Nothing brings a surface back to life quite like a good sandblasting session. This is a tried-and-true method that’s been around for centuries and one that offers many benefits. That’s why this blog is dedicated to unpacking exactly what those benefits are.
If you’re considering contracting a professional sandblasting service, stick around to find out if it’s the perfect tool for your particular job.
What is Sandblasting?
This is a process that propels fine particles via pressurised air against a surface. You might know this technique as sandblasting, but it’s also called abrasive blasting because the service has evolved so much that many different particles (or ‘abrasive media’) are now used, each with its own best applications.
The goal of a sandblasting service is to remove old finishes, rust, corrosion, or stubborn contaminants from a surface that needs cleaning. Think rusted metal, old painted walls, body panelling on a car: the list goes on!
Interestingly enough, this technique is just over 150 years old. A man named Benjamin Chew Tilghman patented a sandblasting service technique after observing how wind abrasion could affect glass panes, and the practice has evolved steadily ever since.
These days, companies like ours use sandblasting to clean and refinish surfaces for a variety of different reasons.
Common applications of sandblasting:
- Metal restoration, which allows us to remove rust, paint, or an ages-old tarnish to leave a stunning polish behind.
- Paint preparation, by creating a smooth surface that will take new coatings easily.
- Surface cleaning, which can blast almost anything off your walls, pavements, or machinery.
- Auto-restoration, which strips old paint off car panels to prepare them for spraying.
What materials are used for a sandblasting service?
As we mentioned, a team like ours may use particles like garnet, steel grit, glass beads, or even vapour to achieve the desired effect.
- Steel grit is excellent for heavy-duty cleaning, but we only recommend this service for industrial purposes where the surfaces can take some punishment.
- Garnet blasting is ideal if you’re looking for something effective that also takes the environment into consideration.
- Vapour blasting is best for the most delicate surfaces because the inclusion of water alongside the blasting media cushions the surface against scratches or other damage.
One of the most important parts of the equation when it comes to sandblasting is safety. The high pressure and sharp particles can be very dangerous in inexperienced hands, and the dust or contaminants blasted off a surface can be dangerous to inhale. This is why we always recommend contracting a professional sandblasting service to have your job completed as safely as possible (and likely much quicker than tackling it yourself!).
Key Benefits of a Sandblasting Service
If you’re here with us now, you’re likely exploring whether sandblasting would be the right option for the project or clean-up you have in mind. We don’t have to tell you that your equipment or premises matter, you already know the value of keeping them in excellent shape.
Instead, let’s unpack some of the benefits choosing sandblasting will unlock for you.
Provides exceptional cleaning.
As we said, there’s nothing like sandblasting to remove contaminants from a surface. The high pressure combined with the small abrasive media will strip absolutely anything away from your equipment or surfaces, penetrating into nooks and crannies the way that chemical strippers or manual sanding just can’t do.
Reduces equipment turnover.
If your equipment or surfaces are not regularly serviced, they’re likely to fail on you much faster than they would otherwise. Rather than shelling out for a new piece of equipment every few years or so, investing in sandblasting will make sure your equipment or facility surfaces function beautifully for as long as possible.
Helps new coatings go the distance.
If you want a new protective coating or paint job to last a long time, then your surface needs to be properly prepared. A sandblasting service strips away old paint and makes the surface smooth enough to take on new paint, allowing it to adhere solidly for years to come.
Minimises waste and environmental impact.
Lastly, the right team can make sure sandblasting minimises waste and environmental impact by managing the accumulation of abrasive media and blasted dust. It’s an art and a science, but one well worth the effort.
So, at the end of the day, what is sandblasting? It’s a cleaning technique, a go-to method for surface preparation, and an excellent choice for businesses and homeowners across the board. From reducing the turnover of your equipment to preparing old surfaces for a new coat of protective paint, there are many benefits to choosing sandblasting.
If you’re unsure about whether this is the right approach for you, get in touch with us to find out more.
Choose Hamilton Blast and Paint for your sandblasting service.
For Hamilton businesses and homeowners, there’s no better option than us! We’ll bring the blasting to you with our mobile blasting and painting setup so you can sit back and relax as your surfaces are restored.
Get in touch with us today for a free estimate!