Wet abrasive blasting: The Process

How it works

The sandblasting process or blast cleaning process involves the use of compressed air and an abrasive medium. Applications range from removing paint and other coatings from brickwork, timber, steel, concrete, glass, fibreglass, stone, etc., to creating a guaranteed etch suitable for tanking preparation. Its uses in refurbishment projects are many and varied and can be applied to commercial/industrial buildings, as well as individual properties. We can also clean boat hulls using these methods. Steel, fibreglass and timber hulls can be cleaned of paint and rust and treated for osmosis problems. Turbine cleaning for Power Generators can also be cleaned using this method.

Blasting creates a finished etch to the surface which is guaranteed to be suitable for this purpose. This excellent key is created without vibration or damage to the substrate and without injury to the operator. Recent restrictions surrounding the vibration caused by ‘bush hammering’ and needle gunning such as ‘white finger’, have meant that abrasive blast cleaning is a very valid alternative. There is no contact at any time between the blasting nozzle and the substrate. We can use a wet blast method when dust issues are a priority, which helps to minimise any potential problems in that area. We offer a full service which includes the blasting, sweeping up and bag and remove debris ,washing down on completion, leaving the job ready for immediate tanking.

Blasting cleaning of concrete surfaces can expose the aggregate when necessary or simply clean the surface from staining or paint. At the maximum pressure setting, we can crack open the hardest concrete to provide a perfect surface for re-coating. Concrete repair works require the surface to be keyed sufficiently to allow adhesion during the repair process. Blast cleaning provides this key without damage from vibration. Recent legislation surrounding the effects of vibration to the operator of hand held equipment has meant that methods such as needle gunning have to observe a strict working practice. Blast cleaning does not generate any vibration, either to the substrate itself or the operator.

Removing paint from interior brickwork offers the chance to uncover the charm of old walls, which can add greatly to the aesthetic look of an area. It is also a method of preparing walls that are to be re- plastered.

Original timber beams and panelling that have had years of accumulated paint or stain applied, can be cleaned back to reveal the wood in its natural state. Renovations to older properties can be greatly enhanced by cleaning the existing timbers and allowing the natural colour of the wood to be restored.

Hard wood doors and staircases can also be cleaned in this manner and the results can add charm to a refurbished property. New oak structures, or extensions to old can be blasted to remove staining and grime and also to help blend both together.

We specialize in restoring listed and historic buildings by using a system just as gentle as the JOS "gentle touch" cleaning method . We use a low pressure of between 7 - 40 psi combined with a small volume of water (1.5 - 2 litres per minute) to ensure a delicate abrasive wash that does not damage intricate scrolls, details, gargoyles and statues that are all usually cast in a soft stone such as sandstone. By varying the pressures and abrasive mixes we can work on the most fragile of carvings

Our chemical free mega blast cleaning system is ideal for any delicate work on historic and listed buildings.

Using a mixture of air, fine inert powder and very little water, the cleaning system is the cutting edge of todays controlled cleaning techniques. Developed in Britain for restoring listed and historic buildings to prime condition - without damaging the substrate, is recommended by most UK architects, it is the best system that can clean without damage, it does not use chemicals and may only be applied by approved technician .