At Gransden, we specialise in safe and environmentally friendly antifouling removal for boats using dry ice blasting. Many marinas are now banning traditional blasting methods due to the mess and environmental impact they create. Dry ice blasting offers a clean, non-abrasive alternative, making it an ideal solution for boat owners.
Over time, repeated applications of antifouling paint without proper removal can lead to flaking, blistering, and hull damage, impacting your boat’s performance and longevity. Our dry ice blasting process effectively removes built-up antifouling layers without damaging the gel coat, leaving the surface intact and ready for final preparation before repainting or refinishing.
For modern antifouling systems such as Coppercoat, it is essential to fully remove all old layers of paint before application. Our dry ice blasting paint removal is the perfect way to prepare your boat for new coatings, ensuring a clean, smooth surface for optimal adhesion and long-lasting protection.
For a professional, eco-friendly antifouling removal solution, trust Gransden Dry Ice Blasters to keep your boat in top condition.
At Gransden Dry Ice Blasting, our marine cleaning process is designed to tackle the toughest jobs with precision and care. We use dry ice blasting to treat vertical surfaces such as hull sides, rudders, and trim tabs without causing damage.
The process harnesses frozen CO₂ pellets which, on impact, “shock‑freeze” any existing anti foul paint or marine growth, making it possible to effectively remove multiple layers of coating in one go.
There’s no abrasive grit or water involved, so we avoid harming the underlying structure or gel coat while ensuring a thorough clean.
Once the dry ice pellets make contact, they sublimate instantly, turning from solid to gas and lifting away old anti foul coatings and contaminants. This leaves behind a clean surface ready for re‑inspection or re‑application of protective layers.
We meticulously blast to the original substrate, whether that’s metal, GRP, or wood, revealing any hidden issues such as blisters or corrosion.
Our method avoids secondary waste, making disposal simpler and far more environmentally friendly than traditional blasting or chemical stripping.
Dry ice blasting offers a gentle but highly effective alternative to chemical paint stripper methods or abrasive blasting, especially when removing anti fouling from sensitive areas of a vessel. Because the dry ice sublimates on impact, we leave no wet residue or hazardous cleaning media behind.
This ensures that once the process is complete, the hull is dry, clean, and ready for the next stage of maintenance, whether that’s inspection, repair or marine strip preparation, all without the mess or downtime typical of other approaches.
Another major advantage is that dry ice blasting is remarkably efficient. It can effectively remove multiple layers of anti foul paint and anti foul coatings in a single pass, which saves time and reduces labour.
The process is very controlled: we can target specific areas or gently clean broad expanses, preserving structural integrity and avoiding damage to the surface.
That makes it particularly well suited for boats where maintaining the original hull finish or geometry is critical, and where other methods might risk scarring or weakening the substrate.
Before applying a fresh layer of anti fouling stripper designed for marine use, proper surface preparation is essential to ensure long-lasting results.
Our process begins with a careful inspection and test patch to assess the condition of the hull and determine the best approach. Any loose or flaking paint is removed using dry ice blasting or repeated scraping, leaving the surface clean and smooth.
This ensures that the new coating adheres properly and prevents premature peeling or blistering, even on virtually any surfaces found on boats, from metal to GRP.
We also pay attention to the consistency of any chemical products used, applying them in a light paste consistency where required, so the product remains active long enough to break down stubborn residues.
After treatment, a pressure washer is used to rinse away remaining debris, providing a clean and receptive surface for the next layer of anti fouling.
This careful preparation maximises the lifespan of the new coating and ensures a professional, durable finish for every vessel we service.
