What is Sandblasting?

Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting, is a process that uses high-pressure air to propel abrasive materials against a surface. This technique efficiently removes old coatings, corrosion, and contaminants, leaving a clean, textured surface that's ready for painting, sealing, or finishing.

 

Alternative Terms for Sandblasting

1. Abrasive Blasting
   General term that covers all types of blasting using abrasive materials (not just sand).
2. Media Blasting
   Emphasizes the use of various blasting media such as glass bead, garnet, or crushed glass.
3. Grit Blasting
   Refers specifically to blasting with angular particles like steel grit, garnet, or aluminium oxide for more aggressive cleaning.
4. Bead Blasting
   Uses glass beads or ceramic beads to clean or polish surfaces, often for a smoother or decorative finish.
5. Shot Blasting
   Typically used in industrial or automated settings, using steel shot or grit propelled by a wheel (not compressed air).
6. Dustless Blasting (or Wet Blasting)
   Combines water with abrasive to suppress dust, reduce heat, and protect delicate surfaces.
7. Vapor Blasting (also called Slurry Blasting)
   A form of wet blasting with a fine mist—ideal for delicate or detailed work like engine parts.
8. Soda Blasting
   A gentle method using sodium bicarbonate, commonly used on fiberglass, aluminium, or delicate surfaces.

 

 

Specialized Applications

At EP BLAST, we adapt our blasting techniques to suit a wide range of materials and industries. Whether you're restoring, cleaning, or preparing for coating, we deliver precision results on every job:

• Wood Restoration: Remove paint, stain, or weathered layers while preserving natural texture and detail.
• Fiberglass Blasting: Ideal for boats, RVs, and panels—safely strips coatings without damaging the surface.
• Glass Etching & Cleaning: Fine abrasives allow us to clean or frost glass with precision for decorative or industrial purposes.
• Antifouling Removal (Marine): Strip antifouling paint from boat hulls without harming fiberglass or gelcoat, ensuring clean prep for re-coating.
• Vehicle Restoration: Remove rust, paint, and undercoating from classic or modern vehicles—perfect for automotive restorers and body shops.
• Industrial Parts & Equipment: Clean machinery, tools, and components for maintenance, inspection, or repainting.
• Metal Structures: Prep steel beams, frames, and supports for painting or coating in construction and fabrication projects.
• Power Plant Components: Thoroughly clean turbines, casings, and metal surfaces to ensure efficiency and extend equipment lifespan.

 

 

Understanding Surface Cleanliness Grades – ISO 8501-1 Standards

In sandblasting, surface cleanliness is critical for proper coating adhesion and long-term durability. The ISO 8501-1 standard defines surface preparation grades as follows:

• SA 2.0 – Commercial Blast Cleaning:
  Removes most mill scale, rust, and old coatings. Some shadows or slight discoloration may remain. Suitable for many industrial applications.
• SA 2.5 – Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning:
  A more thorough clean than SA 2.0. At least 95% of the surface is free of all visible contaminants. Commonly used for protective coatings.
• SA 3.0 – White Metal Blast Cleaning:
  The highest standard of cleanliness. The surface appears uniformly metallic with no visible contaminants. Ideal for demanding environments like offshore or marine.

 

 

Common Abrasives We Use:

We select the right abrasive based on the material, finish, and purpose of each job:

• Garnet: Eco-friendly and effective on metal, concrete, and marine surfaces.
• Glass Bead: Gentle, ideal for polishing stainless steel, glass, and delicate metals.
• Crushed Glass: Excellent for removing paint and rust with minimal environmental impact.
• Aluminium Oxide: Aggressive cutting power for hard surfaces and detailed prep work.
• Walnut Shell or Soda: Low-pressure options perfect for wood, fiberglass, and sensitive surfaces.