If you manage a warehouse, plant, or commercial facility, you’ve probably run into this issue: aging steel structures with old, flaking paint that needs attention. You can’t just paint over it and expect good results.
Old paint that’s peeling or damaged can cause problems like rust, weakened structures, and poor adhesion for any new coating. Taking the time to remove it properly can save you from expensive repairs or safety concerns later on.
Old coatings can hide rust or contamination that interferes with paint performance. Leaving them in place means risking corrosion, bubbling, and early coating failure. If your goal is long-term durability and safety, the first step should always be proper surface preparation.
How to strip paint from structural steel
There are a few ways to strip paint from structural steel, but one method clearly stands out: abrasive blasting. That includes sandblasting or ecoblasting, and both are used by professionals to remove old coatings and prepare the steel for new paint.
Sandblasting is a high-pressure process that blasts abrasive particles, like sand or steel grit, against the surface. This strips off old paint, removes rust, and creates a textured surface that helps the new coating stay in place. It’s quick, effective, and ideal for industrial settings.
Ecoblasting is similar, but it uses water along with the abrasive. This cuts down on dust and is better for enclosed spaces or environmentally sensitive areas. It’s a cleaner, quieter option when needed.
Safety is a big part of this process. Removing paint, especially if it contains older materials like lead, can release dangerous dust and debris. That’s why we use containment systems, proper protective gear, and follow all OSHA and EPA standards. It keeps everyone on-site safe and helps avoid legal or environmental issues.
At Southeast Painters, we’ve been working on industrial structures for over 30 years. When we prepare structural steel, we start by inspecting the surface to check the condition of the old coating and the steel underneath. Then we select the right removal method, sandblasting or ecoblasting, depending on your project’s needs.
We set up containment around the work area to keep your equipment, workers, and air clean. Once the space is ready, our trained crew performs the removal process and prepares the surface for coating, usually all in the same day.
We’ve handled everything from warehouse columns to school rooftops and understand how to do it without causing delays or problems for your daily operations.
Some people worry that blasting might damage the steel. When done correctly by professionals, that’s not the case. The pressure, equipment, and abrasive material are all chosen based on the job, and everything is adjusted to match the steel’s thickness and condition.
If your operations can’t shut down during the project, that’s okay too. We regularly schedule work during off-hours or divide projects into sections to limit disruption.
Time depends on the job size and coating condition, but smaller projects can often be done in a day or two, while larger ones may take a week.
What you want to avoid is skipping the prep entirely or trying to DIY it. Pressure washing won’t remove coatings or rust properly. Painting over rust leads to bubbling and flaking. And hiring someone without the right training can lead to damage, safety risks, or a job that needs to be redone.
We do this type of work in manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, public facilities, and more. If your steel is showing signs of wear, old paint, or rust, now is the right time to take care of it.
Old coatings don’t fix themselves. But we can fix them for you. Learn more about industrial painting here.
Call Southeast Painters at 423.266.6615
Serving Chattanooga and surrounding areas
Fill out our contact form, and we’ll respond quickly with a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you remove paint from steel that has rust underneath?
Yes. We remove both paint and rust during blasting, leaving a clean surface ready for new coatings. It’s the best way to make sure your paint lasts.
What happens if the old paint contains lead?
We follow all safety regulations for lead paint removal. Our team uses full containment, protective equipment, and certified disposal methods to keep your facility safe and compliant.
Is sandblasting too harsh for thin or delicate metal?
We can adjust our process for thinner or lighter steel. For sensitive materials, ecoblasting may be a better fit. Either way, we’ll use the right method for your project.
Do I need to move equipment or shut down operations before blasting?
Not always. We can work in sections, use barriers to protect nearby equipment, and schedule our work to avoid interfering with your day-to-day operations.
If you have more questions, get in touch with our team to help you solve them.
How soon after blasting can new paint be applied?
We usually apply coatings the same day. This prevents surface oxidation and keeps your project on schedule. Our team handles the full process so you don’t need to coordinate contractors.
