Beware cheap imitations…it could cost you in the long run…
SODA blasting is becoming increasing used as a cheaper alternative to sandblasting and although in some cases it can be considered as risk free as …it is also has very disastrous effects.
Soda is virtually friction free and therefore becoming more widely used by inexperienced blasters. More often than not this is to save money but it’s usually a false economy.
For instance, when using Soda blasting is used on a car it needs to be done so by a professional operator who understands the pitfalls. When the windscreen is left in situ it can be used but as soon as the windscreen is removed there’s a strong chance that the areas around the seal will fail and present long term problems.
At Just Like New Sandblasting we use soda to clean formula four racing engines and no other product can clean dirt light, corrosion and carbon without altering the substrate as well. As soda is water soluble and therefore in a wash tank, an abrasive free engine clean can be achieved – most important to guarantee non-failure in racing !
Another common problem is where irreversible damage can occur by inexperienced blasters who leave tiny deposits of acidic particles which can and will enter seams and tight places not visible to the eye. This will cause paint failure as Soda has a high Ph caustic content thus making the paint fail and bubble.
Most paint manufacturers will not guarantee their products against soda blasting because it’s cheap to use can be used by operators as a cheap shortcut. Usually this will cause disastrous effects on cars and other vehicles.
So if you’re tempted to use soda blasting as a cheap alternative to traditional methods speak to the experts at JLN Sandblasting. We’ll provide impartial advice allowing you to make an informed decision.
