What is Sand Blasting and How does it Work?

In the promotional products industry sand blasting is mainly used on items such as promotional crystal vases the clients logos are blasted through a stencil onto the surface of the glass.

This process is best used for large surfaces of glass or crystal as the timeit takes to engrave these items is too high especially for bulk production.

Sand blasters are also used to remove rust, grime, paint, or anything else that is needed to prepare a surface for some type of coating or cleaning. Some people use either a siphon blast system or a pressure blast system.

Pressure blast systems are more expensive, but they are much faster and more effective.

Although, a siphon sand blaster is used most often by people who do their own work at home because it is more affordable.

Sandblasting is a process where a sandblaster is used in combination with a power washer. Just because of the name, you should not assume that sand is the only medium used in a sandblaster.

Actually a sandblaster can use sand, glass beads, black beauty, and aluminum oxide.

It is best to choose the grade and grit of the material you will use according to the project you are completing. Glass beads are a good material to use to remove paint and light rust. Black beauty, which is a byproduct of coal, is a good material to use to strip rust or paint. Aluminum oxide is a good material to use on paint that is thick and areas that are heavily rusted.

A sandblaster works by using a pressurized water gun to thrust sand or another material onto the project area. Inside of the sand blaster is a protective coating that is used to protect the inside from any of the material’s damaging effects.

The blast of the machine is controlled by a trigger release. The hoppers that hold the blasting materials are connected to the hoses and the hoses are connected to the sandblaster’s guns. Depending on what type of sandblaster is used, there are also other connections to water pressure tanks and air pressure tanks.

The process starts by pressured air flowing through one of its hoses and it then the air mixes with material from another hose. This mixture is then released through the gun allowing the rust, grime, or paint to be blasted away. This abrasive action allows for the project area to be stripped clean.

Safety is also important when using a sandblaster. When using a water pressure blaster you must be careful not to cause it to clog. A clog is caused by allowing the sand in the gun or the hose to mix with the water.