Media Blasting

Media Blasting

Media blasting is a process that removes coatings from metal, wood, fiberglass, and other substrates using different materials. Blast media are abrasive grains used in sandblasting and peening processes. Natural abrasives include sand, baking soda, garnet, emery, flint, and corundrum, although blast media can also be comprised of various other materials. These include plastic grit, metal alloys, and glass beads. The grains are forced through the blasting equipment using compressed air, blast wheels, or pressurized water.

Media blasting uses a wide variety of materials to perform the blasting function. Silicon carbide grit is the hardest variety of blasting media. Sand is used for its low price, while glass beads are silica-free and do not carry the same risk of dangerous dust inhalation as sand. In addition to the dust danger it carries, sand cannot be collected and reused, as can metallic and synthetic abrasives.

These various abrasive materials are applied to surfaces in order to smooth, texture, etch, or clean an item. Sandblasting is also used to prepare surfaces for paint or stains.