B&G Marine Services in the BVI will be offering Dustless Blasting from early September. Cleaner, quicker and cheaper than other methods, B&G will be able to clean boat bottoms, and prepare them for painting, with less environmental impact and 20% cheaper than alternative methods.
Dustless Blasting is a revolutionary paint stripping and cleaning system that can remove virtually any coating from almost any surface, without creating a huge plume of dust.
The Dustless Blaster works by mixing water and abrasive inside the blast tank. By introducing water, we’re drastically increasing mass and energy the machine is putting out, while suppressing dust. Reduced dust means easier containment and cleanup, and a healthier environment for our staff and other yard workers.
The Dustless Blaster uses a wide variety of abrasives, including 40/70 crushed recycled glass. This all-purpose abrasive contains less than 1% free silica. Water encapsulates the abrasive and coating being removed, which prevents them from becoming airborne and potentially inhaled. Compared to power washing, which can use 240 gallons of water per hour, the Dustless Blaster only uses about 20 gallons of water per hour.
Whether the boat’s hull is steel, aluminium or fibreglass, there is no damage to the substrate. This method can remove antifouling paint, epoxy, heavy marine growth, or open blisters in the gelcoat.
“Bottom cleaning is not green, but this Dustless Blaster is the best option on the market for reducing the environmental impact as much as possible,” said Todd Patterson, managing director of B&G Marine Services. “Less water, no dust, and better containment, combined with a better and faster result, is a win-win.”