Laser Stripping: A Modern, Precision Surface Prep

Imagine a technology that cleans, rejuvenates, and prepares surfaces with the precision of a surgeon and the cleanliness of a starship workshop. That technology is laser stripping—also known as laser sandblasting or laser ablation—where a focused laser beam becomes the artist and the surface becomes the canvas.

If you’re seeking a clean, precise, and environmentally mindful alternative to traditional methods, laser stripping offers a compelling blend of control, safety, and performance. It enables you to prepare surfaces for new coatings or repairs with outstanding adhesion potential, all while preserving the integrity of the base material and reducing waste.

What is laser stripping?

Laser stripping is a non-contact material removal process that uses a precisely tuned laser to remove coatings, paints, oxides, adhesives, and other surface contaminants from a wide range of substrates. Rather than blasting the surface with abrasive particles or applying harsh chemicals, a laser delivers short bursts of energy that interact with the coating and the underlying material. The interaction causes the coating to heat, vaporize, or fracture away, leaving a clean, ready-to-coat surface.

How it works

Focused energy delivery: A high-power laser beam is directed onto the target surface. The beam is precisely controlled in speed, intensity, and dwell time to match the material and thickness.
Material interaction: The coating absorbs the laser energy faster than the substrate. Depending on the material, this can lead to:
Vaporization (removing the coating as a gas)
Photomechanical fracture (breaking the coating apart and lifting fragments)
Delamination or peeling from the substrate
A real-time process: Modern laser systems monitor the surface in real time, adjusting parameters to maintain consistent removal without damaging the base material.
Fume and particle control: Efficient fume extraction and filtration capture any plume or particulates generated during the process, keeping the work environment safer and cleaner.

Why it’s considered superior to sandblasting or chemical surface prep

Non-contact and precision: Because there is no physical abrasive contact, there’s less risk of subsurface damage, warping, or dimensional change. The laser targets only the coating, sparing the substrate.
No consumables or waste slurries: Sandblasting requires gritty media that becomes wasteful and must be collected and disposed of. Laser stripping uses no consumable abrasive media and produces minimal secondary waste.
Environmentally friendly options: With proper ventilation and filtration, laser stripping generates far fewer hazardous byproducts than chemical strippers, which may release volatile organic compounds and require careful handling.
Excellent control over selectivity: By adjusting wavelength, pulse duration, energy density, and scanning patterns, operators can tailor the process to remove specific coatings while preserving the underlying metal, plastic, or composite surface.
Consistency and repeatability: Computer-controlled lasers deliver repeatable results across large areas and complex geometries, providing uniform surface preparation that’s hard to achieve with manual sanding or chemical methods.
Surface integrity and adhesion readiness: Laser stripping often results in a clean, roughened surface at the microscopic level that can improve coating adhesion. The process minimizes heat-affected zones and reduces micro-cracking compared to some aggressive mechanical or chemical methods.
Safety and cleanliness: With proper containment and fume extraction, laser stripping can be a cleaner alternative, reducing dust and chemical exposure for workers.