Sandblasting involves using pressurized air to launch abrasive media towards a surface at high speeds. This is a useful technique for smoothing out rough surfaces, removing old finishes or contaminants, and preparing a surface for a new coating. There are several mediums available for this process, and to select the right one for a project, you need to understand the different options and which are best suited for specific applications. Here are a few of the most common types of materials used.

A Guide to Sandblasting Mediums

1. Steel 

Media made from steel comes in either shot or grit form. This is often preferred for stripping and cleaning metal surfaces of rust, paint, or scale and getting them ready to receive an epoxy coating. It leaves a smooth, polished finish that allows the paint to adhere more easily. 

2. Plastics

One of the softer sandblasting materials is plastic. This makes it ideal for sensitive surfaces, such as those in the automotive, marine, and aerospace industries, as it will remove paint from fiberglass parts without causing damage.

3. Glass Beads 

For smooth, bright finishes, glass beads can be a great choice. Typically, they’re made from soda-lime glass and are recyclable, which makes them a more economical option. They work well for general cleaning, brightening cabinets, removing fungus and calcium deposits from tiles, removing automotive paint, and polishing aluminum, steel, propellers, and castings.

4. Silicon Carbide

The toughest sandblasting jobs frequently require silicon carbide. This is the hardest medium option, and it has an aggressive cutting potential that works fast for etching hard surfaces, such as stone or glass. It’s also efficient at removing paint and rust that have adhered to a surface for an extended period.

If you have a sandblasting project that needs to be completed, turn to Steve’s Pressure Cleaning and Sandblasting Inc. They can help determine what material is most suitable to ensure the best results. Based in Harrison, OH, they’ve been providing high-quality abrasive blasting for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout the Greater Cincinnati area for more than two decades. Call (513) 615-2871 to request an estimate, or visit them online for more information about their services.