Soda blasting and paint problem

[Bruce B.]

Re: Soda blasting and paint problem

Paul,
The acid-base comment might be the key if using a water based paint but as you mentioned with solvent based paint if the surface is prepped properly the soda blasting should have no affect.
The media (sodium bicarbonate also known as baking soda) is very water soluable and also forms a basic solution as demonstrated in removing residue from a battery.
I would think that after removing most of the powder residue a through washing with water would leave a clean surface for the next step, paint prep.
As with most media blasting removing ALL the dry media is very difficult and pretty much impossible So with the water wash I would think a very clean surface would be easier to achieve.
My 2 cents.

[Justin B.]

Re: Soda blasting and paint problem

I soda blasted my car. The only issue that I had was the soda residue kept coming back after washing and cleaning it. So, I washed it with lots of water and wiped it down each time with a paint prep like lacquer thinner. It got better and better after each wash. Finally after four or five washes, all of the residue was gone. My firm belief is that those who are soda blasting aren't spending enough time cleaning it up. The finished product was well worth all of the cleaning involved.

[Philip P.]

Re: Soda blasting and paint problem

I agree with the clean aspect and it may not be a problem with fiberglas as I have read that it takes soap and water to get the soda off and lots of it. The problem may be more of one with metal where the flash rusting becomes and issue with the use of water. My point in bringing this up is so that there may be issues with soda blasting. Justin's comment echoed what the body shop owner said that there was a lot of residue.
Phil

[Dick W.]

Re: Soda blasting and paint problem

I agree with the clean aspect and it may not be a problem with fiberglas as I have read that it takes soap and water to get the soda off and lots of it. The problem may be more of one with metal where the flash rusting becomes and issue with the use of water. My point in bringing this up is so that there may be issues with soda blasting. Justin's comment echoed what the body shop owner said that there was a lot of residue.
Phil

Metal prep or equivalent will clean the flash rust that results from washing with soap and water.