UK Soda Blasting Experts

APT are a specialist restoration and conservation soda blasting company with over 30 years’ experience. 

Our unrivalled knowledge in media blasting has allowed us to consult and work on many sensitive historical buildings, monuments, commercial buildings and highway structures throughout the UK. 

Our experienced teams have worked with well-respected organisations including Welsh & English Heritage, Landmark Trust and Historic Scotland. One of notable projects was working on Grands Designs, Tenby Lifeboat House.

Blast Monument Cleaning

What surface is Media Blasting suitable for?

A multitude of sectors:
A variety of surfaces:
  • Architectural & historical buildings
  • Aviation
  • Automation
  • Commercial buildings
  • Engineering & components
  • Fire damage
  • Food processing equipment & facilities
  • Flood damage
  •  
  • Marine (anti-fouling, hulls)
  • Monument restoration
  • Petroleum industry
  • Railways & stations
  • Residential properties
  • Swimming pools
  • Transport (cars, boats, rail, air)
  • Aluminium
  • Brick & masonry
  • Carbon fibre
  • Fibre glass
  • Glass
  • GRP
  • Hydraulic cylinders
  • Metal
  •  
  • Perspex
  • Plastic
  • Rubber
  • Sandstone & other stonework
  • Stainless steel
  • Structural Steel
  • Urethane
  • Wood
  •  

Soda blasting stands as an eco-friendly, gentle, secure, and non-destructive cleaning technique, effectively cleansing delicate surfaces without causing harm to the underlying material.

Characterised by a hardness akin to talcum powder, soda blast media, when propelled at high speeds, leaves no scratches or damage on materials like stone, glass, wood (including beams and oak floors), brick, or metal.

Our sodablasting services encompass site surveys, site-specific RAMS provision, and nationwide operations, all geared towards minimising disruptions to your organisation.

The exceedingly soft and friable particles of bicarbonate of soda, commonly referred to as blasting soda, generate cleaning energy while exerting minimal impact on the substrate.

APT has earned trust as the preferred choice for Conservation Architects and Building Surveyors throughout the UK. Our proficiency in soda blasting is complemented by a consultative approach that takes into account the intricacies of heritage and conservation projects.

We specialise in inventive and comprehensive cleaning solutions for various types of buildings and facades, ranging from commercial structures to aged and fragile ones. An example of our successful application of soda blasting is the cleaning of the bronze Statue of Liberty.

Our clients have witnessed enhancements in hygiene standards, increased productivity, and the creation of secure work environments, all while enjoying cost savings through the utilisation of APT’s specialised sodablasting techniques.

CADW - Soda Blasting, Graffiti Removal & Sand Stone Cleaning - Case Study
Soda Blasting, Graffiti Removal & Sand Stone Cleaning Wales – Welsh Heritage (Newport Castle)

With Newport Castle under threat of further graffiti attacks, Cadw turned to APT for our specialist cleaning services. Using our 30 years of knowledge and expertise, we safely and effectively removed the graffiti without causing any damage to the fragile substrate.

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Grit and Shot Blasting
Blast Cleaning Service UK – Wipac

Our Blast Cleaning Service has been used to clean Aluminium for 30 YRS. APT helped WIPAC with Aluminium Stripping using Soda Blasting. Find out more…

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Soda Blasting & Cleaning at Hallmark Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool Cleaning – Hallmark Hotel & Spa

Hallmark Hotel & Spa called on APT to carry out Specialist Swimming Pool Cleaning at their Gloucester Hotel. We used Soda Blasting to deliver a great result.

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fire damage restoration
Fire Damage Cleanup Gloucester – Rainbow International

Rainbow International called on APT to provide Fire Damage Cleanup on a house in Gloucester. We used Soda Blasting for Fire Damage Restoration on this occasion so as to sustain the building’s materials.

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St. Fagans, History Museum of Wales, Cardiff
Sodablasting Re-opens Heritage Building – St Fagans National History Museum

Discover the effectiveness of Sodablasting for Stone Restoration at St Fagans Museum. Approved by conservation experts, this is the eco-friendly solution.

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Clock Restoration
Historic Property Restoration – Llangefni Town Clock, Anglesey

Called on by Anglesey Council, APT provided Historic Property Restoration on a loved local Monument. We used Soda Blasting, Graffiti Removal & Stone Cleaning.

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Blasting Soda
Blasting Soda for Graffiti Removal – Neath & Port Talbot Council

We supported Neath & Port Talbot Council and Welsh Heritage remove Graffiti using sympathetic and surface-safe Soda Blasting. Riverside Works heritage site based in Neath, South Wales is now free from graffiti thanks to APT’s expert team of soda blasters.

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Newport City Homes - Graffiti Removal - Case Study
Graffiti Removal Service South Wales – Newport City Homes

APT was called to remove graffiti, soda blast, restore property, and clean bricks for Newport City Homes in Newport, Wales. Our expert team tackled the job with success.

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Cladding Render Clean at Penygarn School
Cleaning Rendered Walls, Softwashing & Algae Removal – Pontypool School

APT restored Render for Torfaen Council, saving them £40K. Cleaning Rendered Walls delivered great results & cost-savings. Find out more about our work here…

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Universal Group - Swimming Pool Cleaning
Sodablasting & Swimming Pool Cleaning – Universal Group

APT’s Commercial Cleaning team used Soda Blasting to clean Merthyr Leisure Centre. Universal Group required expert Swimming Pool Cleaning and APT were there!

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Monument Restoration - Penrallt Column
Monument Restoration: War Memorial Cleaning at Penrallt Column

APT, with its expertise and dedicated to Monument Restoration supported Gwynedd Council with their Heritage Building Restoration Project. Find out more..

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Classic Car Restoration - Vintage Car
Classic Car Restoration & Repair – Vintage Car

Our private client, Maggie is a Vintage Car Enthusiast. She required Classic Car Restoration using Soda Blasting. APT are Vintage Car Restoration Experts.

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The Technology Behind Soda Blasting

Soda blasting is an environmentally friendly and non-abrasive cleaning process that uses compressed air to propel specially formulated granules of natural bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), eliminating the need for harmful chemical cleaning products. 

This method is highly cost and time effective to remove decades of pollutants, residues, micro-organisms, coatings, paint, graffiti, and more without damaging the substrate.

Our soda blasters operate at low pressures as low as 0.5 bar and use the latest technology with the New Vortex II Spin Head Nozzle to ensure greater accuracy on sensitive surfaces. Our equipment is a unique design that complies with the European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC (PED).

Why Choose APT for Blast Media Cleaning?

Choosing the right specialist system for your clients requires extensive research and decision-making to ensure the method provides the best results for both the client and the business. 

APT has conducted years of research to identify the best methodology for cleaning sensitive buildings, structures, and surfaces, and time and again, soda blasting has emerged as the top choice.

This specialist process is used to remove algae, chrome (without warping thin sheet metal), effervescence, graffiti, paint, molecular steel passivation against rust and oil removal by saponification and translocation.

Dry Ice Blast

Blast Soda FAQs

Soda blasting is a cleaning and surface preparation technique that involves propelling sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) particles at high pressure to remove contaminants or coatings from various surfaces. Here are the advantages of soda blasting:

  1. Non-Destructive: Soda blasting is a gentle method that effectively removes contaminants without damaging the underlying surface. It is suitable for delicate materials such as wood, fiberglass, and thin metals.

  2. Environmentally Friendly: Sodium bicarbonate is a natural and environmentally safe material. Soda blasting produces minimal waste and is non-toxic, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners or abrasive blasting methods.

  3. Versatility: Soda blasting can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including metals, masonry, plastics, and composites. It effectively removes paint, rust, grease, graffiti, and other coatings or contaminants.

  4. Non-Sparking: Soda blasting is non-sparking, making it safe to use in environments where flammable or explosive materials are present.

  5. Odorless and Non-Hazardous: Unlike chemical cleaners, soda blasting does not emit strong odors or harmful fumes. It provides a safer working environment for operators and reduces the need for respiratory protection.

  6. Surface Preparation: Soda blasting not only cleans surfaces but also prepares them for further treatment or coatings. It creates a clean, etched surface that enhances the adhesion of paints, coatings, or sealants.

  7. No Damage to Adjacent Areas: Soda blasting is a targeted cleaning method. It does not cause damage to adjacent areas or require extensive masking or protection of surrounding surfaces.

  8. Cost-Effective: Soda blasting can save time and money compared to traditional cleaning or coating removal methods. It reduces the need for manual scraping, sanding, or harsh chemicals, resulting in faster and more efficient cleaning.

Yes absolutely! 

We only use regular bicarbonate of soda in our specialist soda blasting machines. The reason we use this natural product is because it is non-damaging to the surface materials. 

Soda blasting is a mild form of abrasive blasting in which sodium bicarbonate particles are blasted against a surface using compressed air. It has a much milder abrasive effect than sandblasting or bead blasting. 

Soda blasting was used to clean the Statue of Liberty in the 1980’s – notice it looks just as good today?

Yes!

Soda blasting is a great alternative to sand blasting or other types of media blasting. We have recently completed a cleaning and restoration project with a Church in Newport. The internals of the church was fitted with year’s of old wood, ceilings, walls and all!

Check out the Burleigh Church revamp case study. There’s also an news article from South Wales Argus discussing the renovations and the reopening of the church.

Soda blasting is a cleaning and surface preparation technique that involves the use of compressed air to propel sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) particles onto a surface. Here’s how our soda blasting process works:

  1. Equipment Setup: A soda blasting system consists of a blasting pot or tank, an air compressor, a hose, and a specialized blasting gun or nozzle. The blasting pot holds the baking soda particles.

  2. Particle Propulsion: Compressed air is supplied to the blasting pot, pressurizing it. When the operator activates the blasting gun, a mixture of compressed air and baking soda particles is expelled through the nozzle.

  3. Impact and Abrasion: As the soda particles exit the nozzle at high velocity, they strike the surface being cleaned. The impact and abrasion of the particles effectively remove contaminants or coatings from the surface.

  4. Cleaning Mechanism: Soda blasting works through a combination of factors. First, the impact energy of the particles helps dislodge and remove the contaminants or coatings. Second, the baking soda particles are relatively soft and fracture upon impact, further aiding in the cleaning process. Lastly, the alkaline nature of baking soda helps break down grease, oils, and other organic substances.

  5. Surface Rinse: After soda blasting, it is important to thoroughly rinse the surface with water to remove any residual baking soda particles and dissolved contaminants. This ensures a clean and residue-free surface.

Soda blasting can be adjusted to different pressures and nozzle sizes depending on the specific cleaning requirements and the surface being treated. It is a versatile method that effectively removes contaminants without causing damage to the underlying surface.

The cost of soda blasting can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the project, the complexity of the surfaces to be cleaned, the location, and any specific requirements. At our company, we provide an accurate quotation after conducting a thorough site survey. Here’s an overview of the process:

  1. Initial Assessment: Our team will visit the site to assess the surfaces that require soda blasting. We will evaluate the size, condition, and complexity of the project.

  2. Surface Preparation: We will prepare the surfaces for soda blasting, which may involve masking or protecting adjacent areas, removing any loose debris, and ensuring proper ventilation if necessary.

  3. Quotation: Based on the site survey and assessment, we will provide a detailed quotation that includes the scope of work, estimated project duration, and the cost of soda blasting services. The quotation will be tailored to your specific project requirements.

  4. Acceptance and Scheduling: Once you have reviewed and accepted the quotation, we will work with you to schedule the soda blasting project at a convenient time for all parties involved.

  5. Soda Blasting Process: Our trained professionals will perform the soda blasting using specialized equipment and techniques. The baking soda particles will be propelled onto the surfaces at the appropriate pressure to effectively remove contaminants or coatings.

  6. Surface Inspection: After soda blasting, our team will inspect the surfaces to ensure the desired cleaning results have been achieved. We will address any specific concerns or touch-up requirements if necessary.

  7. Finalizing the Project: Once the soda blasting is completed to your satisfaction, we will provide any necessary documentation, discuss any follow-up maintenance recommendations, and finalize the project.

Please note that the cost provided in the quotation will be based on the specific details of your project and will cover the labor, equipment, materials, and any additional services required for the soda blasting process. Our goal is to provide transparent pricing and deliver high-quality results that meet your expectations.

Soda blasting is a versatile, non destructive method of cleaning with a wide range of applications. It can be used for various purposes, including:

  • Cars: Rust, paint, contaminants removed non-destructively.
  • Boat hulls: Gentle cleaning for marine surfaces.
  • Masonry: Restores brick and stone without damage.
  • Timber wood: Oak beams, floors, doors, stairs cleaned gently.
  • Fire smoke damage cleanup: Efficient cleanup without harm.
  • Grade ii listed buildings: Preserves historic structures.
 

Discover Our Soda Blast Cleaning Resources

Our sister company, APT Commercial Chemicals is a trusted UK-based manufacturer and supplier of specialist cleaning chemicals with over 30 years of experience, serving some of the UK’s largest businesses including the NHS, BAE systems, Tata Steel, the BBC and more.

Get a Quote for Our Expert Soda Blasting Services

At APT, we have are dedicated to delivering top-notch cleaning services across the UK. Our approach involves using our unique cleaning products and effective methods, which are aimed at providing cost-effective solutions for building cleaning, ultimately leading to long-term savings.

Get in touch with our specialists today to discover more about our soda blasting service. We are always available to address any questions you may have or, if you have already decided to use our services, schedule a complimentary on-site survey. 

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