Sandblasting is the most effective, valuable procedure in many applications for residential, industrial, and commercial use.
Whether you need to remove rust, prepare surfaces for painting, sandblasting is the ideal option to use.
However, sandblasting in the wrong hands and with the wrong media can fail to get the job done and even damage the surface.
There are so many different types of sandblasting media, and each media performs differently. Some of the most common ones are:
- Glass beads
- Aluminum oxide
- Plastics
- Sand
- Silicon carbide
- Walnut shells
- Corn cobs
- Coal slag
- Staurolite
- Steel shot & grit
All these blasting abrasives come in different shapes, sizes, densities, and hardness, and it is essential to know which one is right for a particular use. For example:
- Aluminum oxide is one of the best abrasives in removing paint from an object.
- You can also use a plastic abrasive to remove paint or clean fiberglass surfaces. Plastic is much softer than aluminum, so it will clean the surface without damaging the fiberglass underneath.
- For removing thinner coatings of paint, rust, scale elements and removing mold stuck to surfaces, staurolite is a go-to media abrasive. It’s preferred because it allows the operator to see the cleaning clearly as it produces less dust.
- For a more cosmetic finish on glass surfaces, glass beads are the best for the job, they leave a bright and smooth finish, plus you can reuse glass beads, which now makes it a money saver.
- Walnut shells and corn cobs are best for cleaning and polishing more delicate surfaces.
If you have any doubt, especially for residential sandblasting use, start with a softer abrasive and finish with a harsher one if you don’t get your desired finish.
And if you have no idea how to operate a sandblasting machine, it’s best to call in a professional.
Let Pacific Media Blasting Handle Your Residential Sandblasting Needs
Whether you need pre-painting services or surface prepping for a thermal spray, we can help. Our methods are also eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Call us today if you reside in Orange County.
