Laser paint and coating removal

Coatings we assess

Different coating systems absorb and respond to laser energy in different ways. A thin single-layer paint may lift readily while a thick multi-layer or heavily pigmented system may require several passes or a different method entirely.

• Single layer decorative and protective paints
• Multiple historic paint layers
• Primers and undercoats
• Powder coating
• Selected industrial coatings
• Epoxy systems

Hazardous coatings

Coating composition must be established before work begins. Older coatings may contain lead, chromates or other hazardous constituents, and these require additional assessment, enhanced controls, appropriate extraction and controlled waste handling.

Where coating composition is unknown, sampling and analysis may be recommended before any removal is proposed.

Selective and partial removal

Laser cleaning can often be used to remove a coating from a defined area, to remove one layer while leaving another, or to clean around features where masking would be difficult. What is achievable is established during testing rather than assumed.