Soda Blasting
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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 crystalline white solid 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 required a thorough clean. There was a great deal of concern regarding the possibility of contamination to the surrounding water and 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 has changed the sandblasting industry altogether.
Uses and Benefits of Soda Blasting
Because soda blasting is gentle and environmentally friendly, this method is helpful for a multitude of industries and surfaces. Some of these industries include:
The Marine Industry
Soda blasting is excellent for removing paint and barnacles off of the bottom of boats without damaging the gel coat.
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 clean blocks, heads, pistons, crankshafts, or internal engine parts without scoring cylinders or bearings.
Graffiti Removal
When graffiti is on glass or soft surfaces, soda blasting removes graffiti without scarring or damage.
The Printing Industry
Soda blasting removes ink buildup on printing presses and anilox rollers without profiling or etching the surface.
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 eliminate the pungent odor left after a fire.
Commercial Kitchens
Soda blasting is non-toxic, making it ideal for cleaning baked-on buildup on food processing equipment.
Soda Blasting for Anilox Roller Cleaning
Anilox rollers are the heart of any flexographic printing press, and their performance depends entirely on the condition of the ceramic cell structure. Over time, dried ink, varnish, and adhesive residue build up inside the cells, reducing volume (BCM) and causing inconsistent ink transfer, streaking, and poor print quality.
Traditional cleaning methods — including sand or glass bead blasting, harsh chemical soaks, and even aggressive brushing — can etch, profile, or permanently damage the ceramic surface. Once the cell walls are worn or the cell structure is altered, the roller’s ink transfer characteristics change permanently, and print quality can never fully be restored.
Soda blasting solves this problem. Sodium bicarbonate is soft enough to strip contamination out of the cells without abrading or altering the ceramic surface, restoring the roller’s original BCM and ink transfer performance — without the risk of over-etching that comes with harder media.
Why printers choose soda blasting for anilox rollers:
- Removes dried ink, glaze, and adhesive buildup from cell structure
- Non-abrasive — won’t etch, pit, or profile the ceramic surface
- Restores original cell volume (BCM) and consistent ink transfer
- Extends roller lifespan, reducing costly re-engraving or replacement
- Water-soluble media means fast, clean turnaround with minimal press downtime
Signs your anilox rollers need cleaning:
- Streaking or banding in printed output
- Inconsistent color density across the print
- Visible glaze or film buildup on the roller surface
- Declining print quality despite proper plate and press setup