The combination of impact energy and low temperatures (-110deg.F) of the co2 particles produce a thermal-kinetic effect that removes contaminates and coatings from the inside out, as opposed to chiseling, abrasive effects of grit blasting or chemicals. As the dry ice pellets impact the surface, they instantaneously sublimate and return to the atmosphere in their original gaseous state, leaving no residual blast media, thus eliminating grit entrapment and additions to the waste stream.