Some jobs need more bite than soda. Where heavy corrosion or tough coatings sit on hard surfaces like structural steel, a harder abrasive media gets the surface back to bare metal fast.
Sandblasting is a more aggressive process than soda blasting, so it isn’t right for every surface. Glass, chrome, aluminium trim, gel coat and soft timbers are better served by soda or dustless methods.
That’s why every job starts with an assessment. If sandblasting is the right tool, we’ll use it — and if it isn’t, we’ll tell you, and recommend the method that protects your asset.
Hard surfaces, heavy rust.
Most effective on robust steel and iron where the goal is bare, clean metal ready for a new coating system.
When sandblasting is the right choice
Sandblasting is used on hard, robust surfaces with heavy rust, mill scale or thick coatings: structural steel, trailers, truck chassis, earthmoving gear and tanks. It is the fastest way back to bare metal on those jobs.
It also leaves an angular profile on the steel that industrial primers and paint systems need to grip, which makes it standard preparation before a protective coating.
Silica-free media and safe practice
Despite the name, modern sandblasting does not use silica sand. Australian work health and safety rules restrict abrasive blasting with media containing more than 1% crystalline silica, so silica-free grits are used instead.
The operator wears a supplied-air blast helmet and full protective gear, the area is screened, and near homes the same grit is often used wet as dustless blasting to keep dust down.
Sandblasting, answered.
What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting is abrasive blasting with a hard, angular grit fired by compressed air. It strips rust and coatings and leaves a profile for new paint.
Do you use real sand?
No. Silica sand is restricted for abrasive blasting in Australia, so silica-free grits are used.
Can sandblasting damage my surface?
It can on soft or thin surfaces such as aluminium, fibreglass, glass and soft brick. Those are better suited to soda or dustless blasting.
Not sure which method?
Every surface is different. Craig assesses the job, tests where needed, and recommends the most cost-effective method — even when that means telling you what not to do.