Techiques for soda blasting.

[HydroBlast]

Hey there gentlemen,
Has anyone used a soda blaster with their rigs? If so, living here in LA graffiti
is abound. The city tries to stay abreast of the problems. But there are alot of problems to deal with. I would like some advice as to the strengths and capabilities a soda blaster provides. With 3500psi @ 5.2gpm I shouldn't have any trouble? Or would I?

 

[navigator]

I haven't tried soda with a P/W, but reliable sources say that it's a poor mix, since the soda absorbs water. This reduces its effectiveness, and clogs up the nozzle. I have used a sandblaster, with glass beads, but that tears up most surfaces (block or wood).

I have had GREAT success with a product called Elephant Snot; it removes graffiti quickly and easily. Check these posts out (the second one is about soda blasting):

http://www.powerwashnetwork.com/showthread.php?t=8683&highlight=elephant+snot

http://www.powerwashnetwork.com/showthread.php?t=8898&highlight=elephant+snot

 

[Revive]

I have used crushed glass and soda. I have an attachment that resembles the looks of an x-jet. I have also used a wadoo (I think thats how it's spelt).
Taginator is much more cost efficiant, and easier on the substraight. We use the crushed glass in the winter when the chem just won't cut it and the customer wants it off NOW. Soda near enviromental issues.

Dry blasting the soda requires an expensive setup, and a tow behind compressor.
Would require alot of work lined up,for me to justify it.

Just my .02

 

[MR ALAN]

I haven't tried soda with a P/W, but reliable sources say that it's a poor mix, since the soda absorbs water. This reduces its effectiveness, and clogs up the nozzle.

If you use store bought soda that can happen. Buy the real stuff made by Arm & Hammer which is formulated for wet use and it works well. It is not a magic cure all, but does have it's uses.

 

[HydroBlast]

I was using Coca-Cola, sometimes Mt. Dew.

Not really! Thanks Alan, I bought Armex soda from Arm and Hammer.

 

[Dave Olson]

You must have more than just soda to handle graffiti.

The Wadu is a good tool but you must have other means of removing the tags. None of the tools that we have work
everytime! We always try the cheapest way first then go to other types of removal.

We have used our Wadu more in industrial applications than on graffiti.

Dave Olson