Surface Preparation – Dry Ice Blasting, CO2 Blasting
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). With dry ice blasting, soft CO2 pellets approximately the size of grains of sugar are propelled toward surfaces at supersonic speeds to safely remove paint and contamination.
The dry ice, although hard in appearance, does not rely on its abrasive properties for effective cleaning. When the dry ice pellets hit the surface, it causes a process called thermo-shock. As the substrate temperature decreases, it becomes brittle, enabling the dry ice particle to break up failed paint and surface contamination.
The beauty of it all is that the CO2 quickly dissipates into the gas carbon dioxide, so there is very little blast residue to clean up — only the failed paint film or removed contamination.
Why is dry ice blasting beneficial over other cleaning methods?
- non-abrasive, non-flammable, non-conductive cleaning method
- environmentally-friendly and contains no secondary contaminants such as solvents or grit media (most other blast media leaves secondary waste behind.. dry ice sublimates or vaporizes upon impact with the surface, and all that remains is the paint coating or contaminate you are removing… also, since dry ice vaporizes up on impact, the process can be used to clean complicated cavities where typical grit blast media will become trapped)
- clean and approved for use in the food & pharmaceutical industry
- approved by the FDA, EPA and USDA
- allows most items to be cleaned in-place, without time consuming disassembly
- can be used without damaging active electrical or mechanical parts, or creating fire hazards
- can be used to remove production residues, release agents, contaminants, paints, oils and biofilms
- can be adjusted to clean very delicate items without damaging the substrate
Induspray has successfully used dry ice blasting for years and can safely and effectively use it in your project with excellent results.
How Dry Ice Blasting Works
Dry ice blasting, also known as CO₂ blasting, uses compressed air to accelerate solid CO₂ pellets at high speed toward the contaminated surface. When the pellets strike the surface:
1️⃣ The dry ice freezes contaminants on contact
2️⃣ The sudden temperature change causes the contaminant to crack and lift
3️⃣ The dry ice instantly sublimates (turns from solid to gas)
4️⃣ Contaminants detach and are easily removed
There is no water, no abrasion, no chemical residue, and no secondary blast media to clean afterward, meaning faster cleanup and reduced downtime.
Applications of Industrial Dry Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial cleaning tasks, including:
Machinery & Equipment Cleaning
- Manufacturing and production equipment
- Motors, pumps, turbines, compressors
- Industrial ovens, presses, and molding equipment
- Extruders, mixers, and assembly lines
Electrical & Technical Systems
- Electrical panels & switchgear
- Transformers and substation components
- Control cabinets & electronic units
- Robotics and automated systems
Facility & Structural Cleaning
- Tanks, piping and process lines
- Industrial walls, ceilings, and structural steel
- Floors and production environments
- HVAC equipment and ducts
Industry-Specific Uses
- Food & beverage processing sanitation
- Pharmaceutical facility cleaning
- Automotive manufacturing equipment restoration
- Printing presses & plastic molding systems
- Aerospace manufacturing machinery
If your facility requires cleaning without damage, moisture, or chemical risk, dry ice blasting is a highly effective solution.
Key Benefits of Dry Ice Blasting
✔ Non-Abrasive Surface-Safe Cleaning
No grinding, scratching, or surface degradation, ideal for precision machinery and delicate components.
✔ No Secondary Waste
Dry ice evaporates instantly, no media cleanup, sludge disposal, or chemical residue.
✔ Minimal Downtime
Equipment often remains in place during cleaning, reducing production interruptions and costly dismantling.
✔ Safe for Electrical & Sensitive Equipment
No moisture means no conductivity or corrosion risk.
✔ Environmentally Responsible
No harsh chemicals, solvents, or harmful abrasives. CO₂ pellets vaporize safely into the atmosphere.
✔ Deep, Effective Cleaning
Removes:
- Oil, grease & lubricants
- Adhesives, sealants & coatings
- Paint & residues
- Carbon buildup & tar
- Contaminants and biological film
Our Dry Ice Blasting Process
Induspray follows a proven, professional workflow for every project:
1️⃣ Site Assessment & Planning
We evaluate your facility, contamination type, accessibility, safety considerations, and production environment.
2️⃣ Surface Preparation
Nearby equipment is protected and the workspace is secured to ensure safe and efficient cleaning.
3️⃣ Controlled Dry Ice Blasting
Our trained technicians adjust air pressure, pellet size, and blasting configuration for optimal effectiveness without damage.
4️⃣ Final Cleanup & Inspection
Only dislodged contaminants remain for removal, no blasting media waste. We ensure the environment is left clean and production-ready.
5️⃣ Quality Assurance
We verify results, confirm safety compliance, and ensure the cleaning meets operational and regulatory requirements.
Safety, Compliance & Professional Execution
Industrial environments demand qualified professionals. Induspray maintains strict adherence to:
- Workplace safety protocols
- Electrical safety standards
- Environmental regulations
- Manufacturer cleaning specifications
- Facility sanitation guidelines
Our team is trained, insured, experienced, and equipped to handle complex industrial environments.
Industries We Serve
We provide industrial dry ice blasting services for:
- Manufacturing & production plants
- Automotive & aerospace facilities
- Food & beverage processing
- Pharmaceuticals & medical manufacturing
- Utilities & power generation
- Packaging & printing
- Plastics, rubber & molding plants
- Heavy industrial & fabrication facilities
If your facility demands precision, safety, and reliability, we are the right partner.
Photo Gallery
Click to view some of our industrial painting projects utilizing dry ice blasting and CO2 blasting.
Locations We Service
We are Toronto industrial painters serving Toronto, the GTA, Southern Ontario, Western Ontario, Eastern Ontario and parts of Northern Ontario.
Our territory includes:
Our Customers
We’ve been in business since 1975, serving over 4,875 satisfied clients while completing thousands of industrial and commercial painting projects. These are just some of our customers:
Your Project
Have questions about dry ice blasting or CO2 blasting your items and surfaces? We can quickly assess your needs and make cost-effective recommendations. Contact us today — we’re here to help.
Start your project with expert advice and a great price.