When it’s time to remove old, cracked, and flaking paint you have plenty of removal options. You can use dry ice blasting, chemical stripping, a concrete grinder, or even a stream of ultra high pressure water. But it’s important to choose the right option for the surface you’re removing paint from. Using the wrong paint removal method could potentially damage the surface being cleaned, and not all methods are appropriate for every situation. The following are the most popular paint removal options for industrial and commercial settings, along with a list of their advantages and disadvantages.
Abrasive Blasting Paint Removal
Abrasive blasting is a cleaning and paint removal method that uses pressurized air or water to launch a fine material (ice, sand, coal slag) at a surface to remove paint, rust, or unwanted residue. The compressed air launches the media from the blaster which pelts the surface, gently removing paint or grime. Afterward, any material left on the ground is cleaned up and disposed of. In addition to paint removal, abrasive blasting can be used for ship building and hull cleaning, automotive engine cleaning and restoration, surface preparation, and metal finishing.
Walnut Shell Blasting Paint Removal
If you’re not familiar with walnut shell blasting, replace “walnut shell” with “sand” and you’ll have a pretty good idea of how it works. For this paint removal method, walnut shells are ground up into a fine powder, and then launched from a blasting machine by compressed air. As the walnut shells pelt the surface, they gently remove any paint or grime.
Walnut Shell Blasting can be used to remove paint from:
- Metal
- Wood
- Electronic Components
- Automotive Parts
- Heavy Machinery
Pros
- Non-corrosive
- Environmentally-friendly
- Gentler alternative to sandblasting
- Can be used to clean engines
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Could cause damage if performed improperly
Ultra High Pressure Water Blasting
Ultra high pressure water blasting is a cleaning method that works by spraying extremely pressurized water at a surface. This cleaning method sprays water from a range of 20,000 to 40,000 pounds per square inch (psi) knocking off debris and contaminants. Ultra high pressure water blasting can be used to remove paint, grease, and rust from surfaces.
Ultra High Pressure Water Blasting can be used to remove paint from:
- Metal
- Bricks
- Concrete
- Industrial Equipment
Pros
- Fast and efficient
- Eco-friendly
- Wand can clean in hard-to-reach areas
Cons
- High noise levels requires protective gear
- Risk of injury from water jet piercing the skin
- Waterjet may create flying debris
Dry Ice Blasting Paint Removal
Dry ice blasting is an abrasive blasting method that uses dry ice pellets to remove paint or other unwanted contaminants. The cold from the dry ice freezes contaminants making them easier to remove. A major advantage of dry ice blasting is that instead of melting, the dry ice becomes a gas, leaving behind no water to clean up. Dry ice blasting is used for industrial cleaning, engine cleaning, and mold removal.
Dry Ice Blasting can be used to remove paint from:
- Bricks
- Plastic
- Automotive Parts
- Industrial Equipment
Pros
- Non-abrasive
- No cleanup
- Can clean electronics without damage
- Environmentally-friendly
Cons
- Expensive
- Can suffocate without proper ventilation
- Contact with skin will cause dry ice burns
Glass Bead Blasting Paint Removal
Glass bead blasting is another media blasting option that sprays a stream of fine glass beads. The media in glass blasting is made from recycled bottle glass. Glass bead blasting can be used to remove rust, paint, grime, or just to polish and finish a metal surface.
Glass Bead Blasting can be used to remove paint from:
- Metal
- Automotive Parts
- Industrial Equipment
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Beads can be reused up to six times
- Creates a smooth finish
Cons
- Requires specialized equipment
- Glass beads aren’t as aggressive as other forms of blast media
- Because they’re not as aggressive, cleaning takes longer
Coal Slag Blasting
Coal slag blasting is an abrasive blasting option that uses coal slag to remove contaminants. When coal is burned at very high temperatures it melts, resulting in a byproduct known as “coal slag.” Coal slag is a unique blasting media because of its sharp, angular edges that allows it to remove tough coatings. Coal slag blasting is often used in shipyard maintenance, bridge maintenance, and surface preparation for structural steel.
Coal Slag Blasting can be used to remove paint from:
- Concrete
- Ship Hulls
- Heavy Machinery
- Steel Structures
Pros
- Extremely inexpensive
- Good for surface preparation
- Effective for removing stubborn contaminants
Cons
- Can only be used once
- You have to pay to dispose of the coal slag
- The dust it generates is a respiratory hazard
Chemical Stripping Paint Removal
Chemical stripping is a process that uses a chemical solution of acid or solvents to remove paint, contaminants, and rust from parts and equipment. The object being cleaned is sprayed with chemicals or immersed in a chemical bath. The chemicals break down the paint or debris from the object, and then the object is rinsed clean to remove any residual chemicals. Chemical stripping is used in the aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries.
Chemical Stripping can be used to remove paint from:
- Metal
- Wood
- Bricks
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Can remove stubborn adhesives
- Restores parts to original condition
Cons
- Requires handling of dangerous chemicals
- Chemicals have to be disposed of properly
- Can damage surface if not done properly
- Time-consuming
Thermal Paint Removal
Thermal removal — also known as thermal stripping — is an industrial cleaning process that uses heat to remove paint and debris from an object. Thermal removal heats up the unwanted materials, which causes them to detach from the object. Precise levels of heat are used to ensure that the object or surface is not damaged during thermal removal. Thermal stripping can use special ovens or fluidized bed systems. This process is used to remove plastics, polymers, paint, and industrial coatings.
Thermal Removal can be used to remove paint from:
- Metal
- Industrial Equipment
Pros
- Easily removes organic contaminants
- Process is completed quickly
- Cleans thoroughly
Cons
- Uses lots of energy
- Can generate pollutants
- Object can be damaged if it becomes too hot
Concrete Grinding Paint Removal
Concrete grinding uses specialized machinery to abrade a surface, grinding away any paint or unwanted grime. It can be used to remove paint from concrete surfaces like floors and walls. The concrete grinder has a handle and wheels and is moved back and forth similar to the way you’d operate a vacuum cleaner. The diamond grinder wheel is attached to the bottom of the machine, and it rotates and scrapes the surface beneath it removing any paint.
Concrete Grinding can be used to remove paint from:
- Concrete
Pros
- Removes all paint
- Can smooth out uneven surfaces
- Results in textured concrete, effectively preparing the surface for repainting
Cons
- Noisy
- Time-intensive
- Creates a lot of dust
- Concrete could be damaged if done improperly
Safety Considerations
Each type of paint removal method can potentially harm the operator or any people nearby. Refer to and follow the relevant OSHA regulations before beginning any paint removal project.
Protective Equipment
Operating an ultra high pressure water blasting wand is extremely dangerous. Be aware that the high pressure spray is more akin to firing a gun than spraying a water hose. To ensure safe operation of an ultra high pressure water blaster the operator must wear a properly-rated Kevlar suit, full protective face shield and eye goggles, heavy duty protective gloves, steel-toed waterproof boots, and hearing protection. Review any OSHA material regarding the safe operation of a high pressure water blaster for more safety information.
All abrasive blasting methods require the use of a respirator, personal protective equipment, blast suit, eye and face shields, and hearing protection. Follow all OSHA regulations carefully to ensure a safe workspace while conducting any form of abrasive blasting.
Ventilation
For paint removal methods that generate a lot of dust, like concrete grinding, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear PPE to prevent inhalation of dust and paint particles. When using solvents or paint thinners, make sure the room is well-ventilated to avoid the inhalation of dangerous fumes.
Regulatory Compliance
When conducting any of the previously-mentioned paint removal methods, be sure to follow all local laws and regulations with regard to safety and the disposal of hazardous waste, especially the handling and disposal of lead paint.
Contact Alpine Painting & Restoration
There are plenty of different paint removal options available. Understanding how and why to use each paint removal method is critical. For paint removal and commercial painting services in PA and the Tri-state area, contact the experts at Alpine Painting & Restoration. With decades of experience, our skilled contractors can remove and repaint your property and make it look as good as new. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and receive a free quote for our services.
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