Blast King FAQ

Blasting, cleaning and restoration services across Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and beyond.

Below are answers to the questions we’re asked most often about Blast King’s blasting, cleaning, stripping and restoration work. If you don’t see your question here, contact us and we’ll advise you on the best method for your material, surface and end finish.

About Blast King

Who are Blast King?

Blast King is a family business based in the Peterborough area, providing specialist blasting, cleaning and refurbishment services for domestic, commercial and industrial customers.

Where are you based?

We’re based in the Peterborough area. Our contact address shown on the website is: 64 Portchester Close, Park Farm, Stanground, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 8UP.

We also accept items for blast cleaning at our premises in Ramsey, just outside Peterborough (drop-offs are best arranged in advance so we can book the work in).

What areas do you cover?

We carry out on-site work and typically travel within a 100-mile radius of Peterborough.

What are your opening hours?

Our advertised office hours are Mon–Fri: 8am to 8pm and Sat–Sun: 8am to 5pm.

How do I contact you?

You can use the contact form on our website or contact us by phone/email. The site lists:

  • Landline: 01733 349287

  • Mobiles: 07884 324359 (Kevin), 07539 849339 (Tom)

  • Email: info@blastking.co.uk

Choosing the right method

I keep seeing “sandblasting” online — do you only use sand?

“Sandblasting” is often used as a catch-all term for abrasive blasting, but the media and method vary depending on what you’re cleaning and what finish you need. The goal is the same: use compressed air (or a wet process) to remove contaminants/coatings and prepare a surface.

Do you help me choose the best blasting method?

Yes. We’ll talk through:

  1. what the item is made from,

  2. what needs removing (paint, corrosion, grime, soot, graffiti etc), and

  3. what finish you want afterwards (cleaned, keyed for coating, satin finish, ready for polish).

On soda blasting work we also agree the correct medium for the job.

Do you handle on-site work as well as workshop work?

Yes. We do both. Many items can be processed in our workshop, and we also provide on-site services within our working area when access, size, or disruption makes that the better option.

Vapour blasting (aqua blasting / slurry blasting)

What is vapour blasting?

Vapour blasting (also known as aqua blasting or slurry blasting) is a wet blasting technique that cleans and refines surfaces using a water/abrasive slurry. It’s especially popular for engine and gearbox parts because it produces a consistent, clean “as new” look without the harshness associated with some dry blasting.

What materials can be vapour blasted?

Common materials we work with include aluminium, bronze, magnesium, titanium, brass, copper, steel and stainless steel.

Will vapour blasting damage gasket faces or delicate surfaces?

Vapour blasting is described as gentle and non-erosive, and the process is specifically positioned as safe for sensitive items such as carburettors and surfaces where you don’t want damage to gasket faces.

Does vapour blasting embed media into the part?

One of the stated benefits is “no embedding of abrasive media”, which is one reason it’s preferred for precision components.

What finish does vapour blasting leave?

Vapour blasting typically leaves a consistent satin finish. Blast King also notes the finish can be a strong base for polishing or applying protective coatings.

What’s your vapour blasting process?

The website outlines a structured, multi-step workflow. In summary: parts may be stripped (bearings/internal parts removed if necessary), then hot washed/degreased, coatings may be removed via chemical stripping or shot blasting as required, followed by the vapour blast itself, and finally thorough cleaning and drying. Short-term protective treatments can be applied where appropriate (particularly important to discuss on ferrous metals).

Do you offer more than “just blasting” for parts?

Yes — the site references that what people call “sandblasting” can involve a much deeper process and may include steps like hot washing and ultrasonic cleaning alongside the vapour blasting stage itself, agreed in advance.

Soda blasting

What is soda blasting used for?

Soda blasting is commonly used for beam cleaning, listed buildings, vehicle paint stripping, building restoration and metal cleaning. It’s also effective for removing paints, powder coatings, scale, dirt, grime, graffiti, and fire/smoke damage.

Can you remove graffiti?

Yes — graffiti removal is specifically listed as an application for soda blasting.

Is soda blasting suitable for older buildings and sensitive surfaces?

Soda blasting is highlighted for work on listed buildings and sensitive restoration jobs, where you typically want removal of coatings/contaminants without aggressive damage to the underlying surface.

Do you use professional soda blasting equipment?

Yes. Blast King states it uses Micro Blasting and Micro Strip equipment designed for soda blasting (and also capable of using other media), and that the correct medium is agreed for the work.

Do you do small jobs, or only big commercial projects?

Both. The site references a broad backlist ranging from classic cars and light aircraft through to house beams and masonry, plus industrial work such as glass-lined chemical reactor vessels, and on-site work like cleaning/painting of guard rails and pedestrian lights.

Exterior cleaning and brickwork

Do you clean brickwork and exterior surfaces?

Yes. Blast King describes low pressure fine abrasive cleaning as a solution for renovating brickwork and exterior features, removing accumulated dirt and moss to reveal fresher brickwork.

Is it always abrasive blasting for brickwork?

Not necessarily. The right approach depends on the substrate, the soiling, and what finish you want. The site also references offering additional methods such as DOFF cleaning and dust free blasting alongside soda/glass bead approaches.

Paint and furniture stripping

Do you offer paint stripping for doors, furniture and household items?

Yes. Blast King promotes paint and furniture stripping services and references applications including internal/external doors and frames, fireplaces, tables and chairs, beds/cupboards, shutters, benches/church pews, radiators/metal items and more.

Can you deal with lead paint safely?

The paint stripping page states Blast King handles paint removal and associated health and safety concerns, including lead paint removal and disposal.

Vehicle restoration

What vehicles do you restore?

Blast King specialises in restoring retro, classic, vintage and veteran cars, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles.

Do you manage restorations end-to-end?

Yes. The service is positioned as project-managed, from survey and planning through to rebuild, refinish, reassembly and road testing, supported by in-house facilities and a network of trusted specialists.

What does your restoration process look like?

The website lists a clear process, including: disassembly to a bare shell/chassis, stripping sub-assemblies (engine/gearbox/diff), a comprehensive survey, a custom project plan with pricing/timelines, appointing specialists, rebuilding/refinishing and painting/rust-proofing, then reassembly, setup/running-in/fine-tuning, safety checks (including MOT if required), and finally a detailed road test.

Practical questions: pricing, prep, turnaround

How do quotes work?

Blast King offers a free quote service. For the fastest, most accurate quote, provide: photos, dimensions, material type, what needs removing, and what finish you want.

Are you the cheapest?

Blast King notes it is not usually the cheapest, but focuses on delivering strong results on time and within agreed budgets.

How long will my job take?

Turnaround depends on the item size, condition, coatings present, and the method required (some jobs involve multiple prep stages such as degreasing and stripping before blasting). If you’re on a deadline (paint booth booking, rebuild date, property handover), tell us when you request the quote so we can schedule accordingly.

Do I need to strip my parts before bringing them in?

It depends. Some components may need removal of bearings/seals or internal parts. Blast King’s process description notes parts may be stripped where necessary before cleaning/blasting steps begin. If you’re unsure, ask — we’ll advise what you should remove and what we can handle.

Should I wash parts again after blasting?

For certain processes/media, the site advises rewashing parts before fitting, as a sensible precaution.

Can you work to a specific finish for coating or painting afterwards?

Yes — blasting and surface prep is often done specifically to prepare for paint, powder coat, polishing or protective coatings. Tell us your next step and we’ll aim for the surface profile and cleanliness that suits it.

Still have a question?

If you’d like a quote or want advice on the best method (vapour blasting vs soda blasting vs other cleaning options), contact Blast King with a couple of photos and a short description of the job.