Editing Soda blasting

Soda blasting is the use of sodium bicarbonate ("baking soda") as a blast medium for paint stripping and rust removal. Soda blasting is controversial in hotrodding because substrates that have been soda blasted often display poor adhesion characteristics as a result of blasting residue left on the substrate. In addition, even when the residue is completely removed, soda blasting may offer no savings over conventional media blasting, because of the extra steps required to remove the residue. Nevertheless, in the right conditions, soda is a useful blasting medium. ==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 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. Baking soda has long been used as a cleaning and scrubbing agent. ==Soda blasting residue removal== Removal of residue is crucial to the soda blasting procedure. [http://www.holdtight.com/index.htm Holdtight 102] has been recommended for use in cleaning soda-blasted surfaces prior to application of primer. ==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 explosion that occurs when the soda particles contact the substrate. The sodium bicarbonate used as a blasting medium is chemically identical to "baking soda"; however, the blast medium typically uses larger particles. Correct soda blasting procedure may involve the following steps after blasting: *Cleaning with soap and water (or vinegar/water solution). *Blowing dry. *Sanding with 180 grit sandpaper. *Degreasing. *Epoxying. ===Resources=== *[http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/body-paint-articles/485680-soda-blasting-budget.html Soda blasting on a budget] ==Reasons in favor of using soda blasting== *Environmental friendliness. *Non-destructive, and won't warp panels. *Doesn't harm glass, chrome, or rubber. *Does not cause heat buildup or sparks. *Does not abrade substrate. *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 inhibiting protective coating. *Sodium bicarbonate has a well-known chemistry, and is widely considered safe to use. For a professional, experienced shop that's well-trained in its use, does all of the finish prep work itself, and has a soda-friendly guarantee from its paint supplier, soda blasting may be a viable choice. ==Reasons against using soda blasting== *Difficulty of residue removal, especially on parts with cracks/crevices, such as door jambs, engine bays, trunks. Residue can also hide in and behind fasteners. *Laborious, time-consuming steps required to prep parts after blasting. *Only removes light flash rust. *Will not remove thick coatings of body filler. ('''This statement is disputed, and needs clarification.''') *Does not leave an anchor pattern. *Voids warranties with many paint manufacturers. *Can't re-use the medium after blasting. Overall, soda blasting is probably not the best choice for the hobbyist or do-it-yourselfer. ==Published professional opinions on soda blasting== *[http://www.southernpolyurethanes.com/tech%20sheets%20new/epOXY%202006.pdf Southern Polyurethanes]: <blockquote> ''"NEVER use SPI Epoxy over a Soda Blasted vehicle, Acid Etch/Wash Primer, Rust Converter or other Metal Treatments. NEVER!"'' </blockquote> 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> ''"We don't recommend sodium bicarbonate, because you can’t clean it out of the pores of the metal well enough."'' </blockquote> ==Related articles== *[[Rust]] *[[Media blasting]] ==References== *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodablasting *http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/once-all-wiki-soda-blasting-162700.html *http://www.tristatesodablasting.com/faqs.html

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