Rails, fixtures and outdoor metal, kept ahead of rust.
Handrails, gates, bollards, sign brackets and patio furniture rust a little every season. Taking it back to clean metal early is easier than replacing the piece later.
Request an asset assessmentLaser cleaning removes rust, oxide and coatings from metal without blasting media, and it's selective, so nearby surfaces are easier to protect (Laserax).
Graffiti on brick, stone and concrete can be removed by laser when a test patch confirms the surface holds up (Tri-State Laser Cleaning).
On historic masonry, the National Park Service says laser cleaning "can be quite effective for cleaning limited areas, but it is expensive and generally not practical for most historic masonry cleaning projects" (NPS Preservation Brief 1). We treat it as a spot method, not a whole-facade method.
Typical work
- Handrails, gates and fencing
- Patio furniture and outdoor fixtures
- Sign brackets, poles and hardware
- Bollards, grates and metal stair treads
- Loading dock and equipment frames
- Selected masonry and stone (test patch first)
Questions
What is laser cleaning?
Laser cleaning uses short pulses of laser light to remove rust, coatings, carbon, grease and other buildup from a surface. The settings are adjusted to the material so the buildup comes off and the surface underneath is preserved as much as possible. It's a non-contact process, so there's no blasting media or chemical stripper involved.
Does laser cleaning use chemicals or water?
The laser itself uses no chemicals and no blasting media. The removed material becomes fumes and fine particles, which are pulled away by fume extraction at the work point. Food-contact parts still get a normal wash, rinse and sanitize afterward.
Can laser cleaning damage the metal underneath?
It can if the settings are wrong. Too much power, too much overlap or repeated passes can roughen a surface or leave heat tint on stainless steel (PMC study on 304L stainless). That's why every job starts with a test spot and settings matched to the material.
What can't be laser cleaned?
Plastics, most rubber and clear glass are usually poor candidates, and deep cavities the beam can't see are out of reach (Tri-State Laser Cleaning). Laser cleaning also removes cast-iron seasoning, so seasoned surfaces have to be re-seasoned. If another method fits the job better, we'll say so.
Is laser cleaning better than pressure washing?
For baked-on carbon on metal parts, a laser can remove buildup without soaking the area or producing greasy wash water. Pressure washing is cheaper for large, simple surfaces, but grease-laden wash water has to be kept out of storm drains (Nashville stormwater guidance). The right answer depends on the item and what's on it.
See what precision can do for your equipment.
Send us what you’re working with. ArcLight will look at the material, the buildup and your schedule, and tell you honestly whether laser cleaning is the right tool.
Request an asset assessment