Soda Blasting Business Ideas

Soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as a mild abrasive and degreaser. Although the soda is expensive, soda blasting is a popular and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical stripping and cleaning. Because of its softness, soda will not harm metal, ceramic, glass, wood or other surfaces, so it is also a popular way to clean anything that may be damaged by a rougher abrasive. Because of its safety and versatility, there are several types of soda blasting business.

Fire Restoration

Soda blasting is very effective at removing ash and soot from materials, such as wood and brick, without damaging the underlying material. Soda can even remove some charring from surfaces and can neutralize the burned smells left behind after a fire. For fire-damaged wood surfaces, soda blasting is much faster than sanding and will reach into small gaps, corners, behind pipes and in other hard to reach areas. This type of soda blasting business will require you to work primarily for insurance companies and may require additional specialist equipment, such as nozzles that can reach into small spaces.

Automobile Restoration

Traditional auto paint stripping involves chemicals and dismantling parts, such as bumpers and plastic mouldings. Soda blasting can remove automotive paint without damaging any of the surfaces of the car, including glass and plastic. In addition, sodium bicarbonate has a pH of around 8.3 – making it slightly alkaline and so able to inhibit the production of rust. In some cases, cars do not need to be primed after being stripped with soda blasting. Auto body restoration uses dry blasting, in which the soda is blown onto the cars with hot air. This requires specialized equipment, which can be very expensive, safety equipment and an indoor location with very good ventilation.

Graffiti Removal

Soda blasting is a great way to remove graffiti, grease and oil from just about any surface. Because of its mildness, the soda will not harm wooden fences, brick walls, metal doors, or any of the other surfaces that tend to attract graffiti. This type of blasting business lends itself to mobile wet blasting, in which the soda is applied using a pressure washer. This equipment is relatively cheap and easy to use, and the soda residue can be rinsed down the drains. However, sodium bicarbonate can cause severe damage to plants, so this may not be the best way to remove graffiti located close to plants.

Marine Stripping

Soda blasting is a good way to remove paint, old anti-fouling coatings and algae from the bottom of boats. This is a good business idea if you live in an area with marinas or boatyards. This type of soda blasting can be done using wet blasting techniques, so you can travel to boatyards. Many marinas and boatyards will contract out this type of work, or you may be able to work directly for boat owners, providing a regular clean.