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How Laser Cleaning Works and Where It Can Be Used

Laser cleaning uses controlled pulses of light to remove targeted layers of rust, coatings, soot, oil and other surface contamination. Results depend on the substrate, contaminant, thickness and desired finish, so Laser Blasting Pros evaluates each application and performs testing when appropriate.

Stone & Masonry

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Limestone

Granite

Sandstone

Concrete

Brick 

Marble

Terracotta

Laser cleaning can remove soot, biological staining, thin paint layers and other surface contamination from suitable brick, limestone, granite, marble and related masonry materials. Because stone type, porosity and condition vary, we begin with a test area and adjust the cleaning parameters to protect the original surface and historic detail.

Metal

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Aluminum

Stainless steel

Mild steel

Brass

Copper

Tool steel

Titanium

Nickel alloys

Magnesium

Iron (cast iron and wrought iron)

Laser cleaning can remove rust, oxidation, paint, scale, oil and other thin surface contaminants from many ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Adjustable parameters allow the process to be tailored for steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, cast iron and other suitable alloys before inspection, welding, coating or maintenance.

Painted and coated surfaces 

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Anti-corrosion coatings

Lead-based paint

Protective layers

High-build epoxy

Paint

Anodizing

Phosphate coatings

Laser cleaning removes coatings without introducing abrasive blasting media, which can reduce the total volume of material collected during the project. Fume extraction helps capture airborne particles, but lead-based paint and other hazardous coatings still require project-specific containment, respiratory protection and proper disposal.

Composite & Non-Metallic Materials

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Mold-release residue on metal tooling

Plastic, rubber and silicone residue on molds

Select heat-resistant composites after testing

Carbon fiber and fiberglass only after compatibility testing

Non-metallic materials respond differently to laser energy and require careful evaluation. Many of our mold-cleaning applications involve removing plastic, rubber, silicone and release-agent residue from metal tooling rather than cleaning the finished polymer part itself. Direct cleaning of composites, fiberglass or carbon fiber is considered only after testing confirms that the material and finish are suitable.

Other Materials

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Wood with controlled settings

Glass molds and industrial tooling

Textured surfaces with corrosion or buildup

Historic finishes and architectural details

Other specialty surfaces after testing

Laser cleaning can support specialty applications involving wood, glass molds, textured surfaces and historic materials when the substrate and contamination are compatible. Because these surfaces can vary significantly, we use controlled settings and test areas to determine the appropriate approach before larger-scale cleaning.

Questions About Laser Cleaning? 

Find answers about laser-cleaning safety, suitable materials, project timing, cleanup, pricing considerations, and how the process compares with abrasive blasting and chemical stripping.

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