A Blast to the Past/Sand/ Soda Blast Cleaning service based in East Sussex, covering the South East.

General information

Firstly, welcome to A Blast to the Past. The services are as listed below. We have a wide range of blasting media, which we can use to suit the job in hand. Please have a read, if there is anything you would like to know, please don’t hesitate in contacting us.

The torick stone cleaning system, is used for historical monuments and for general cleaning sandstone, render, brickwork, patios, driveways where a high temperature steamed water jet cleans the surface without any damage to substrate, we use a varied number of cleaning agents to use to suit the job in hand. Please ask if you need any more details on this system.

ARMEX Soda: blasting is a revolutionary cleaning and paint stripping technology that uses compressed air to propel bicarbonate of soda onto a surface. The process removes paint and contaminates without harming the original surface. The unique properties of sodium bicarbonate allow it to remove paint, grease, mold, oil, soot, and other contaminants without risk The sodium bicarbonate used is a specially formulated type of baking soda. This non-toxic, food-grade material is 100% water soluble and environmentally safe. Soda blasting is the safest and ‘greenest’ alternative to sand blasting and grit blasting.

Resto-fine recycled glass: blasting is used in the
same way as the soda, it still uses compressed air to propel media onto a surface, however different materials to soda are used. Our most popular method of Media Blasting is often referred to as ‘Bead Blasting’ which is when very fine glass beads are used. Bead Blasting is as safe and effective as soda when used to remove paint etc., however it leaves the surface slightly rough, unlike the smooth finish usually provided by soda.

Resto-fine synthetic aluminum silicate: blasting is used in the same way as soda, and the recycled glass. The main purpose is where there is a larger profile or faster speed is required for the heavy duty cleaning jobs.

Vapor blasting: Our Vapor Blast machine uses compressed air to propel water and an abrasive medium from a nozzle onto a surface. This provides very effective, environmentally friendly, closed loop surface cleaning. The glass bead used in the system is mixed with water to form a slurry and is blasted at the component. The water buffers the particles on impact allowing very fine finishes to be produced without damage to the component. The vapor blasting process is suitable for aluminum, bronze, magnesium, titanium, brass, copper etc. It will gently clean the surface without damage and leaves a satin finish that is very easy to keep clean. Please be aware that any items that rust cannot be vapor blasted, as they will oxidize instantly. Whilst every care is taken to ensure there is no glass bead remaining, we do advise that you rewash all parts again before fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions and More Information

Is soda blasting/media blasting better than sand blasting or grit blasting?

Unlike grit or sand blasting, which work by abrasion, soda blasting works by shattering soda crystals and transferring energy to the surface coating, which then breaks off. The operator controls the process by reducing the air pressure used to fire the soda, increasing/decreasing water usage (when ‘wet blasting’ items), or increasing/decreasing media mix (where glass or other products are used to aid the cleaning process) as required. As the soda can be closely controlled it is one of the safest methods of cleaning. Media blasting

Is there any heat being built up?

Unlike sand blasting, there is no heat being built up on the surface area which would warp the material.

Is soda blasting and media blasting a noisy process?

As a large compressor is used, soda blasting is a relatively noisy process. Operators are required to wear ear protection whilst the compressor is running and request that anyone in the immediate area do the same.

Is rusting a problem with soda blasting?

Ferrous metals that have been sand blasted require immediate coating to prevent rusting. In contrast, soda blasting significantly reduces the rate of rusting, so the metal can be coated several days after blasting.

What about pre and post clean up?

As soda causes no damage to the surrounding environment, very little cleaning is required after the work has been completed. If sensitive equipment is near-by or work is to be completed in a busy area, I would mask or tent the item before commencing work.

Why are your prices not fixed?

To ensure we offer you the best rates possible, we often need to complete a test patch on the surface that requires work. As some items may need more attention than others, for example vehicle bodywork may have several layers of paint to remove, the price will vary accordingly. Once we have given you a quote you can rest assured this will not change, even if – on the odd occasion – the work takes a little longer than expected.

Why choose A blast to the past?

We are proud to be friendly, reliable and efficient. Offering the most effective range of blast cleaning solutions on the market, using a mobile service, ensures we are always able to help with your blast cleaning needs.

Does your carpet/ upholstery need freshening up or looking very tired and dirty, well with our cleaner it injects a hot power full spray deep into the carpet fibres, and every fibre gets scrubbed and polished to be finally sucked up by enhanced suction motor leaving your carpet practically dry to the touch. Free quotations on request, competitive pricing, with friendly service.