Applications
ARMEX Cleaning and Coating Removal Systems can be used to remove virtually any coating from almost any surface.
Applications Spotlight
Contractor Registration
Register and be part of a growing number of successful contractors using the leading baking soda-based abrasive technology in the industry.

>> Register Here
800.332.5424
"Armex® ...industry's leading baking soda-based abrasive technology."
ARMEX® - Baking Soda Abrasives: News and Information - FAQs
What is Abrasive Blasting?
Abrasive blasting is pressurized air containing a suspended particulate that is projected at a surface for the purpose of removing a coating or contaminant.
What is ARMEX®?
ARMEX® is a baking soda based (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) media manufactured by the makers of ARM & HAMMER® Products. There are over a dozen formulations designed to meet specific surface preparation requirements.
Why use ARMEX®?
ARMEX® has many physical attributes and chemical benefits that make it uniquely suitable for certain applications.
Concern Attribute Benefit
Substrate Damage Relatively soft (2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, plastic is 3.5, glass is 5-6, sand is 7, aluminum oxide is 9. Safer for sensitive substrates. Safe to use around bearings and other rotating parts. Won't change surface characteristics. Micron sized for substrate considerations.
Particle Ingression and Residues Water Soluble Media available with SupraKleen® additive which enhances rinsing. Can be effectively rinsed from surfaces, passageways and tight contours.
Worker and Environmental Safety Benign pH of 8.2Non-toxic, non-hazardous, non- flammable (will not thermal spark) Many formulas USDA approved as an A-1 cleaner Minimizes exposure concerns for workers, and storage hazards. Industry compatible for controlled environments.
Waste Disposal Used with the specially engineered systems media use rates are less than other abrasives. (1/2 lb. - 2 lbs. a min). Less volume of waste generated. Depending on the coating removed waste can often be disposed of in sanitary landfill. Water solubility and buffering efficiencies allow for reuse in on-site waste-water treatment facilities.
Versatility and Dependability Uniquely formulated for specific applications in three micron sizes from 70-270.Backed by 160 years of bicarbonate experience. Readily available technical expertise. Test cleaning lab facility. On-going research and development. Dedicated distributor sales network partnering with regional contractors and industry.
What do I need?
Required Recommended
Pressure Vessel Engineered for baking soda abrasive, preferably with differential pressure and flow rate control.
Compressed Air Volume requirements dependent on blast pressure & nozzle size
Nozzle Select Nozzle Size and Type to fit application
ARMEX® Media Test application to select best formula or consult your ARMEX® distributor.
What are some of the different media uses?
ARMEX® standard, premium and specialty formulas are effective for cleaning precision components, engine rebuild applications, delicate substrates and composite materials, architecture and masonry, processing and manufacturing equipment. The profile formulas are effective when rust, heavy paint removal, or profiling is required and substrate preservation is not a concern.
Can I use regular baking soda like I see in the grocery store?
While all baking soda is chemically the same (NAHCO3) only ARMEX® is formulated for use as a blast media and only ARMEX® is manufactured by ARM & HAMMER®. Formulations contain uniform particle sizes from 70-270 microns, and ingredients for flowability and rinsabilty. The profile formulas are uniquely blended for more aggressive removal applications.
Can I recycle or re-use ARMEX®?
ARMEX® is considered a one-pass media. Unlike other abrasives it is extremely friable meaning that it fractures into much smaller particles upon impact. This not only results in a more intense cleaning action and softens the impact on substrates, but also transforms the particle to a fine dust no longer suitable for coatings removal. Using ARMEX® with the right equipment maximizes cleaning efficiencies and minimizes media use. For this reason users have found the ARMEX® process to be either more or as cost effective as other abrasive processes. In contrast, higher priced recyclable abrasives like plastic or glass bead, degenerate similarly to ARMEX® at blast pressures over 40 psi reducing their recyclability, though their cost remains much higher.
What do you do about the dust?
In air driven applications ARMEX® can be used dry or wet with water dust suppression. Depending on the application, other portable containment may be used to control dust, like negative air and air scrubbers. Available for full contained cabinet systems for production, and rebuild applications.
Can I use ARMEX® with my pressure washer?
Yes. There are media injection devices available to introduce ARMEX® into the water stream of your pressure washer These attachments are available through the authorized ARMEX® distributor network.
Are there any environmental or worker concerns?
Yes, all blasting operations must take into account not only the abrasive being used but also the coating being removed. The coating content will dictate other containment, waste disposal and worker safety requirements, but ARMEX® simplifies the concerns because it has a 0 HMIS rating. Care should always be taken for eyes, ears, and respiratory function during any blasing operations.
Will ARMEX® damage plants or grass?
One biological process that can be disturbed by the presence of any free sodium ion, including sodium bicarbonate is the process of photosynthesis. This process uses light in the presence of chlorophyll and water to convert carbon dioxide to sugars, used as nutrients for plant life. Depending on the type of plant, sodium bicarbonate can produce temporary discoloration or cause more serious damage.

The most easily upset plants are flowering shrubs, such as roses, azaleas, or lilac. Trees and grass typically turn brown, then recover in 4-6 months. Some plants are completely unaffected. The speed of any reaction with plant life can vary widely, depending on the type of plant.

To avoid damage to plants from blasting with ARMEX Blast Media:
  • Avoid contact between plants and blast media residue. Cover plants and prevent the liquid run-off from soaking the soil around plants.
  • If contact is unavoidable, the client should be aware that damage to plants can occur.

    To minimize damage:
    • Soak the soil and leaves thoroughly before blasting. It is best to use a sprinkler for 4-6 hours to completely soak the soil, leaves, and branches before blasting.
    • Continually rinse the leaves and prevent liquid run-off from soaking into the soil around the roots.
    • After blasting, continue to soak the leaves and soil to thoroughly flush the sodium bicarbonate away from the root structure. The amount of soaking after blasting depends on the amount of residue in contact with leaves and roots. The goal is to reduce the sodium ion concentration below 0.5 vol% on the leaf surfaces and around the roots so that any damage will be minimized.
What if I already have a blaster or cabinet?
ARMEX can be used in any equipment manufactured for baking soda blasting. You may even be able to get results with conventional sandblasters, but systems designed for soda blasting will certainly improve performance and cost efficiencies. Pressure systems will generally work better than suction systems. We also recommend that you investigate the use of the ARMEX Performance Nozzles especially if you are trying to strip heavy coatings.

Most cabinet systems are designed to recycle abrasives. ARMEX cannot be recycled as it is extremely friable and breaks down at any pressure. There are two consequences of this action that are addressed in a soda cabinet that are not addressed in conventional recycle cabinets. First of all the visibility around the work piece may be greatly reduced. This may not be a problem when doing one or two pieces periodically, but if you are interested in production blasting you need the visibility. Secondly, the dust collector may fill prematurely. As stated ARMEX breaks down on impact and therefore is considered a one-pass media. That means all the debris and spent media would bypass the cyclone separator and go directly to the dust collector, blinding it prematurely. In a cabinet system designed for soda, the cyclone drops out most of the debris, waste and spent media into a drum and only the very fine particulate goes to the dust collector, thus prolonging its use. The drummed waste if tested as a non-hazardous industrial waste can then go to a sanitary landfill. These are two good reasons to invest in a dedicated soda cabinet system rather than try to use or retrofit a recycling cabinet.
What is the cost per square foot for ARMEX®?
Strip rates vary greatly depending upon the application . It is strongly recommended that a representative test area be striped in order to project media use and cost. ARMEX® is sold only through a network of authorized distributors worldwide. Prices will vary according to volume purchased and specialty formulas are sold at higher prices. For a distributor in your area, click here

In cabinet systems the flow rate for ARMEX is usually between 1/2 to 1 lb per minute. Production rates will vary depending on the substrate and the soil. However, because of ARMEX's gentle strength it is possible to strip tough coatings and residues faster than other grits because you can work at higher pressures. ARMEX runs just as lean in portable applications usually between 1.5 and 2.5 lbs a minute. Depending on the work done strip rates can vary greatly. Paint removal will usually be slower but cleaning and light soil removal can be at 10 sq. ft. min or greater.
What if I just want someone to do the work?
ARMEX® is widely used among industrial and specialty cleaning contractors. ARMEX® distributors are closely associated with these contractors and can often recommend one in your area for your application.