PROBOIS has been developing a blasting method for wood surfaces for nearly 15 years. We specialize in the jet stripping of log, pine, cedar, torrefied wood and shingle surfaces. Our experienced technicians have the tools and techniques necessary to bring virtually any exterior wood surface back to life. Trust our expertise for an impeccable and lasting result. Contact us now to learn more about our blasting service.
Blasting service
Our blasting service is the ideal solution to effectively remove layers of paint, stain, varnish and other stubborn residues on your wooden surfaces. We use state-of-the-art technology for a fast result without damage to your material. Contact us now to learn more about our blasting service.
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Jet blasting is a rather broad term that refers to the process of stripping a substrate (a surface) using air pressure and a more or less fine media. Very well known in the field of metals, workshops specializing in “Sandblast” abound in Quebec.
Several media are used to strip different surfaces: concrete, various metals and wood. Depending on the strength of the substrate to be treated, a thicker or thinner media is to be expected. For example, when blasting concrete surfaces, sand is often recommended as an abrasive in order to strip it (grit 40 to 220). Wood, on the other hand, requires a thinner medium in order not to damage its fiber and its tannin. This is why we use baking soda and fine recycled glass (140-220 grit) during the blasting process.
The different types of media used
Jet blasting: Log homes
We are the reference in terms of jet stripping on log surfaces in Quebec. In order to offer a complete turnkey service, we carry out the blasting work ourselves. Thus, our company is able to carry out the installation of the construction site (scaffolding and nacelle), to strip the surfaces of round wood correctly, to remove the existing obsolete caulking, to apply the stain or the sealant necessary, to apply the caulking again, cleaning the site once the work is finished, and this, very often within one to two weeks.
Log homes are pilling in Quebec because of their charm. It may happen that the pigment layer on the round wood has been poorly maintained and stripping it is then necessary. Several precautions must be taken when stripping log surfaces.
- The installation of protective canvas at the bottom of the walls to recover the media used. It is not uncommon to use more than 2500 lbs of media when restoring a log home. Media recovery is therefore important.
- Protection around windows and doors. In order not to damage these, the doors and windows must be masked during the work.
- The infiltration of the media inside the house or vice versa. As the media is propelled at high speed, it is important to mention the residual dust that will enter the interior of the building during the dry-blasting work on logs.
- The desired finish during blasting work is not necessarily the smoothest. The log must indeed be porous enough to allow the finishing products, either the stain or the sealant, to penetrate.
Note that blasting work on logs must be carried out by experts. Every year, we are given to see badly executed restoration work on logs that leave permanent damage to homes. Do business with professionals in jet blasting, let’s work together.
What are the sealants, varnishes, stains, paints that we can strip during a jet blast?
Jet stripping to “de-grey” a wood surface: There are several liquid cleaning strippers that can de-grey wood that has aged over time. When the time comes to restore these parts, liquid products may not be suitable due to the dangers of water infiltration that this could cause. Thus, it is recommended to use a dry medium such as baking soda or recycled glass in order to obtain the same results.
Sealer and Varnish: Translucent sealers and varnishes strip quickly (usually) when using a “sandblast” or a “Multimedia Blaster” equipped with the right media. The colored layer being very weak, we quickly find ourselves on the bare substrate, without having damaged the surface.
Translucent and semi-translucent stains: Sandblasting and surface blasting are ideal for removing translucent or semi-translucent stain. Although some stain marks are more difficult to remove than others in blast cleaning processes, we are able to restore virtually any wood surface when treated with a translucent stain or semi-translucent.
Solid stains and paints: It is possible to remove an solid stain or paint from a wood coating without damaging it too much. In all cases, a test is in order to predict the expected result. However, we have had some very nice surprises over time!
The limits of the sandblasting or blasting process:
Jet blasting is a process that requires a lot of dexterity and patience. In order to obtain conclusive results, it is important to do business with a company that has equipment specifically dedicated to this task, of high quality and above all, that has the technicians capable of accomplishing such a task. This technique may also not be the most effective in a given project.
Thus, the dry blasting process is not indicated for:
- Small surfaces of less than 50 square feet because the start-up and cleaning of the tools alone takes almost four hours.
- For places where neighbors abound, the dust may be bothersome for some neighbors.
- For stripping solid painted surfaces with many coats of paint as the end result is unlikely to live up to expectations.
Our equipment:
We have a “MultiMedia Blaster” that has undergone several modifications to be very effective in stripping and sanding wood surfaces. We do not touch any type of surfaces other than wood. Our bits and accessories have only the wood in mind and nothing else. This is why we are able to deliver a most satisfactory end result.
Our latest creation is more beautiful than the one before but less beautiful than the next!
We have our compressor with a force of 185 CFM as well as all the accessories and safety tools necessary for the smooth running of the work, large or small.
Our technicians:
With us since 2008, our sandblasting-blasting unit is not its “first rodeo”. We have the experience and the know-how to bring our projects to fruition. Meticulous and hardworking, our team is efficient, clean and on time.
In addition, our technicians have the necessary and continuous training with regard to innovations in the field but also with regard to occupational health and safety. Moreover, all our employees have read and applied the Guide: Abrasive Blast Cleaning issued by the CNESST. Safety first.
Our service for jet blasting serves the following regions.
The steps carried out during the pickling-sandblasting process
What is aeroscrubbing?
This process is actually a method of stripping surfaces using a media projected at high speed. A compressor, as well as a container containing the media, are necessary in order to carry out this process. Better known as Sandblast in Quebec, aeroscrubbing can be used on several different substrates using a host of media (abrasives).
PROBOIS specializes in stripping and restoring exterior wood surfaces. We use the best method to get the best end results. That’s why we trust this product. To be carried out by expert hands, our aeroscrubbing service uses very efficient devices specifically dedicated to the stripping of wood surfaces.
Also note that the nozzles used when using aeroscrubbing devices greatly affect the finished product. Indeed, depending on the pressure and the type of surface treated, we must use a nozzle that will remove the sealant, lacquer, or stain from the surface, while leaving the surface smooth (as far as possible ).
Microscrubbing and its possibilities
Just like aeroscrubbing, which is intended to be a method of stripping wood surfaces using a dry media projected at high speed (blast, sandblast, sodablast), microscrubbing is first used during stripping work. more detailed and smaller surfaces. Furniture made of exotic wood, as well as coatings made of hardwood with several details, are targeted here.
For several years now, we have developed extensive expertise in the field of microscrubbing. We have the tools and abrasives necessary to carry out this process, in addition to a certain know-how.
Not all woods can be treated using the microscrubbing process. Also, substrates whose dyes and sealers are too effective, risk being damaged during microscrubbing work. Thus, we recommend calling on a specialist like PROBOIS to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
For any questions or estimate requests, do not hesitate to contact us. We are eager to deepen our skills and improve our product using this technique of microscrubbing.