Questions
Blast Cleaning FAQs.
The questions we get asked most often — grouped by topic. Not answered here? Call us.
- specialist-trained operators
- Method-matched to your surface
General Blast Cleaning
- What is blast cleaning?
- Blast cleaning is the controlled projection of a chosen media (soda, fine grit, dry ice, or superheated water) at a surface to remove paint, soot, rust, biological growth or old coatings. Done properly, it removes what you don't want and leaves the underlying stone, brick, timber or metal intact.
- Is it safe for my building?
- Yes — provided the method is matched to the surface. A soft Georgian sandstone wants superheated steam. Hard engineering brick can take a firmer abrasive. Wrought iron gates want a defined surface profile before repaint. Ask any blaster who offers a single method for everything to slow down.
- How much does it cost?
- It depends on surface type, area, condition, access and finish. We do free site surveys and put a written price in your hand, usually within a week. No cost, no obligation.
Methods (superheated steam, Soda, Dry Ice, Abrasive)
- What is superheated steam cleaning?
- superheated steam is a system that projects superheated water (up to 150°C) at low pressure. It kills spores, lifts soot and paint, and leaves the substrate dry within minutes. It's the go-to method for heritage stone.
- What is soda blasting?
- Soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as the abrasive. It's soft, water-soluble and biodegradable — ideal for timber, glass, soft brick and delicate ironwork.
- When would you use dry ice or fine abrasive?
- Dry ice sublimates on impact — no secondary waste, so it's ideal in food, electrical and delicate machinery environments. Fine abrasive is used on hard stone and structural steel where softer media won't shift the coating.
Materials (Stone, Brick, Timber, Metalwork)
- Can you clean listed stone buildings?
- Yes — superheated steam and low-pressure soda are the methods conservation officers generally recommend for listed stone. We produce written method statements and are happy to liaise with council conservation teams.
- Will blast cleaning damage timber beams?
- Not if we use soda blasting at low pressure, which is our default on structural timber.
- Can you remove rust from ironwork ready for painting?
- Yes — we take ironwork back to Sa 2½ / Sa 3 bright metal, the surface profile most coatings need to bond properly.
Process, Quotes & Accreditations
- How long does a job take?
- Residential façades typically 2–5 days depending on size and condition. Full mill facades and industrial contracts scale from there. We give a fixed timeline in the written quote.
- Are you a local business?
- Yes — a local independent team based in Lancashire, covering Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
- How do I get a quote?
- Send us a couple of photos and a postcode on our contact page, or call us direct. Site surveys and written quotes are always free.
Still got questions? Call us
Send us a couple of photos and a postcode. We'll come out, survey the property, and put a written price in your hand within days — not weeks.