Sandblasting is the process of transferring an abrasive material at a high pressure to strip away dirt, grease, and paint from an object. While sand is commonly used for this purpose, sodium bicarbonate, also referred to as soda, can also be applied. The following are a few differences between these materials so you can decide which one is best for your project.

Applications

While both sandblasting and soda blasting are effective, the material being treated plays a role in which is the better fit. When it comes to heavy machinery, sandblasting is preferred because it’s able to strip away paint and grease more effectively, as sand is far more abrasive than soda. Conversely, soda blasting is better when treating aluminum because it makes less of an impact. You won’t need to worry about possibly deforming the metal, since soda breaks up on impact.

Environmental Impact

As stated above, soda dissolves once it makes an impact with an object. For that reason, it’s considered a more environmentally friendly option. Sand will not dissolve, which means it could end up in surrounding soil or water sources. A device called a booth is able to catch sand after it’s blasted, which means it could then be disposed of responsibly.  

Cost

Sand is less costly than soda, especially when purchased in bulk. It’s also able to be reused, which means you can reduce costs for future projects by recycling the material. While soda blasting is more expensive, you won’t have to worry about paying for any damage incurred because the material is softer and breaks up on impact.

For more than two decades, Steve's Pressure Cleaning and Sandblasting Inc. has undertaken some of the toughest jobs in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area. These sandblasting professionals are equipped to clean a variety of surfaces, whether you want rust removed, are concerned about mold, or need paint stripped from a piece of machinery. They perform residential, commercial, and even industrial work. If you’d like to schedule services, call (513) 615-2871 today. Or, visit their website to see their complete list of services.