Sandblasting is an important component of surface preparation and industrial machine maintenance, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. There are a range of different sandblasting services, but the variety goes even deeper than that.
The different types of sandblasting media – the small particles blasted at surfaces to prepare them – can all be selected based on particular needs. Whether you’re looking into having your industrial machinery cleaned or considering which method to use for a vintage car restoration, you’re in the right place.
Stick around as we compare different sandblasting media, along with a quick brief on how the types of sandblasting services can influence which media are needed.
The Types of Sandblasting Services
There are three core types of sandblasting that we offer at Hamilton Blast & Paint, each one applicable to a different situation. They are vapour blasting, grit blasting, and garnet blasting. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Vapour Blasting
A gentle surface preparation technique that uses standard abrasive media but adds water to the process for a smooth glide. The water being sprayed alongside the media creates a cushion, protecting delicate surfaces from grit damage while allowing the particles to strip away any unwanted contaminants.
Grit Blasting
Next up is grit blasting. This high-impact surface preparation technique uses a particular kind of media called ‘grit’, which we will get into later. Grit is extremely effective for surfaces that can handle a tougher approach or heavily contaminated surfaces that need a new life.
Garnet Blasting
Finally, we offer garnet blasting as a natural and sustainable alternative – that doesn’t mean that this isn’t an effective method. Garnet is sharp and abrasive, perfect for preparing mid-range surfaces.
5 Common Sandblasting Media to Choose From
Aluminium Oxide
First and foremost, one of the most common media used for blasting and surface preparation is aluminium oxide. This extremely sharp and long-lasting media for sandblasting services is available in a variety of different hardness ratings. Even the grit sizes can be changed up to help blasters tackle a range of different projects.
One particular advantage of this type of media is that it’s known for being hardy. This is how it can be recycled and reused several times over before finally being disposed of.
Crushed Glass or Glass Beads
When it comes to sandblasting services, two types of glass media are available: crushed glass and glass beads.
The crushed glass media features jagged edges and a sharp, angular profile that makes it ideal for aggressive treatments The power of this media is that it contains no heavy metals or free silica, and the lightweight character of each grain means that blasters need much less materials to sufficiently prepare a surface.
Similarly, glass beads contain no heavy metals or silica. Rather than free-form crushed glass, these beads are made up of pre-formed ball shapes polished to a gleam. Where glass shards blast things away, glass beads polish surfaces to a smooth shine.
In both cases, the glass can be reused and recycled several times, making both options a fantastic choice for sustainable surface preparation.
Silicone Carbide
Next up, we have the toughest of all blasting media, silicone carbide. Known for cutting extremely quickly, this media starts life as a series of small blocks that splinter as they are driven into the surface being prepared.
Because this type of media is so sharp, it’s often used to etch stone and glass or to blast heavy layers of rust off durable surfaces. Despite the fact that this media breaks up on impact, it can be reused several times just as effectively as the first time, making it the most recyclable of the options on this list.
Steel Grit
Grit blasting is one of our most popular sandblasting services, offering a particularly aggressive approach to treating surfaces that can withstand some fairly harsh treatment. Steel grit removes a wide variety of contaminants, including everything from heavy layers of rust to old paint.
Garnet
Finally, we have garnet. This is an organic compound that is naturally abrasive, known for its hardiness and durability. We love using garnet in our practice because it offers a reusable, sustainable surface preparation method. On top of that, it is non-toxic, which, of course, makes using it much safer for both our blasters and the occupants of facilities in which surfaces are being blasted.
Across the board, we recommend checking in with the professionals providing your sandblasting services before selecting a particular kind of blasting media. Each one serves a unique purpose, and there are often certain surfaces that a particular media should not be used on to prevent any unnecessary harm.
Talk to the team at Hamilton Blast & Paint.
At Hamilton Blast & Paint, we’re proud to provide sandblasting services backed by years of experience and satisfied customers. Looking for something to be sandblasted on-site?
Book our mobile team for hassle-free on-site sandblasting, or talk to us about taking care of your sandblasting needs in our in-house facility.