Laser Cleaning FAQ

Laser cleaning uses a focused beam of light to remove rust, paint, coatings, grease, soot, graffiti and other contaminants from a surface. The contaminant absorbs the laser energy and is vaporized or lifted off, while the clean material underneath reflects the beam and is left intact. It is a dry, non-contact, chemical-free process.

No. Gulf South Laser is an industrial surface cleaning and restoration company. We remove rust, paint, coatings, grease, soot, mold and graffiti from metal, masonry, stone and wood. We do not provide any medical, skin, hair or cosmetic laser services.

We are at 1500 Seminole Ave., Unit A, Metairie, LA 70005. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Phone (504) 913-0520, email info@gulfsouthlaser.tech.

Yes. Gulf South Laser is a mobile service. Our trailer-mounted laser unit comes to shops, plants, yards, docks, job sites, commercial properties and homes across Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner, Harahan, Gretna, Slidell and the surrounding parishes.

We run an American-made pulsed fiber laser cleaning system built by Clean Laser Technologies in Jackson, Mississippi, with fume extraction. Pulsed lasers deliver high peak power in very short bursts, which removes contamination with minimal heat input to the part.

No, when it is set correctly for the material. The settings are chosen so the contaminant absorbs the energy and the base material does not. We start with a test spot on every job so you see the result on your own surface before we do the whole area.

Steel, stainless, aluminum, cast iron, wrought iron, bronze and other metals; brick, block, mortar, concrete, cast stone, marble, granite and limestone; and wood, including beams, millwork and boat brightwork. If you have a material not listed, ask.

Rust and corrosion, mill scale, paint, primer, powder coat, epoxy, varnish, stain, sealers, grease, oil, carbon, soot, smoke staining, surface mold, graffiti, efflorescence and biological growth.

The laser is operated by a trained technician with proper eye protection, shielding and fume extraction. The work area is controlled while we are cleaning. Because there are no chemicals and no blast media, the process removes the two biggest hazards of traditional surface cleaning.

Yes. No chemicals, no water, no sand or grit, and no runoff. The only waste is the contaminant itself, captured by the extraction unit.

It depends on the size of the area and how heavy the contamination is. A single gate or a tagged wall is often done in an hour or two. A large structure or a full set of kitchen hoods takes longer. We give you a time estimate with the quote.

Yes. Laser cleaning leaves a dry, residue-free surface. Most primers and coatings go straight on. If your coating spec calls for a specific blast profile, tell us and we will advise.

Sandblasting removes contamination by abrasion, which also removes some of the surface and fills the area with dust and spent media. Laser cleaning removes only the contaminant, with no abrasive and no media to clean up. Sandblasting still makes sense for very large, heavy steel where a rough profile is wanted; laser cleaning is better for precision, thin material, detailed parts, masonry, indoor work and anything where dust is a problem.

Chemical strippers soak into the material, need dwell time, and leave residue that has to be neutralized and disposed of. Laser cleaning is dry and immediate, with no residue.

Both add water or media to the surface and spread the contamination around. Laser cleaning is dry and contained, which matters on soot, mold and graffiti jobs where washing drives the problem deeper.

A pulsed laser delivers energy in short, high-power bursts with very little heat going into the part, which is ideal for cleaning. A continuous-wave laser delivers steady energy and heat, which suits cutting and welding but not precision cleaning. We use a pulsed system.

Pricing is based on the size of the area, the type and thickness of the contamination, how accessible the surface is, and the location of the job. Most quotes can be given from photos. Call (504) 913-0520 or email info@gulfsouthlaser.tech.

Small jobs are welcome, especially in Metairie and the immediate New Orleans area. For jobs farther out, such as the Northshore, we generally group work by trip. Call and we will find a slot.

Most jobs in the metro area are scheduled within the week. Graffiti and other time-sensitive work can often be handled sooner.

Yes. We work with restoration contractors, property managers, hood service companies and fabricators, and we provide before and after documentation and written quotes for insurance claims.