What Is Sandblasting? A Simple Guide to the Sand Blasting Process Posted on October 18, 2022 by Nurul Afsar Last Updated on October 10, 2025 Sandblasting made simple: This guide explains what sandblasting is and how it works in plain terms. You’ll learn when to use a sandblaster and which media to pick so your parts are clean and ready for coating. Quick answers Definition: Sandblasting (also called sand blasting or sand-blast cleaning) uses high-pressure air to shoot abrasive media at a surface so you can clean, smooth, or texture it. How it works: A sandblaster pushes compressed air and blasting sand (or other media) through a hose and nozzle to strike the surface at speed. What it’s used for: Removing paint and rust, preparing metal for coating, etching glass, and cleaning concrete or brick. Physical or chemical change? It’s a physical change. Sandblasting removes material by abrasion. No chemical reaction takes place. Sandblasting Definition Sandblasting is the process of propelling an abrasive, often called blasting sand, with compressed air through a sand blaster to remove coatings, rust, scale, or grime. You’ll also hear sand-blasting, sand blast, and sandblast used to mean the same thing. What does sandblasting do? It cleans, roughens, or polishes a surface by removing a thin material layer. How Does Sandblasting Work? You load abrasive media into a blast system, connect compressed air, and aim a nozzle at the workpiece. The high-speed particles strike the surface, break down old coatings, and create a uniform profile for paint or powder. Basic setup Air source + hose: Delivers steady pressure. Blast pot or cabinet: Holds media and controls flow. Nozzle + gun: Focuses the stream so you can direct the blast. Four common methods Pressure-pot blasting: Best for consistent flow and faster removal. Siphon/gravity feed: Simpler gear; suitable for light work. Cabinet blasting: Clean and contained for parts and smaller jobs. Wet blasting: Adds water to reduce dust and heat. What Is Sandblasting Used For? Use sandblasting (sand blasting) when you need a surface that’s clean and ready for a finish. Metal: Strip paint and rust, remove mill scale, and prep for powder coat or paint. Concrete and brick: Remove old paint, stains, and graffiti; expose aggregate for slip-resistant floors. Wood: Clean beams or furniture and create a weathered look. Glass and stone: Etch letters, logos, or decorative textures. Sandblasting Media (What Material Is Used?) You don’t have to use silica sand. In fact, many shops avoid it for health reasons. Pick media based on the finish you want and the part you’re blasting. Media (blasting “sand”) Typical uses Finish Reusable? Garnet Paint and rust removal on steel and aluminum Clean and slightly matte Yes Aluminum oxide Heavy rust, tough coatings, and etching Aggressive cut with crisp profile Yes Glass bead Polishing, peening, and cosmetic finishes Satin sheen without heavy cut Yes Steel grit/shot Large steel parts and fast cleaning Strong profile; high productivity Yes Note on silica sand: Traditional “sand” is less common because of silica dust hazards. Choose safer, purpose-made media for your sandblasting process. The Sand Blasting Process (Step-by-Step) Choose media and pressure: Match the abrasive to the substrate and coating. Mask and protect: Tape off surfaces you don’t want to hit; wear proper PPE. Blast in passes: Keep the nozzle at a steady angle and distance; work in lanes. Clean and inspect: Blow off dust, and promptly check the profile and coat. Sandblasting Metal: Fast Prep for Coating Metal parts bond better when the surface has a clean, even profile. Abrasive sandblast metal finishing removes oil, rust, and old paint so primers and powders stick and last longer. Use sand blast finishing to reach corners, welds, and cast textures that sanding can’t touch. Safety Basics You Should Follow Protection: Use a blast hood or goggles and a proper respirator. For information on safely running your unit, see our blog on safely grounding your cabinet. Containment: Blast in a cabinet or booth; collect dust with a filter. You should use a dedicated dust collector for the best results. Media care: Store media dry and sift out debris to keep the flow steady. Aftercare: Blow down the part and coat soon to prevent flash rust. Can You Reuse Sandblasting Sand? Yes, if the media is durable and clean. Aluminum oxide, glass bead, steel grit, and garnet can be recycled several cycles in a cabinet. Discard media that’s oily, full of paint chips, or broken down to dust. Common Questions (Fast FAQ) Q: What is a sandblaster? A: A sandblaster is a machine that mixes air with abrasive and shoots it through a nozzle for cleaning or surface prep. We offer both pressurized blasters and gravity-fed systems. Q: How does sand blasting work on the side of a building? A: Pros use higher-capacity rigs to remove paint from brick or concrete and then wash down the dust. That removal is a physical change, not a chemical one. Q: What is the purpose of sandblasting? A: Clean, profile, or texture a surface so coatings last longer and parts look better. This falls under the broader category of General Shop Equipment. Q: What is the sand blasting methodology for small parts? A: Use a sandblasting cabinet. It keeps the blast contained, lets you recycle media, and gives you better control. Q: What is sandblasting used for in auto work? A: Stripping frames and panels, cleaning wheels, and prepping parts for paint or powder. Q: What’s the difference between sandblasted and polished? A: Sandblasted surfaces are matte and evenly textured; polished surfaces are smooth and shiny. Q: What media should I pick for aluminum? A: Start with a garnet or glass bead for a clean finish without heavy gouging. Q: What does a sandblaster do on a daily job? A: Selects media, sets pressure, blasts in controlled passes, and checks the profile before coating. Shop Tools That Make This Easier Sandblasting cabinets are for contained, repeatable work and media reuse. Sand Blasting Equipment – blast pots, guns, hoses, and nozzles for shop or field use.
