The principle in two sentences
A very short, highly concentrated laser beam sweeps across the surface. The unwanted layer absorbs the energy and comes away, while the substrate, which reflects more of it or is more resistant, stays intact when the settings are right.
What can be stripped
| Substrate | Layer removed | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Steel, cast iron | Rust, mill scale, paint | Railings, gates, structures, ironwork |
| Aluminium, stainless steel | Oxidation, grime | Joinery, fixtures and equipment |
| Stone, basalt | Pollution, moss, stains | Low walls, façades, surrounds |
| Concrete | Paint, drips | Floors, walls, structures |
| Wood | Paint, varnish (careful settings) | Lambrequins (decorative eave trims), shutters, beams |
Laser or sandblasting?
Sandblasting fires an abrasive: it's fast on large areas, but the site has to be contained, everything around it protected, and large quantities of sand mixed with residue removed. A laser projects nothing: it's suited to parts left in place, occupied or planted areas and fine detail. On the other hand, it can be slower on a large, flat, heavily coated surface.
The key point by the sea
Steel stripped back to bare metal is highly reactive. In the salty air of the west coast, light surface rust can appear quickly, so an anti-corrosion coating must be applied straight away. This needs to be allowed for in the quote.
Safety
The beam is dangerous to the eyes: a marked-off area, safety glasses matched to the wavelength, protective equipment and fume extraction are required. It's not a consumer tool.
How much does it cost?
The price depends mainly on the thickness and type of layer to be removed, more than on the surface area alone. Hence pricing per m² for regular surfaces, and by the hour for complex parts. See our laser cleaning service.
Published by CAZRénovation · updated on