Good questions
What is dry ice blasting, exactly?
The short version: solid CO₂ pellets hit a surface at supersonic speed, sublimate instantly, and take the grime with them. Here’s the longer version.
Dry-ice blasting uses solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) pellets or micro-particles, accelerated at supersonic speeds toward the surface being cleaned. On impact, the pellets sublimate — converting directly from a solid to a gas — lifting dirt and contaminants off the underlying substrate without abrading it.
- Dry-ice pellets are propelled at high speed toward the target surface.
- On impact, the pellets sublimate immediately, transferring minimal kinetic energy to the surface itself.
- The sublimation absorbs heat from the surface, creating shear stress through thermal shock.
- Microscopic shock waves assist in separating contaminants from the substrate.
- Environmentally friendly — dry ice is a reclaimed byproduct of other industrial processes.
- Nonabrasive — unlike sandblasting, it doesn’t erode the surface underneath.
- Non-conductive & nonflammable — safe on electrical components and in sensitive areas.
- Non-toxic — approved by the EPA, FDA and USDA.
- No secondary waste — the ice sublimates, leaving no chemical residue behind.
- Reduced employee exposure — minimizes contact with harsh chemical agents.
Because the process is nonabrasive and non-conductive, it’s a common choice for engine bays and undercarriages where original paint, factory wiring, hoses and gaskets need to stay intact. Take a look at our completed projects to see the results on Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Corvette and other engine bays.
We’re based in Greenville, NY, serving the surrounding Hudson Valley. Reach out with your location and job details on the contact page and we’ll confirm whether we can get to you.
Call or email with a few photos and a description of the job, and we’ll follow up directly — no obligation. Details on the contact page.