Can you soda blast in a standard sandblast pot? Some people try it, using baking soda as a blast media for your project. If you think that will work, here are things to keep in mind before you attempt the project. Go over this guide to learn how to soda blast with regular sandblasting equipment.
What are Sandblasting and Soda blasting?
Before you move forward with the project, understand what the terms mean.
- Soda blasting uses a high-pressure stream of pressurized soda solution containing a mix of water and bicarbonate. This method is often ideal for blasting surfaces coated with chrome, nickel, and other metals. A soda blast cabinet also works on copper surfaces.
- Media blasting uses a media blast cabinet. It breaks down contaminants and removes them from the surface by applying high-pressure water, air or steam to the target area or site.
- Sandblasting uses sand particles. The sand particles are directed at metal surfaces under high pressure, which removes contaminants such as iron, steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, tungsten carbide, and graphite.
Should You Sandblast or Soda Blast?
Both methods come with pros and cons.
What Does Sandblasting Do?
Sandblasting doesn’t remove rust and paint, but soda blasting does. It also takes longer for the surface to clear loose contaminants when you sandblast. However, this method is the best option for dealing with concrete surfaces. Sandblasting uses sand particles and directs them at metal surface under high pressure. If you’re trying to remove steel, iron, tungsten carbide, graphite, titanium, aluminum, and brass contaminants from the metal surfaces, you’ll want to go with sandblasting.
What Does Soda Blasting Do?
On the other hand, soda blasting is the best way to remove rust, oil, grease, and paint. If you’re removing contaminants from ferrous metals, soda blasting is the way to go. You can carry out soda blasting with buckets, belts, and nozzles. You can do sand blasting with sand particles.
Can You Soda Blast in a Regular Sandblaster?
Yes, that’s possible. Instead of using sand particles, you’ll use baking soda for the process. However, this isn’t an ideal situation since sand blast pots aren’t designed for soda blasting. Still, if you’re in a bind, it’s still possible to use the cabinet to soda blast. Do it only a few times, though, and when there’s no other choice. This also works if it’s only a one-time or two-time project and it doesn’t make sense for you to invest in a soda blaster.
How Do You Soda Blast in a Regular Sandblaster?
Before anything else, limit the media you’ll put inside the sandblaster. Soda is sensitive to moisture. The smaller the amount you use, the better because that prevents the soda from clumping together. You’ll also get better results with a standard blast pot by limiting the soda you use. Be careful, though. Soda blasting tends to generate more dust than traditional sand blasting. You’ll want to get the site ready or prepared. Consider using a wet blast injection nozzle to reduce the dust.
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