Laser Paint Removal
Paint and organic coatings absorb laser energy strongly and are ablated cleanly from metal substrates. Unlike chemical stripping or abrasive blasting, laser paint removal is solvent-free and produces no abrasive waste — the paint is vaporised, leaving the underlying metal intact. Pulsed systems preserve delicate substrates; CW systems maximise throughput on robust steelwork. ApexLase supplies both to UK customers.
Paint Removal Applications
Automotive bodywork and panels
Classic and modern vehicle paint removal without heat warping or panel distortion. Pulsed laser removes multiple paint layers while protecting thin sheet steel.
Industrial structures and steelwork
Bridge sections, structural steel, and fabricated assemblies requiring paint stripping prior to inspection, recoating, or repair welding.
Aerospace and defence components
Selective paint removal from aerospace components where substrate integrity is critical and chemical stripping is incompatible with the material.
Marine hulls and topside paint
Paint removal from vessel hulls and topside metalwork. No media contamination of marina or shipyard environments.
Railway rolling stock
Paint stripping from carriage bodies, bogies, and structural sections during maintenance and overhaul without generating abrasive media.
Heritage and listed structures
Selective paint removal from architectural metalwork, railings, and heritage structures where chemical methods are restricted or undesirable.
Important: Fume Extraction for Paint Removal
Paint ablation generates combustion products including volatile organic compounds, pigment particles, and potentially heavy metal compounds from older coatings (lead-based, chromate-based). A suitable fume extraction unit with HEPA filtration and activated carbon is essential for laser paint removal operations — fume type and volume should be assessed for each application.
For older coatings where lead or chromate content is possible, appropriate respiratory PPE and hazardous waste management procedures apply in addition to extraction. ApexLase can advise on extraction requirements for your specific application.