blast cleaning involves using a vacuum (yes, like a vacuum cleaner) to immediately hoover any rubbish flying off the surface. Vacuum blasting is an industrial cleaning method that quickly removes sturdy stains caused by oil, petrol, paint, and tar.
Pros:
✔️Vacuum blasting is an ideal choice if you’re looking for less mess
✔️It’s considered extremely safe and a lesser risk to the specialists completing the clean
✔️Water is also commonly used with vacuum blasting, which is better for the environment and safer to handle
✔️ Fewer materials are required to complete a dustless blast clean compared to other types of blast cleaning and surface preparation techniques
✔️Cleaning up following vacuum blasting is quicker, meaning your service will generate less man-hours and subsequently cost less.
Cons:
❌The use and maintenance of dustless blast cleaning machinery is expensive, which may increase your service cost. This is dependant on the specialist team you decide to go with.
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Soda blast cleaning
Soda blasting is the latest form of surface preparation that we offer at CCUK. It uses high pressure and sodium bicarbonate. Soda blasting is a non-abrasive and mild form of blasting, and many clients prefer it because it’s eco-friendly. Unlike classic, abrasive forms of surface preparation, soda blasting is not suitable for every surface material. Kindly get in touch to find out whether your deep cleaning project would be suited to soda blasting.
Request a free feasibility survey
Dry blast cleaning
What is dry blast cleaning?
Dry blast cleaning uses solid carbon dioxide (ice!). It’s best at cleaning up after fires and can effectively eradicate the smell, scattered soot, and toxic chemicals leftover from the blaze.
Blast cleaning near me: Yorkshire blast cleaning
If you’re looking for blast cleaning specialists on your doorstep, look no further than our team at CCUK. We offer all popular types of blast cleaning and we’ll be sure to match the right one to your deep cleaning or surface preparation project. Kindly get in touch today to book your free feasibility survey and cost analysis. Or, if you’re pressed for time, request a 5-minute phone call to ask any questions first. We look forward to hearing from you!
Continue reading about blast cleaning
Blast cleaning – also known as abrasive blasting, shot blasting, or grit blasting – is a surface preparation technique used for the removal of coatings from any surface or structure. Continue learning about blast cleaning by selecting one of the dedicated pages or blogs below.
Who does soda blasting near me?
Soda blasting and sandblasting: which is best?
Is hydroblasting an effective cleaning method for industrial surfaces?
