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How to Make a Soda Blaster

Baking soda has a proven track record in removing pollution and graffiti from most surfaces. When the Statue of Liberty was restored in 1984, crews were forced to pause when chemicals failed to remove decades of grime from Lady Liberty. Sandblasting was out of the question due to the delicate nature of the restoration. Many applications were tried but baking soda, put on with a dry soda blaster, removed all of the dull dirt and pollution from the statue. Most household applications can be accomplished with a wet soda blaster.

Things You'll Need

Blasting tent enclosure (not required, but it makes the process easier)
Bicarbonate of soda blast media
Wet soda pressure blaster
185 CFM compressor
Pressure washer
Personal safety kit (plastic work gloves, face mask, coveralls, neck and head covering)

Instructions

- 1
  Put on safety equipment. Add the soda media to the tank. Hook up the water and pressure lines to the soda blaster. This will make a sort of dual nozzle configuration. Place item to be blasted in an enclosed area, either the blasting tent or an enclosure made from plastic tarps.
- 2
  Focus the dual nozzles directly toward the area to be blasted. Make a smooth and even pass with the nozzle.
- 3
  Evaluate the work after the first pass.
- 4
  Take the pressure washer and clean the surface. Evaluate to determine where additional blasting needs to be done. Blast the surface again to remove any paint, mold, dirt or graffiti.
- 5
  If additional removal is necessary, make more passes, making sure to evaluate the piece after each pass.
- 6
  Allow soda coating to remain on item after the last pass. This will give protection against rust for several weeks, if the piece is kept in a dry location.
- 7
  Clean the item before applying any surface coating or paint. Use the air compressor to blow out all of the cracks and crevices.
- 8
  Take a clean damp cloth and wipe down the surface.
- 9
  Scrub the surface with a second soapy cloth to remove any film.
- 10
  Wipe all soapy water from the surface with a clean cloth.
- 11
  Repeat Steps 9 and 10, if necessary. The item is ready to be painted.

Educational Toys