Laser Cleaning Services
Laser Rust Removal
Strip rust and corrosion down to clean, bare metal without grit, chemicals or damage to the part underneath.
Rust is the number one surface problem in South Louisiana. Heat, humidity, salt air and river moisture attack steel and iron year round, and the usual fixes (sandblasting, wire wheels, acid dips) are messy, slow and hard on the metal. Gulf South Laser removes rust with a pulsed fiber laser instead. The beam vaporizes the oxide layer and leaves the base metal clean, bright and ready for inspection, welding or coating.
We bring the equipment to you. Our mobile laser unit works on site in Metairie, New Orleans and across the surrounding parishes, so parts, equipment and structures are cleaned where they sit instead of being hauled to a blast yard.
What we remove
- Surface rust, flash rust and heavy scale
- Pitting corrosion on exposed steel
- Oxidation around welds, seams and fasteners
- Rust under failing paint and coatings
- Corrosion on marine hardware, railings and deck fittings
- Mill scale before fabrication or coating
Surfaces we work on
- Structural steel, beams and columns
- Pipe, valves, flanges and fittings
- Trailers, truck frames and heavy equipment
- Boat hulls, trailers, cleats and marine hardware
- Cast iron fencing, gates and architectural ironwork
- Tooling, dies, molds and machine parts
Why laser instead of blasting or chemicals
No abrasive media
There is no sand, grit or slag to contain and no spent media to dispose of. The only waste is the rust itself, captured by the fume extractor.
The metal stays intact
A pulsed laser removes the oxide without cutting into the parent metal. Thin sheet, machined faces, threads and weld areas keep their dimensions.
Clean in tight spaces
The laser is a handheld tool. It reaches corners, flanges, the inside of frames and areas where a blast nozzle has no room to work.
Ready for the next step
A laser-cleaned surface is dry and free of residue, so inspection, welding, priming or coating can follow right away.
How a job works
- Walkthrough or photos of the rusted area so we can match the laser settings to the metal and the corrosion.
- A test spot on the job, so you see the finish before we commit to the whole surface.
- Full removal with fume extraction running the whole time.
- Final check with you on site, and the surface is ready for coating, welding or service.
Who we serve
Where we work
Mobile service from our Metairie base across the New Orleans metro area and the Gulf South.
Laser Rust Removal: frequently asked questions
Does laser rust removal damage the metal?
No. A pulsed laser is tuned so the rust absorbs the energy and the clean metal underneath reflects it. Once the oxide is gone the beam has very little effect on the base metal, which is why laser cleaning is used on thin sheet, machined parts and welds that sandblasting would wear down.
Can you remove rust on site, or does the part have to come to you?
We come to you. Gulf South Laser is a mobile service covering Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner, Harahan, Gretna, Slidell and the surrounding parishes. Large structures, trailers, boats and installed equipment are cleaned in place.
Is the surface ready to paint after laser cleaning?
Yes. The laser leaves a dry, residue-free surface. Most coatings go straight on. If a specific anchor profile is required for a thick industrial coating, tell us and we can advise whether laser cleaning alone fits the spec.
How does laser rust removal compare to sandblasting?
Sandblasting is still a good choice for very large, heavy steel where a rough profile is wanted. Laser cleaning wins on precision, cleanliness and thin or detailed parts, and it does not fill the work area with dust. Our laser versus sandblasting page covers the tradeoffs in detail.
How much does laser rust removal cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the area, how heavy the rust is, how easy it is to reach, and where the job is. Send photos or call (504) 913-0520 and we will give you a quote.
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Get a quote for laser rust removal
Send a photo and a rough size and we will quote from it. Most metro-area jobs are scheduled within the week.