Soda blasting offers a non-toxic, non-abrasive and environmentally friendly way of cleaning, stripping and degreasing almost any coating from any surface without causing any damage to the original surface.
It propels specially formulated sodium bicarbonate — food-grade baking soda — via compressed air onto the area to be cleaned. The particles explode on impact, and that release of energy disrupts the contaminant while the substrate stays completely unaffected.
Soda blasting came to prominence during the 1980s restoration of the Statue of Liberty, when sodium bicarbonate was used to strip paint and coal tar from the inside of the copper skin without damaging it. Today it is used on cars, boats, brick, sandstone, food equipment and fire-damaged buildings.
Delicate and sensitive surfaces.
Because soda is softer than most substrates, it removes the coating without pitting, warping or etching what’s underneath.
What soda blasting removes
Soda removes paint, primer, powder coat in light builds, grease, oil, carbon, soot, graffiti, antifoul and mould. It cleans and strips at the same time, so engine bays and kitchen equipment come out degreased as well as bare.
It is used on steel and aluminium car bodies, engine parts, fibreglass and timber boats, brick and sandstone, timber furniture, commercial ovens and fire-damaged buildings.
Limits and preparation for paint
Soda does not cut deep rust, mill scale or thick industrial coatings. For those, dustless blasting or sandblasting is used, sometimes on the same job.
Soda leaves a smooth surface with no profile, and any residue must be rinsed off before priming. Ask your painter which primer suits bare, unprofiled metal.
Soda Blasting, answered.
What is soda blasting?
Soda blasting is a mild form of abrasive blasting that fires sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with compressed air to strip coatings and contaminants without damaging the surface underneath.
Is soda blasting the same as sandblasting?
No. Both use compressed air, but soda is much softer than sand or grit. It removes coatings without pitting or warping the surface, while sandblasting cuts into it.
How much does soda blasting cost?
Soda Tec charges an hourly rate with a one-hour minimum. The total depends on the size of the job and the coating. Quotes are free.
Learn more
Not sure which method?
Every surface is different. Craig assesses the job, tests where needed, and recommends the most cost-effective method — even when that means telling you what not to do.