Billings Soda Blasting Service

Mobile Paint Stripping and Surface Cleaning

Our services are available in all Connecticut counties and beyond.

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Outdoor soda blast operations require a wide-open space. The mobile compressor is a diesel-powered unit and it and the nozzle are loud. Baking soda media is a soft, friable (crumbles easily) media and will blow in the breeze quite a distance. Typically, only a dusting of baking soda will remain on the ground with the rest being airborne. We must be mindful of items (homes, vegetation, cars, people, etc.) downwind and choose an outdoor area of least impact in which to blast in. Soda blasting over a gravel area is generally best, but any area can be used. Staining of asphalt can occur due to baking soda's ability to remove grease and oils. Typical baking soda usage rates are around 50 lbs. per hour. Soda blast media is water-soluble and will usually disappear after the next good rain.

Damage To Vegetation

One biological process that can be disturbed by the presence of any free sodium ion, including sodium bicarbonate is the process of photosynthesis. This process uses light in the presence of chlorophyll and water to convert carbon dioxide to sugars, used as nutrients for plant life. Depending on the type of plant, sodium bicarbonate can produce temporary discoloration or cause more serious damage. The most easily upset plants are flowering shrubs, such as roses, azaleas, or lilac. Trees and grass typically turn brown, and then recover in 4-6 months. Some plants are completely unaffected. The speed of any reaction with plant life can vary widely, depending on the type of plant.

To avoid damage to plants from blasting with soda blast media:

Avoid contact between plants and blast media residue. Cover plants and prevent any liquid run-off from soaking the soil around plants.

If contact is unavoidable, the client should be aware that damage to plants could occur.

To minimize damage:

Soak the soil and leaves thoroughly before blasting. It is best to use a sprinkler for 4-6 hours to completely soak the soil, leaves, and branches before blasting.

Continually rinse the leaves and prevent liquid run-off from soaking into the soil around the roots.

After blasting, continue to soak the leaves and soil to thoroughly flush the sodium bicarbonate away from the root structure. The amount of soaking after blasting depends on the amount of residue in contact with leaves and roots. The goal is to reduce the sodium ion concentration below 0.5 vol% on the leaf surfaces and around the roots so that any damage will be minimized

75 Naubuc Avenue Glastonbury CT 06033 Telephone: 860.659.1104 Fax: 866.270.7888 Cellular: 860.559.0011

Mobile Paint Stripping and Surface Cleaning

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Damage To Vegetation

75 Naubuc Avenue
Glastonbury CT 06033
Telephone: 860.659.1104
Fax: 866.270.7888
Cellular: 860.559.0011