When you think of paint stripping as merely removing a coating from a base material, it sounds very simple. However, in reality, this process can be messy, time consuming, expensive, and can leave toxic residue. The exception to this is plastic media blasting.

This new method of paint stripping is similar to sandblasting, but as the name implies, it uses plastic granules instead of silica sand. The US Technology Corporation provides granules that are irregular in shape and have sharp, angular edges. The granules are harder than the paint, but softer than the base whether it's metal, aluminum, or fiberglass. When the plastic is blasted against a painted surface with low-pressure air, it will cut, shear, and lift the paint without affecting the substrate.

Since plastic media blasting is a kinder, gentler method of stripping, layers of paint can be removed individually, leaving the primer/or body filler if desired. Or everything can be completely stripped. When used on fiberglass, the paint can be removed without damaging the gel-coat. Plastic media blasting leaves the paint stripper more options and flexibility that other stripping processes.

Unfortunately, plastic blasting isn't a backyard operation, since expensive compressors and safety equipment are required to do the job correctly. The plastic media uses relatively low pressure (10 to 50 psi) but does require high volume. Typically, a 25-50 hp compressor is necessary, depending on the hose diameter, to do the job. A suit with a fresh-air respirator must be worn, and enclosed blasting area is also mandatory. A return system that will separate the media and paint after blasting so that the media can be reused is also necessary.

Two of the most important benefits of this method are that it can remove paint without affecting the substrate, and plastic media blasting leaves only paint residue to be disposed of properly. It's easy to clean the plastic out of body crevices with an air gun or vacuum cleaner, and since it's a dry process, there's no flash rust after stripping. In addition, the plastic won't warp or pit hard metals; it's non corrosive and safe for most fiberglass and metals (including anodized and galvanized finishes); and the procedure is relatively inexpensive!