As a homeowner or business owner in Phoenix, there will probably come a time when you need to remove old paint. Whether it’s to prepare for a fresh coat of paint or to restore an item’s original appearance it’s crucial to choose the right paint stripping method. Today, we’ll explore two popular mobile paint stripping techniques: traditional sand blasting and dustless blasting. By understanding the differences between these methods, you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
Traditional Sand Blasting: A Time-Honored Technique
Sand blasting is a widely-used method of paint stripping that has been around for decades. This process involves propelling abrasive material, usually sand, at high pressure onto a surface to remove paint, rust, and other contaminants.
Advantages of Traditional Sand Blasting
- Efficient: Sand blasting is an effective way to strip paint from surfaces quickly.
- Versatile: It can be used on various materials, including metal, wood, and concrete.
Disadvantages of Traditional Sand Blasting
- Dusty: The process generates a significant amount of dust, which can be harmful to the environment and human health.
- Surface damage: Sand blasting can be too abrasive for some surfaces, leading to damage or pitting.
Dustless Blasting: A Modern and Eco-Friendly Alternative
Dustless blasting is a more recent development in paint stripping techniques. It uses water and abrasive material, typically crushed glass or recycled bottle glass, to remove paint and contaminants from surfaces. The addition of water not only reduces dust but also minimizes heat generation, preventing warping and surface damage.
Advantages of Dustless Blasting
- Environmentally friendly: Dustless blasting generates considerably less dust than sand blasting, making it a greener option.
- Less surface damage: The water used in the process helps to cushion the impact of the abrasive material, preserving the integrity of the surface.
Disadvantages of Dustless Blasting
- Slightly slower: Dustless blasting can take a bit longer than traditional sand blasting due to the addition of water.
- Moisture impact: The use of water in the process may require extra drying time.
Which Method Is Right for You?
When deciding between traditional sand blasting and dustless blasting, consider the following factors:
- Surface material: Delicate surfaces like wood or fiberglass may be better suited for dustless blasting. More robust materials like brick and concrete can handle traditional sand blasting, but dustless blasting performs just as well.
- Environmental impact: If you are concerned about the environment, dustless blasting is a more eco-friendly choice.
- Cleanup: Dustless blasting makes the cleanup process easier, saving you time and effort.
Conclusion
Every surface eligible for dustless blasting is better served by using it since it is superior in many respects. It removes paint, rust and chloride, and leaves behind a paint ready surface. It even prevents flash rust for up to 72 hours. It works on delicate and rough surfaces and it makes life easier by reducing cleanup time and keeping the area safe from toxic chemicals and the mess left by traditional sand blasting. Take a look at our Gallery to see how effective our mobile paint stripping is. When you are ready to make a tough job easier with our services, reach out to us here at ProBlast at 602-714-0451 and let us show you how easy this process can actually be.