Sandblasting is one of the most efficient ways to clean and prepare surfaces. Woodworkers, machinists, auto mechanics, and more can all use

sandblasting in their work, especially when they fully understand the many ways that sandblasting can be used.

Despite the name, sand isn’t the only material that

can be used in the “sandblasting” process. Different

abrasives can be used depending on the material

they are being used on. These abrasives can include:

• Coal slag

• Steel grit

• Dry ice

• Walnut and coconut shells

• Crushed glass

• And more

Before we go into the specific uses of sandblasting, a quick note: anyone performing sandblasting should always wear proper safety equipment. Because of the

potential health risks involved, sandblasting respiratory protection, protective eyewear, and head protection are all essential tools when using a sandblaster.

One of the main uses of sandblasting is to remove paint or rust. Sandblasters can be used

to remove paint, rust, and other surface pollutants from cars, houses, machinery, and almost any other surface.

Sandblasting doesn’t have to be used just on large machines or buildings. It can also be used to clean household tools. Screwdrivers, wrenches, and other

metal tools that have become dirty or rusted can be cleaned quickly and efficiently with a quick application of the sandblaster.

Sometimes, metal or plastic parts to devices that need to be assembled

have small burs or other irregularities that alter the intended shape or get in the way during assembly. Sandblasting is an effective way to remove those burs, tags, and excess material.

Not all sandblasting uses are industrial or mechanical. Skilled artisans have been known to use sandblasters on wood, metal, glass, and other surfaces to create signs, statues, and other pieces of art.

Sandblasting is also an effective way to clean streets, walkways, and other concrete surfaces. The high-speed

abrasives ejected from a sandblaster can scrub concrete and pavement clean very quickly, without having to use water to do so.

Big A’s Place provides our clients with high quality sandblaster supplies for every project. Whether you’re looking for replacement parts or safety gear, such as Nova 2000 sandblasting helmets or astro-style sandblaster hoods, you’ll find them at sandblaster-parts.com.

Image Attributions

Slide 9

“Sandblasting1”

Photo By: Michael Pereckas

https://flic.kr/p/s2taV

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Slide 1

“Grand Canyon National Park: Bright Angel Trailhead Sign Sandblasting”

Photo By: Grand Canyon National Park

https://flic.kr/p/e1KG2o

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Slide 8

“SE 6th and Escondido Boulevard”

Photo By: Genevieve Prentice

https://flic.kr/p/dk6Eck

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Summary

Sandblasters have a wide variety of applications. Different abrasives can be used to remove paint and rust, clean household tools, create pieces of art, and more.