Laser cleaning removes dirt without touching the material underneath. The equipment emits pulses of light that the layer of dirt, paint or rust absorbs and sheds, while the stone, brick or metal, with the settings properly adjusted, is not affected.
At Catalana de Rehabilitació we specialise in this technique to clean facades, remove graffiti, restore natural stone, remove rust and conserve historic buildings, for owners’ associations (comunidades de propietarios), shops, businesses and private clients.
Why laser
No wear
There is no abrasion or friction: only the layer of dirt is removed, and the texture, carving and patina are preserved.
Dry
No water: it does not cause leaks into homes or rust on metal.
No chemicals
It uses no acids or solvents that stain glass, railings or the pavement.
Precise
It reaches mouldings, reliefs and delicate areas where other systems cannot work without risk.
What we clean
Facades in stone, exposed brick, concrete and single-coat render, blackened by pollution.
Graffiti and tags on facades, entrances, shop shutters and street furniture.
Natural stone: black crusts, soot, green algae and old paint.
Metal: rust, paint and residue on structures, wrought iron, machinery and boats.
Heritage and monuments: historic buildings, sculptures and ornamental features.
We have also worked on less common surfaces, such as swimming pools, joinery and industrial components.
Laser versus traditional methods
| Laser | Pressure washing | Sandblasting | Chemicals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wear on the material | None | Moderate | High | Can attack it |
| Risk of water ingress | No | Yes | No | Low |
| Waste | Dust extracted on the spot | Water and sludge | Sand and dust | Chemical residue |
| Precision on detail | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| Heritage and delicate stone | Suitable | With limitations | Not recommended | With limitations |
How we work
Material analysis
We identify the substrate (stone, brick, metal, wood, etc.) and the type and thickness of the dirt.
Trial on an inconspicuous area
We adjust the power and frequency to the point where the dirt disappears and the material is left intact, and we check the result with you.
Safe work area
We cordon off the area, wear laser-specific eye protection and extract the particles with high-efficiency filters.
Cleaning and inspection
We clean progressively and check the result; if needed, we leave the surface ready for further treatment.
Free trial: before you decide, we carry out a trial clean on an inconspicuous area of your facade or your piece, so that you can see the result on your own material.
If you would like to learn about the technique in depth, you can download our eco-friendly laser cleaning dossier (PDF, in Spanish).
From Viladecavalls (Barcelona) we work across Spain and on international projects.
Have a similar project?
We visit you, assess the building and give you a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Laser cleaning FAQs
What is laser cleaning?
A technique that removes dirt, paint, rust or pollution using high-energy pulses of light. The dirty layer absorbs the energy and comes away (a process called ablation), while the material underneath, with the equipment properly set, is not affected. It uses no water, no chemicals and no abrasives.
Does laser cleaning damage the surface?
Not if the settings are properly adjusted to the material. That is why we start with an analysis and a trial on an inconspicuous area: we find the exact point at which the dirt is removed and the substrate is left intact, and only then do we clean the rest.
Is it more expensive than traditional cleaning?
Per square metre it can cost a little more than pressure washing, but it does not wear the material, it does not cause water ingress, there is no need to protect windows and pavements from water and chemicals, and the result lasts longer. The price depends on the surface area, the type of dirt and access; we give you a quote after the trial.
Is it safe for residents and passers-by?
Yes. We cordon off the work area, our technicians wear laser-specific eye protection and we extract the particles right at the point of work with high-efficiency filters. As no water or chemicals are used, there is no splashing and no sludge on the pavement.
Do you do trials before we commit?
Yes, we carry out a free trial on your own material so that you can see the result before you decide.
