FAQ
Questions & clearing up misconceptions
Short answers about the laser, the mess, and how to get a quote.
What is laser cleaning, actually?
A fiber laser pulses energy onto the surface. Rust, paint, grease, varnish, or soot absorb that energy and flash to vapor. The solid material underneath reflects enough of it that the beam stops there. Nothing abrasive touches the piece.
Will it damage the metal, wood, or brick?
When the settings are properly calibrated, the laser removes the contaminant and leaves the substrate without any damage. The laser is safe to use on metal, carved wood, and masonry, and more, and will not warp, mar, burn, or scuff the material underneath. When the material is precious or unknown, we do a small and unnoticeable test patch to ensure the settings are correct before proceeding.
What can you take off?
Rust and oxidation on metal. Paint and coatings on wood, metal, and stone. Varnish, clear coat, and oil-based wood finish. Baked-on kitchen grease. Industrial oil and grime. Graffiti and soot on masonry. If your gunk isn’t on that list, send a photo anyway. We might still be able to help!
Do I drop it off, or do you come to me?
Either. Shop drop-off is great for furniture, parts, and anything that fits in a vehicle. Mobile cleaning is for buildings, equipment that shouldn’t move, and jobs that are easier on-site. We can bring a generator if you don’t have a power hookup.
Where do you work?
The Greater Rochester Area, with travel farther out when the job makes sense. Tell us the city on the quote form and we’ll be straight about whether we can get there.
How do you quote a job?
Photos, material, what needs to come off, and a rough size. That’s enough to start. Every surface behaves a little differently, so we don’t publish a one-size price list. Send the form and we’ll come back with a plan.
Is it messy? How long does it take?
Compared with blasting or chemical stripping, barely. No grit pile to sweep up, no solvent smell, no curing for days. Laser restoration is fast. Most restorations are dramatically faster than sanding or grinding, especially when the shape isn’t flat. Bigger jobs still take the time they take; we’ll say so up front.
Can you clean antiques, furniture, or delicate parts?
Yes! That’s one of the reasons laser beats a sander. Irregular surfaces, hardware, carvings, and thin sections are where laser restoration is the best choice. We’ll still treat heirlooms like heirlooms: proper analysis, test patches, and gentle care.