What Is Soda Blasting?
Soda is a new age, non-destructive media. Soda blasting is the application of sodium bicarbonate to surfaces with compressed air. Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. This chemical is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty alkaline taste, resembling that of washing soda.
The History of Soda Blasting
In 1972, the Statue of Liberty was in need of a thorough clean. However, there was a great deal of concern regarding the possibility of contamination to the surrounding water, as well as damage to the statue itself. Because the Statue of Liberty is made of copper, sandblasting was considered much too harsh of an abrasive that would result in surface damage. Thus, soda blasting was born. Because soda is a water-soluble media, cleanup was minimal. Since then, soda blasting changed the sandblasting industry altogether.
Uses and Benefits of Soda Blasting
Because soda blasting is gentle and environmentally friendly, this method is useful for a multitude of industries and surfaces. Some of these industries include:
The Auto Industry – Soda blasting works wonderfully on thin metals because it will not warp or produce heat while blasting. When rebuilding or restoring an engine, soda blasting can also be used to clean blocks, heads, pistons, crank shafts or internal engine parts without scoring cylinders or bearings.
The Marine Industry – Soda blasting is great for removing paint and barnacles off of the bottom of boats without damaging the gel coat.
Graffiti Removal – When graffiti is on glass or soft surfaces, soda blasting removes graffiti without scarring or damage.
Fire Restoration – After fire damage, some structures can be salvaged with soda blasting. The framing of a burnt house can be soda blasted to remove soot and also eliminate the strong odor left behind after fire.
The Printing Industry – Soda blasting is used to remove ink buildup on printing presses and anilox rollers without profiling or etching the surface.
Commercial Kitchens – Soda blasting is non-toxic, making it ideal for cleaning baked-on buildup on food processing equipment.