What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting is also known as abrasive blasting and is a surface finishing process that involves using a powered machine (an air compressor and a sandblasting machine) to spray abrasive particles under high pressure against a surface to remove paint, rust, dirt and other things as well as smoothing the surface.
Sandblasting is a useful process as it can be used on a range of materials, such as glass, stone, metal, wood, brass, aluminium and more. Additionally, there are a few different variants of sandblasting which are better suited to different situations, such as bead blasting, shot blasting or soda blasting.
How does sandblasting work?
Sandblasting is the process of smoothing and cleaning hard surfaces by forcing solid particles at that surface at high speeds; providing an effect similar to that of using sandpaper but providing a much more even finish without the hassle.
Sandblasting equipment is typically made up of a chamber where sand and air are mixed before the mixture travels through a powerful hand-held nozzle to direct particles towards the work surface.
Sandblasting is primarily air-driven which is great for preventing moisture buildup and prevent water intrusion into the surface which is most commonly used for wood. Alternatively, sandblasting can be water-driven which reduces surface deterioration and provides a bit more lubrication. Water-based sandblasting is also used as a way to remove the amount of dust created by sandblasting.
There is also a range of other types of abrasive blasting that are commonly used.
What is sandblasting used for?
Sandblasting can be used on a range of materials, such as metal, glass, wood, stone and brass. It is a versatile process that can be used for a variety of applications, such as removing paint from a car or restoring an old piece of furniture by blasting wood. It is also used for things like graffiti removal and cleaning metal before it is painted.
What are the advantages of sandblasting?
Sandblasting has a few advantages over other methods of surface finishing and cleaning.
Firstly, the process cleans and smooths objects and surfaces for finishing quickly and efficiently, making cleaning tough surfaces like metal much easier as it saves time and money. It is also an extremely versatile method of cleaning as it can be used on so many different types of surfaces, and can provide a different finish based on which type of abrasive is used.
Sandblasting is also very safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly as the process utilises actual sand – so no harmful dust or chemicals are produced. It is however important to ensure that sandblasting is done properly by professionals, as it can become very dangerous if mistreated. Abrasives that are propelled at high speeds can damage surfaces if not worked on properly and can injure or harm people if sandblasting is used without good protective equipment.
While sand isn’t harmful and no chemicals are produced, it is still important to wear a ventilator and full face mask to prevent breathing in the chemicals.
Hire the Experts
If you are looking for professional sandblasting services in Lancashire or Cumbria, contact SET Sandblasting. We are experts at sandblasting and have been doing it for years.
Contact us today for advice, or a quote.
