Even though lead-based paint has not been used for nearly four decades, many standing, inhabited structures are still covered with multiple layers of this dangerous substance. Safe removal includes protecting nearby residents from the toxic residue disturbed during the cleanup process, including unhealthy airborne dust. Sponge blasting achieves that goal without the billowing clouds, disruption and noise that accompany traditional sandblasting.
Used for industrial scouring as well as paint removal, this new process can be effective on several types of materials, including hard surfaces, easily damaged substrate layers, and even on some types of heavy equipment. The process is commonly compared to those using sand, abrasives, or high pressure water, but is actually more advanced. The abrasives used are much more easily managed, cause less damage, and are environmentally safer.
The primary ingredients are tiny, water-based polyurethane fragments containing various forms of abrasive grit. They are propelled at high speed onto the cleaning surface, and the impact allows their particular chemical makeup to instantly collect and surround fragments of detritus. They actually absorb the paint or grime, which is later removed from the sponge, and disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
There are five basic categories of media, and each is color-coded to best describe its intended function. Steel grit is encased in Red sponge media, and is best suited for slicing through tough industrial coatings. The aluminum oxide in Silver media targets paint and similar hard adherents, and is also used to pre-condition surfaces in paper and petrochemical production.
Media designated Brown is best suited to removing flaking paint, or eliminating light surface rust along with lighter industrial coatings. White is the right strength for getting rid of the latest building graffiti without additional damage, and is effective on tile, composites, or even fiberglass coverings. The least abrasive is Green sponge media, perfect for eliminating grease or soot in awkward places hard to reach by hand.
This method excels at suppressing nearly all the dust generated using harsher processes. Sandblasting initially costs less, primarily due to easy availability of materials. It is harder to precisely control during operations, however, and can lead to surface damage if great care is not exercised. Not only do sponges eliminate most residual dust clouds, but they also trap contaminants, and allow precision depth control.
Individual sponges can be cleaned and recycled, making them even more cost effective. The machines that pressure-spray these particles are quieter than other types of blasters, and make it possible to complete jobs in crowded urban locations without forcing adjacent businesses to close down for the duration. In some cases, employees can remain inside while work continues on other floors.
The final result is higher quality surface preparation, and safer emission levels. The local community greatly appreciates fewer interruptions, and contractors using this method often face fewer fines for breaking environmental regulations. When compared to other scouring methods, the setup is less involved, waste is more readily captured and safely eliminated, and the job completed both efficiently and quickly.
Used for industrial scouring as well as paint removal, this new process can be effective on several types of materials, including hard surfaces, easily damaged substrate layers, and even on some types of heavy equipment. The process is commonly compared to those using sand, abrasives, or high pressure water, but is actually more advanced. The abrasives used are much more easily managed, cause less damage, and are environmentally safer.
The primary ingredients are tiny, water-based polyurethane fragments containing various forms of abrasive grit. They are propelled at high speed onto the cleaning surface, and the impact allows their particular chemical makeup to instantly collect and surround fragments of detritus. They actually absorb the paint or grime, which is later removed from the sponge, and disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.
There are five basic categories of media, and each is color-coded to best describe its intended function. Steel grit is encased in Red sponge media, and is best suited for slicing through tough industrial coatings. The aluminum oxide in Silver media targets paint and similar hard adherents, and is also used to pre-condition surfaces in paper and petrochemical production.
Media designated Brown is best suited to removing flaking paint, or eliminating light surface rust along with lighter industrial coatings. White is the right strength for getting rid of the latest building graffiti without additional damage, and is effective on tile, composites, or even fiberglass coverings. The least abrasive is Green sponge media, perfect for eliminating grease or soot in awkward places hard to reach by hand.
This method excels at suppressing nearly all the dust generated using harsher processes. Sandblasting initially costs less, primarily due to easy availability of materials. It is harder to precisely control during operations, however, and can lead to surface damage if great care is not exercised. Not only do sponges eliminate most residual dust clouds, but they also trap contaminants, and allow precision depth control.
Individual sponges can be cleaned and recycled, making them even more cost effective. The machines that pressure-spray these particles are quieter than other types of blasters, and make it possible to complete jobs in crowded urban locations without forcing adjacent businesses to close down for the duration. In some cases, employees can remain inside while work continues on other floors.
The final result is higher quality surface preparation, and safer emission levels. The local community greatly appreciates fewer interruptions, and contractors using this method often face fewer fines for breaking environmental regulations. When compared to other scouring methods, the setup is less involved, waste is more readily captured and safely eliminated, and the job completed both efficiently and quickly.
