Laser Cleaning Surface Testing & Substrate Performance Evaluation Report

By: Lidar America Inc. Laser Cleaning & Restoration OC, Laser Cleaning Surface Testing & Substrate Performance Evaluation Report

1. Executive Summary

This report documents the performance evaluation of precision laser ablation technology on various substrates. Our testing confirms that nanosecond fiber laser pulses effectively remove surface contaminants including rust, oxidation, and biological growth while maintaining the structural integrity of underlying materials. The process remains 100% chemical-free and environmentally sustainable.

2. Scope of Testing

The scope encompasses a comparative analysis across multiple substrate types—including municipal concrete, historical masonry, and structural steel. Testing parameters focused on ablation efficiency, thermal affect zones (HAZ), and surface profile retention post-cleaning. All tests were conducted in controlled environments using both pulsed and continuous-wave laser systems to identify optimal power densities for specific material classes.

Masonry

Retaining Wall Block

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
95% removal. Deep pigments removed with no measurable erosion or pitting.

Before

After

Concrete

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
100% removal. Deep pigments removed with no measurable erosion or pitting.

Before

After

Terracotta Flooring

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
95% removal. Porous material required extended dwell time for deeply embedded ink

Before

After

Metals

Steel

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
100% removal. Surface restored to clean bare metal without heat distortion.

Before

After

Copper

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
100% removal. Surface restored to clean bare metal without heat distortion.

Before

After

Chrome-Plated Metal & Chrome-Plated Plastic

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
100% removal. While maintaining a reflective finish, minor heat distortions.

Before

After

Before

After

Aluminum

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
100% spray paint removal and approximately 97% marker removal

Before

After

Hand Tools

Contaminants Tested: Heavy Rust

Results:
100% targeted rust removal, leaving clean functional steel.

Before

After

Ceramic

Glazed Ceramic Tile

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint & Permanent Marker

Results:
100% removal with glaze fully preserved..

Before

After

Wood

Contaminants Tested: Spray Paint, Mold, Varnish (Barniz) & Permanent Marker

Results:

Laser cleaning successfully removed spray paint, mold, mildew staining, and varnish while preserving the wood surface. Permanent marker (Sharpie) could not be completely removed because the ink penetrated the wood fibers beyond the effective laser ablation depth without risking substrate damage.