Sandblasting is the process of propelling abrasive materials forcibly toward a surface to clean a surface, roughen a smooth surface, smooth a rough surface, remove surface contaminants, such as rust, or it can even be used to shape a surface.
It works in a similar manner to how sandpaper works, where different levels of abrasive sands are rubbed against a surface to smoothen or roughen; however, where it is blasted by sand with machinery it is much faster, more efficient, and with a higher level of control.
What kind of sand is used?
Contrary to what some believe, you can’t just use any sand as it generally won’t have the correct abrasion or control of the quality of the sand. The most used sandblasting media is silica sand. It is good quality, inexpensive, abundant, and reusable to an extent. However, sand can be harmful to lungs, and it is not used as much present day. The term sandblasting has lasted over the years and it rarely applies to the actual use of sand anymore. Other materials are typically used when “sandblasting.”
Are there any other methods of sandblasting?
Wet sandblasting media is becoming much more accepted these days. It is like normal sandblasting but blasts the sand using a water jet. One of the benefits of wet sandblasting is that wet sandblasting cabinets produce a much lower frictional heat, massively reducing the risk of fire. It will also prevent any media particulates from becoming embedded in the surface you are blasting.
If you’re not too certain of which type of sandblasting medium you want then ask for advice from wherever you’re buying your sandblasting medium from. Every job has different needs, so it’s worth considering the different options available.
