Sandblasting Spokane

SPOKANE SANDBLASTING FAQs

What is Sandblasting?

The terms sandbasting and abrasive blasting are used interchangeably. It is the process of high pressure propulsion of abrasives against a surface. The reasons for sandblasting include:

1. Remove unwanted coatings off of a surface
2. Smooth a rough surface
3. Roughen a smooth surface
4. Shape a surface

What is the best abrasive material?

There are many different types of reasons to sandblast, and there is not a “one type fits all” solution. Different types of blasting materials, referred to as media blasting, are needed dependent on the project and the surface for the right finish. 

Sand as a material is generally not recommended for most applications because it usually requires twice the amount of material, making it more expensive. 

The following are the different types of materials we use:

Glass Beads: 

Glass is a great blasting media to use for surfaces that need a softer brighter finish, such as stainless steel projects. It produces a bright, satin matte type finish. Crushed glass is typically used for stripping applications.

Aluminum Oxide: 

Aluminum oxide is extremely hard and tough. It is designed for use on any type of substrate such as glass, granite, marble, steel, etc. It’s a sharp, angular and long lasting media used for fast etching and profiling.

Plastics: 

Plastics are soft and available in Urea, Melamine, and Acrylic depending on the hardness and particle size needed for the particular project. Plastics are best used for mold cleaning, blasting other plastic parts, or when you don’t want to remove the substrate material. Plastics are commonly used on cars, boats, planes, electronics, and other industrial applications.

Silicon Carbide: 

Silicone carbide is the strongest material available. If you have a really tough surface that needs cleared, that is when Silicon carbide is used. It’s extremely an aggressive and hard abrasive used for fast cutting applications and deep etching. Sometimes it is used for cutting stone, glass and other heavy duty blast cutting. It can also be used for polishing and on bonded abrasive tools. 

Steel Shot and Grit: 

Steel is cost-effective to other abrasives because of how hard and tough and recyclable it is. It can remove most anything, can be used to texture a surface as prep for a final coating, or can be used to harden (or peen) something. The shape and size of the steel is considered for the type of project. 

Walnut Shells: 

Walnut shells are hard crushed walnut shells used for blast cleaning and polishing softer surfaces that could be damaged if harsher abrasives were used. Walnut shells are used on soft metals, fiberglass, wood, plastic and stone. It can also be used as a polisher for jewelry. Also environmentally safe.

Corn Cobs: 

Corn cobs are a grain abrasive that are made from crushing a corn cob into various grit sizes. It is soft with very low abrasions and ideal for cleaning, burnishing, de-flashing, and deburring. Some applications for corn cobs include jewelry, engine parts, fiberglass, cutlery, or removing debris or graffiti from wood, brick, or stone. Also environmentally safe.

How much does sandblasting cost?

We charge by the hour, but the rate all depends on the needs of the project. Some things that we consider when determine price:

• Abrasive material needed
• Method of sandblating (dustless, shot blasting, soda blasting, etc.)
• Distance of your job. (we are local, but can travel to your location. Longer distances may incur extra fees)
• Type of location (residential blasting or business)
• Scale of the job to determine amount of abrasion material needed
• And some other factors . . 

The best thing to do is give us a call. We offer completely FREE price quotes as a local sandblasting company, so call the best Spokane media blasting company today!