--- title: 7 Basic Principles Of Soda Blasting You May Not Know description: Soda blasting is a revolutionary technique of cleaning and stripping paint off different surfaces. Learn more... image: https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/7%20Basic%20Principles%20Of%20Soda%20Blasting%20You%20May%20Not%20Know1.jpg --- Call us: 01945 464 637 [![GLW Engineering & Construction Ltd](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/GLW%20Engineering%20Dec2016/Image/glw-logo21-300x80.png)](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/) # The GLW Engineering Blog [Soda Blasting](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/soda-blasting) ## [7 Basic Principles Of Soda Blasting You May Not Know](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/7-basic-principles-of-soda-blasting-you-may-not-know) ![7 Basic Principles Of Soda Blasting You May Not Know1.jpg](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/7%20Basic%20Principles%20Of%20Soda%20Blasting%20You%20May%20Not%20Know1.jpg) [Soda blasting is a revolutionary technique](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/soda-blasting/) of cleaning and stripping paint off different surfaces. It’s abrasive but non-destructive, so this process can be used for fragile items such as panels of cars and it won't damage them. It doesn't contain toxic chemicals and is safe for the environment. Unlike other cleaning methods, soda blasting uses air to remove any paint with soda on the surface without leaving any marks underneath. The original item will stay intact; only the paint will be removed. It can also be used to prepare the original surface to paint or for repainting. There are certain principles, precautions, and benefits that you may not know about soda blasting. Here is a summary of the main ones: ## 1. Generates Friction With friction comes heat and some materials (plastic, for example) are thermal insulators. It means that plastic can melt and burn if you aren't very careful. ## 2. Keep A Safe Distance Between Surface & Nozzle You can get a very fast air flow with a compressed air nozzle. However, it's vital to keep a distance between a nozzle and plastic parts. If you need to smooth out a surface, use bigger grits. ## 3. Check Grit Sharpness An abrasive should have sharp edges. If you use glass beads, they will bounce off and deliver no results. Only grit with sharp edges can chop off the surface. If you choose the wrong abrasive, it will result in surface flaking. ## 4. Check The Abrasive Diameter The diameter of the abrasive grains affects how much punch per particle you will get. Bigger particles have higher kinetic power. They have a smaller chance of getting the particles in the surface but can leave marks. ## 5. Reduced Waste Materials used for soda blasting can be dissolved in water. After filtering it out, you can discharge the water to open waterways or treatment systems. [Soda blasting ](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/soda-blasting/)has less than 5% of waste volume, which is almost 90% less compared to traditional cleaning techniques. This advantage becomes even more important if we think about landfill costs. ## 6. Great Rust Inhibitor Rust won't form on a surface treated with soda. Rust grows in moist and acidic environments. Free moisture attaches to carbon dioxide and forms carbonic acid. It produces ferrous ions, which form rust. Soda prevents the release of ions and sops the formation of rust. ## 7. Cleaning Is Easy Standard sand blasting creates dirt and leaves oil, grease, and particles on the treated surface. The process of conventional blasting requires cleaning. Soda blasting doesn't have this problem and cleans the surface in one step, providing cleanliness that can't be found in other processes. Since coating adhesion depends on the cleanliness of the surface, soda blasting is the best option to prepare it for painting and other protective coatings. ## Save Time & Get A Better Result With Soda Blasting [With soda blasting](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/soda-blasting/), it's possible to save time by degreasing, depainting and cleaning in one step. It's a modern alternative to traditional cleaning and blasting techniques. To find out more, please call us today on 01945 464 637. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2730834/e69859af-fa1e-4928-bd48-c55c921b1fc2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/e69859af-fa1e-4928-bd48-c55c921b1fc2) March 28, 2018 / by [Geoffrey White](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/author/geoffrey-white) ##### Share this entry - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2730834/fdece9bc-51e5-43b3-8faa-397370d93e3c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/fdece9bc-51e5-43b3-8faa-397370d93e3c) ### Subscribe to Email Updates [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2730834/a5d320f6-811f-48df-ae6c-a627a63dea3d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2730834/a5d320f6-811f-48df-ae6c-a627a63dea3d) ### Latest Posts - [![How To Protect Metal Railings From Corrosion](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/metal-railing.jpg "How To Protect Metal Railings From Corrosion") **How To Protect Metal Railings From CorrosionApril 01, 2021 - 04:50 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-protect-metal-railings-from-corrosion) Rust can not only affect the appearance of [metal railings](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-guide-to-railings-handrails), but also their structural integrity, posing a potential safety hazard to users. It isn’t just visible corrosion you need to watch out for. If appropriate preventive steps are not taken, rusting may even occur from the inside, seriously compromising the strength of the railings and causing[...] - [![How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel Balustrades](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/rusty-railing.jpg "How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel Balustrades") **How To Avoid Rust On Your Steel BalustradesMarch 25, 2021 - 04:29 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-avoid-rust-on-your-steel-balustrades) [Steel is an excellent choice of metal for balustrades](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/suitable-type-of-metal-for-outdoor-railings-and-handrails), as it offers decent resistance to rust and tarnishing as well as an eye-catching appearance that is both sleek and contemporary. However, despite its weather resistant properties, steel is not totally free from corrosion, particularly if it is poorly maintained. - [![Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/metal-balustrades.jpg "Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?") **Aluminium Or Steel Balustrades: Which Is The Most Sustainable Option?March 18, 2021 - 04:06 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/aluminium-or-steel-balustrades-sustainable-option) When you’re choosing balustrades, handrails, and railings for a project, there are many reasons why you may opt for one material over another. For example, you may prioritise appearance, durability, corrosion resistance, or cost, with the decision likely to be influenced by factors such as the location of the metalwork, the environmental[...] - [![3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your Metalwork](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/rusted-metal-blasting.jpg "3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your Metalwork") **3 Ways That Shot Blasting Can Improve Your MetalworkMarch 11, 2021 - 03:37 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/3-ways-that-shot-blasting-can-improve-your-metalwork) Shot blasting is an abrasive ‘blast’ surface treatment that uses round metal shots that are propelled under high velocity,[ commonly to polish a metal substrate, to strengthen it, or to repair damaged metalwork](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/refreshing-equipment-with-shot-blasting) by closing cracks or tiny tears. The force required to propel the particles is achieved using a centrifuge or wheel, spun at high[...] - [![Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel Fabrications](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/paint-cans.jpg "Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel Fabrications") **Paint Vs Powder Coating For Steel FabricationsMarch 04, 2021 - 03:14 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/paint-vs-powder-coating-for-steel-fabrications) Surface finishing is vital for coating reactive metals such as steel. Without a suitable finish, oxidation can cause rust to form, which is not only unsightly but also threatens to weaken the structure, hastening its premature failure. Surface coatings are, therefore, more than just a way to improve the aesthetics of a [steel fabricated ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/steel-staircase-fabrication-guide)object, as[...] - [![The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You Money](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/filipa-saldanha-TtOdr8tYtUU-unsplash.jpg "The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You Money") **The Latest Trends In Laser Welding And How It Can Save You MoneyNovember 13, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/the-latest-trends-in-laser-welding-and-how-it-can-save-you-money) With the rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years, many aspects of manufacture and fabrication will likely be revolutionised in the not-too-distant future. The fully automated laser welding machine, for example, could be on the horizon sooner than you think: able to decide for itself where and how to weld, to identify[...] - [![Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/daniel-smyth-03TaAgmtXwM-unsplash.jpg "Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?") **Manufacturing Or Fabrication? What Are The Differences, And Do They Matter?November 06, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/manufacturing-or-fabrication-what-are-the-differences-and-do-they-matter) To many non-specialists, manufacturing and fabrication are simply two workshop-based processes that use various techniques to assemble or produce metal products. Often, the two terms are used interchangeably, with little awareness of the differences. While many of the methods used in manufacturing and fabrication may be similar, the difference[...] - [![How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication Contractor](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/glenn-hansen-VW4xiLRr-do-unsplash.jpg "How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication Contractor") **How To Guarantee Quality Results From Your Welding & Metal Fabrication ContractorOctober 30, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/how-to-guarantee-quality-results-from-your-welding-metal-fabrication-contractor) The quality of the weld is extremely important in any fabrication project, as it guarantees the integrity, durability, and longevity of any structure. Quality control checks during and after welding are vital to ensure that high standards have been achieved. Any weakness in the weld, from tiny holes to splits or cracks, could be disastrous in the[...] - [![Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication Projects](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/craig-davis-sL0TGOevb78-unsplash.jpg "Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication Projects") **Fabrication Using Sheet Metal: Why Thickness Matters For Metal Fabrication ProjectsOctober 23, 2020 - 11:00 AM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/fabrication-using-sheet-metal-why-thickness-matters-for-metal-fabrication-projects) The fabrication of sheet metal is a highly specialised task, requiring expert knowledge, skills, and equipment. If you’re planning to outsource the architectural steelwork for a civil engineering, commercial, or construction project, it’s vital to employ the services of a competent fabricator who can guarantee high-quality finishing that complies[...] - [![What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/hubfs/chain-4239167_1920.jpg "What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?") **What Are The Most Effective Corrosion Prevention Coatings?October 16, 2020 - 04:48 PM** ](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/what-are-the-most-effective-corrosion-prevention-coatings) Traditional galvanisation and newer hot zinc spray technologies are standard anti-corrosion treatments for vulnerable metals. However, they may not always be desirable or even necessary. Several other corrosion-resistant treatments are found in the form of coatings. The suitability of these will depend on several factors, such as aesthetics,[...] ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Structural Steel Fabrication (44)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/structural-steel-fabrication) - [Powder Coating (31)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/powder-coating) - [Handrailing Fabrication (15)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/handrailing-fabrication) - [Shot Blasting (13)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/shot-blasting) - [Metal Fabrication in Norwich (12)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/metal-fabrication-in-norwich) - [Grit Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/grit-blasting) - [Soda Blasting (6)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/soda-blasting) - [Insider (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/insider) - [Sand Blasting (5)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/sand-blasting) - [Abrasive Blast Cleaning Methods (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/abrasive-blast-cleaning-methods) - [Balustrade Fabrication (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/balustrade-fabrication) - [Hot Zinc Spraying (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/hot-zinc-spraying) - [Plasma Cutting (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/plasma-cutting) - [Security Gates (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates) - [Steel Staircase (4)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/steel-staircase) - [Blasting Methods (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/blasting-methods) - [Security Gates & Barriers (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/security-gates-barriers) - [Welding (3)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/welding) - [Traditional Galvanising (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/traditional-galvanising) - [Vacancies (2)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/vacancies) - [Bicycle Park (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/bicycle-park) - [Trolleys (1)](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/topic/trolleys) [see all](https://blog.glwengineering.co.uk/7-basic-principles-of-soda-blasting-you-may-not-know#) Search this site on Google Search Google © Copyright - GLW Engineering & Construction Ltd - Developed by [Viscribe Ltd](http://www.viscribe.co.uk) - [T & C’s](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/t-cs/) - [Privacy](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/privacy/) - [Smartwater](http://www.glwengineering.co.uk/smartwater/)