How Much Does Dry Ice Blasting Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

In the UK, professional automotive dry ice blasting typically ranges from £500 for small targeted areas to £2,000–£5,000+ for full underbody preservation projects, depending on vehicle type, condition and protection level. The variation exists because “dry ice blasting” can mean very different things – from light cleaning of accessible components to comprehensive, condition-led underbody preparation followed by long-term rust protection. Understanding what you are actually paying for is key.

What Determines the Cost of Dry Ice Blasting?

Dry ice blasting pricing is influenced by five main factors:

1. Scope of Work

Cleaning a single component is very different to removing wheels, arch liners and undertrays to access the full underbody, suspension and structural sections. Full underbody preservation requires significant preparation time before blasting even begins. Access determines outcome.

2. Vehicle Type & Complexity

Classic cars, performance vehicles and 4x4s often require:

• More masking
• Greater access time
• Detailed inspection
• Higher dry ice consumption

Larger vehicles naturally require more labour and material.

3. Condition of the Vehicle

Vehicles with heavy contamination, failing underseal or active corrosion require:

• Additional preparation
• Increased dry ice pellet usage
• Rust stabilisation after blasting
• Extended protection application time

Dry ice blasting removes contamination and loose corrosion. Deeper corrosion must then be stabilised correctly before protection can be applied. Preparation determines longevity.

4. Level of Protection Applied

Short-term wax systems differ significantly from multi-year underbody coatings or ceramic protection systems.
Common UK protection options include:

• Clear anti-corrosion wax systems (2+ years typical use)
• Black long-term underbody wax systems (5–10 years+ depending on use)
• Premium ceramic underbody coatings (5–10 years depending on use)
• Cavity wax injection into structural sections

The more robust the system, the more preparation, masking and curing time required.

5. Workshop Standards & Documentation

There is a significant difference between an hourly blasting service and a structured preservation workshop
Professional preservation projects typically include:

• Vehicle health assessment
• Removal of undertrays and liners
• Correct masking
• Rust stabilisation curing time
• Protection applied to manufacturer specification
• Digital photo and video documentation
• Written treatment plans
• Preservation guarantees on qualifying packages

These standards increase labour time, but they help protect long-term vehicle value.

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Realistic Dry Ice Blasting Cost Ranges in the UK (2026)

While prices vary between providers, current UK ranges are generally:

Targeted component cleaning:
£500 – £750

Full underbody & arches with protection:
£1,000 – £2,000+

Comprehensive preservation including engine bay, cavity wax and long-term coatings:
£3,000 – £4,000+

If you are seeing significantly lower prices, it is important to understand what level of preparation and protection is included – and what is not.

Why Professional Dry Ice Blasting Costs More Than Traditional Methods

Dry ice blasting requires:

• Industrial blasting machinery
• High-output compressed air systems
• Specialist safety equipment
• Skilled technicians
• High dry ice pellet consumption
• A controlled workshop environment

More importantly, when used correctly for underbody rust removal and preservation, it is part of a structured process – not a standalone cleaning service. The goal is not cosmetic improvement.The goal is controlled preparation for long-term protection.

How We Approach Dry Ice Blasting & Preservation

At our workshop, dry ice blasting is never treated as an isolated service.

Every project begins with inspection and consultation. Wheels, liners and undertrays are removed where required to allow proper access. Surfaces are prepared carefully before protection is selected based on how the vehicle is used and stored.

We document the process with digital photo and video and provide a written treatment plan so owners understand the condition of their vehicle and the work carried out. Vehicle hold time is typically around five working days to allow for correct preparation, stabilisation curing and protection application. Signature-level preservation projects may take longer. The objective is not speed. It is controlled, long-term preservation.

Is Dry Ice Blasting Worth It?

For simple cosmetic cleaning, it may not be necessary.

For underbody preservation in the UK climate – where road salt and moisture accelerate corrosion – dry ice blasting is widely regarded as one of the safest preparation methods available.

It:

• Removes road salt and contamination
• Lifts oil and grease deposits
• Eliminates loose surface corrosion
• Removes failing underseal
• Does not thin sound metal
• Introduces no moisture
• Leaves no blasting media behind

When followed by correct rust stabilisation and protection, it forms the foundation of long-term corrosion control.

Is Dry Ice Blasting Good for Cleaning Cars?

Yes – when carried out correctly, dry ice blasting is one of the safest and most effective methods for cleaning vehicle underbodies, engine bays and complex mechanical assemblies.

It is particularly suited to vehicles where preserving original finishes, factory coatings and structural integrity is important.

Dry ice blasting removes contamination by thermal shock and controlled kinetic energy rather than abrasion. The solid CO₂ pellets sublimate on impact, meaning they turn directly into gas. This leaves no secondary blasting media behind and introduces no moisture into the vehicle.

Why It’s Dry Ice Blasting Used in Automotive Preservation?

Non-Abrasive Cleaning
Removes road salt, oil contamination, loose corrosion and failing underseal without thinning metal or stripping sound factory coatings.

Dry Process
No water is introduced, which is especially important when preparing an underbody for rust stabilisation and long-term protection systems.

No Residual Media
Unlike grit or sand blasting, there is no embedded abrasive material left in seams, suspension components or engine bays.

Access to Complex Areas
Effective on suspension arms, subframes, chassis rails, engine bay assemblies and intricate components that are difficult to clean thoroughly using conventional methods.

Material Compatibility
When applied at correct pressures, it can be used safely across metals, plastics, rubber components and electrical areas – making it well suited to modern and classic vehicles alike.

Dry ice blasting is not simply about achieving a cleaner appearance. It is a preparation method that exposes true surface condition so corrosion can be assessed, stabilised and protected correctly.

Does Dry Ice Cleaning Remove Rust?

Dry ice blasting removes loose surface rust, contamination and failing coatings. It is an excellent preparation method for rust treatment - but it does not rebuild metal or reverse structural corrosion.

The process lifts oxidation and debris without thinning sound metal or introducing moisture. This leaves a clean, dry surface that allows corrosion levels to be assessed accurately.

Where deeper corrosion is present, it must then be stabilised using an appropriate rust converter before rust protection is applied. Simply cleaning rust is not enough - active corrosion needs to be neutralised to prevent it continuing beneath coatings.

Compared to jet washing, which introduces water, or mechanical abrasion such as wire wheeling, which can be inconsistent and aggressive, dry ice blasting prepares the surface in a controlled way, making it ideal for underbody preservation.

Proper rust control follows three stages:

1. Preparation
2. Stabilisation
3. Protection

Dry ice blasting is the preparation stage – and preparation determines longevity.

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‍Is Dry Ice Blasting Worth the Investment?

The answer depends on what you are trying to achieve. If the goal is a quick cosmetic clean, there are lower-cost methods available.

If the goal is proper underbody preparation, accurate corrosion assessment and long-term rust protection, dry ice blasting is widely regarded as one of the safest and most effective preparation methods available.

It allows contamination, salt deposits and loose corrosion to be removed without thinning sound metal or damaging factory finishes. More importantly, it exposes the true condition of the vehicle so corrosion can be stabilised correctly before protection is applied.

For owners who intend to keep their vehicles long term – or who value originality and structural integrity – the investment is not simply in cleaning. It is in preparation, preservation and documented standards.

Dry ice blasting, when carried out as part of a structured preservation process, is not an expense for appearance. It is an investment in longevity.

If you’d like to see how the process works in practice, we’ve produced a short video showing how we dry ice blast, stabilise corrosion and apply protection systems in our workshop. You can watch it HERE

Final Thoughts

Dry ice blasting costs vary because the service itself varies. At the lower end, it may be used for light cleaning. At the higher end, it forms part of a structured underbody preservation process that includes inspection, stabilisation, protection and documentation. If you are looking for the lowest possible price, there are providers who focus purely on blasting. If you are looking for long-term preservation carried out methodically, transparently and with documented standards, the investment reflects that process.

If you would like to discuss your vehicle, we’re happy to talk through its condition and intended use before recommending an appropriate level of preservation.Request an instant quote or speak to our team directly to discuss your vehicle.

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