Editing Soda blasting
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[[Image:65RollsRoyceSodaBlasted.jpg|350px|thumb|A 1965 Rolls Royce after being soda blasted.]] | [[Image:65RollsRoyceSodaBlasted.jpg|350px|thumb|A 1965 Rolls Royce after being soda blasted.]] | ||
Soda blasting is the use of sodium bicarbonate ("baking soda") or sodium bicarbonate-based materials as blast media for paint stripping. | Soda blasting is the use of sodium bicarbonate ("baking soda") or sodium bicarbonate-based materials as blast media for paint stripping. | ||
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==Soda blasting history== | ==Soda blasting history== | ||
− | Soda blasting was originally used as a method of stripping/cleaning industrial machinery. It was developed in the 1980's, and was most notably used | + | Soda blasting was originally used as a method of stripping/cleaning industrial machinery. It was developed in the 1980's, and was most notably used to restore the Statue of Liberty. |
Soda blasting crossed over into the automotive restoration field as somewhat of a miracle process, a misconception that had to be debunked. Although soda has its valid uses as a blast medium, it also has its own set of complexities and nuances that must be taken into consideration. | Soda blasting crossed over into the automotive restoration field as somewhat of a miracle process, a misconception that had to be debunked. Although soda has its valid uses as a blast medium, it also has its own set of complexities and nuances that must be taken into consideration. | ||
==Soda blasting procedure== | ==Soda blasting procedure== | ||
− | Soda blasting is done with a high volume, low pressure wet or dry blasting machine. Soda cleans surfaces not by abrasion, like conventional blasting media, but by the energy released by the | + | Soda blasting is done with a high volume, low pressure wet or dry blasting machine. Soda cleans surfaces not by abrasion, like conventional blasting media, but by the energy released by the explosion that occurs when the soda particles contact the substrate. |
==Soda blasters== | ==Soda blasters== | ||
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*Does not abrade or impinge substrate. | *Does not abrade or impinge substrate. | ||
*It's water-soluble, and can typically be washed down a conventional drain. | *It's water-soluble, and can typically be washed down a conventional drain. | ||
− | *The soda blasting residue can be temporarily left on the substrate, as a [[rust]] | + | *The soda blasting residue can be temporarily left on the substrate, as a [[rust]] inhibiting protective coating. |
*Sodium bicarbonate has a well-known chemistry, and is widely considered safe to use. | *Sodium bicarbonate has a well-known chemistry, and is widely considered safe to use. | ||
*You can soda blast lightly to leave the body filler intact, and then go over it again to remove all filler. | *You can soda blast lightly to leave the body filler intact, and then go over it again to remove all filler. | ||
− | *No pre-cleaning required ( | + | *No pre-cleaning required (Prior to blasting, traditional blasting media may require the surface to be thoroughly cleaned to remove salt, carbon, or grease.) |
*Allows for easier detection of surface flaws. (Traditional abrasive media may peen cracks closed, or fill them with abrasive, whereas soda cleans out the cracks). | *Allows for easier detection of surface flaws. (Traditional abrasive media may peen cracks closed, or fill them with abrasive, whereas soda cleans out the cracks). | ||
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*Laborious, time-consuming steps required to prep parts after blasting. | *Laborious, time-consuming steps required to prep parts after blasting. | ||
*Only removes light flash [[rust]]. | *Only removes light flash [[rust]]. | ||
− | * | + | *Does not leave an anchor pattern. |
− | * | + | *Voids warranties with many paint manufacturers. |
*Can't re-use the medium after blasting. | *Can't re-use the medium after blasting. | ||
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Overall, soda blasting is probably not the best choice for the hobbyist or do-it-yourselfer. | Overall, soda blasting is probably not the best choice for the hobbyist or do-it-yourselfer. | ||
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Soda blasting is frequently touted as an environmentally-friendly blast medium. | Soda blasting is frequently touted as an environmentally-friendly blast medium. | ||
− | However, it's likely no more or less environmentally-friendly than media such as corn cobs | + | However, it's likely no more or less environmentally-friendly than media such as corn cobs or walnut shells. Aggressively portraying soda blasting as "green" may qualify as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_marketing green marketing] or even borderline [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwashing greenwashing]. |
− | + | Baking soda itself can usually be washed down a conventional drain. However, soda blasting medium may contain various flow additives that are less environmentally-friendly. | |
==Published professional opinions on soda blasting== | ==Published professional opinions on soda blasting== | ||
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This opinion is expanded upon in [http://spi.forumup.org/viewtopic.php?t=156&mforum=spi this discussion in the Southern Polyurethanes forums]. | This opinion is expanded upon in [http://spi.forumup.org/viewtopic.php?t=156&mforum=spi this discussion in the Southern Polyurethanes forums]. | ||
− | + | *[http://www.search-autoparts.com/searchautoparts/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=130652 John Hughes, Ford Motor Company refinish technical expert]: | |
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
''"We don't recommend sodium bicarbonate, because you can’t clean it out of the pores of the metal well enough."'' | ''"We don't recommend sodium bicarbonate, because you can’t clean it out of the pores of the metal well enough."'' | ||
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The use of soda blasting is thought to void the warranties of paint manufacturers. | The use of soda blasting is thought to void the warranties of paint manufacturers. | ||
− | === | + | ===PPG=== |
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Awaiting response. | Awaiting response. | ||
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===Sherwin-Williams=== | ===Sherwin-Williams=== | ||
− | The use of soda blasting does not nullify Sherwin Williams' warranty. However, Sherwin WIlliams discourages its use. | + | The use of soda blasting does not nullify Sherwin Williams's warranty. However, Sherwin WIlliams discourages its use. |
− | + | A representative from Sherwin-Williams [http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/once-all-wiki-soda-blasting-162700-4.html#post1160667 has stated]: | |
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
''Like most paint companies, we have experienced poor results in the past regarding this process as a surface preparation step. We actively discourage our customers from utilizing this process by explaining the potential problems and offering other alternatives.'' | ''Like most paint companies, we have experienced poor results in the past regarding this process as a surface preparation step. We actively discourage our customers from utilizing this process by explaining the potential problems and offering other alternatives.'' | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
− | For more detail, see the text of | + | For more detail, see the text of [[:Image:Sherwin-WilliamsWarranty.pdf|the Sherwin Williams warranty]]. |
===Sikkens=== | ===Sikkens=== | ||
− | + | Awaiting contact. | |
===SPI=== | ===SPI=== | ||
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===Valspar=== | ===Valspar=== | ||
− | + | Awaiting response. | |
==Related articles== | ==Related articles== | ||
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*[http://armex.com/CaseStudies/casestudy0102.aspx Armex automotive and aerospace case studies] | *[http://armex.com/CaseStudies/casestudy0102.aspx Armex automotive and aerospace case studies] | ||
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[[Category:Body and exterior]] | [[Category:Body and exterior]] | ||
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