Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

More commonly known as baking soda, food grade as used in the kitchen, or fridge for a deodorizer. You can actually eat this blasting media –there aren’t too many others you can say that about.

Advantages
The use of baking soda as a blasting media provides an environmentally friendly way of removing coatings without causing any damage to the underlying surface. Using baking soda does not cause abrasion of the surface, heat build-up or sparks. Baking Soda particles explode as they contact the surface being cleaned and it is the energy released by this explosion that strips the coating from the surface. This is in contrast to other abrasive media that simply wear the coating away. Being non-abrasive makes it safe for use around bearings and seals eliminating the need to mask these items off prior to blasting or disassemble and replace these items after blasting. As well, baking soda leaves a film on the surface being stripped eliminating flash rusting if the surface is not painted right away.

Disposal
As a natural product with a Ph of 8.4 baking soda can be disposed of in most waste water treatment systems. Proper disposal techniques will differ with the coating being removed however paint chips and other non water soluble materials can be removed by dissolving the spent media and using a filtration system. Special disposal techniques are normally only required if hazardous materials have been removed. Baking soda can be neutralized by either a vinegar/water solution or just water dilution.

Disadvantages
As with anything, baking soda has some disadvantages. Dry blasting techniques create dust that may have to be contained. As baking soda is non-toxic, this dust is considered non-hazardous unless hazardous materials are being removed. When blasting in areas with vegetation, the baking soda can raise the alkalinity of the soil requiring neutralization of the soda normally with a mild acid solution or water dilution. Baking soda will leave a residue and the surface must be thoroughly rinsed to ensure a clean surface is left behind.