What Exactly Is Sandblasting?

Common examples of the blasting process include cleaning metal surfaces of oxidation, old paint, etc, renovating building surfaces to remove stains, dirt and moulds, and for the manufacture of frosted glass. Areas to be protected against the action of blasting can be covered by a sandblast resist material, for example waxes or sandblast stencils, which are removed after the required areas have been treated.

Blasting is the process of projecting a stream of abrasive particles, thus the term sandblasting, at a surface under high pressure and therefore velocity. The equipment used typically includes a compressor to generate the high pressure gas needed, a container for the blasting material, and a tube or pipe with a nozzle to direct the blasting stream. Many abrasive materials are now used in this technique, from metal filings, glass beads and even steam, although the term 'sandblasting' remains as a generic term. Highly-decorative or accurate results can be achieved by using stencils. Stencils can be made from materials which resist the blasting process, and may include rubber or brass templates. Common examples of the use of stencils in blasting include lettering on hard stone surfaces found in memorials, foundation stones of buildings, and gravestones. Very hard materials such as granite can be accurately and of course permanently, engraved using blasting techniques with stencils. Accurate blasting of patterns in glass can also be made in this way, producing decorative glass ware, windows and patterned glass panels.

Actually, the term stained glass is used for a wide range of art techniques and sand blasting is one method of including textures and additional interest to many projects. Sand blasting will achieve a distinctive grazed or frosted appearance and can be used for an entire project or just as a special piece of the work. The technological development in the sandblasting industry, in the equipment itself, the materials used, through to laser cut stencils, have in many instances made this process more efficient in terms of time and cost than some of the alternative methods.

The blasting process can well create a dangerous environment for those near the blasting process, the main problem arising from the dust and detritus generated during the application. For example sand is now most unpopular as a blasting material as it known cause very harmful lung damage. Protective clothing, breathing equipment, and enclosed areas or rooms with adequate ventilation should be used. A constant supply of clean air is vital in the working area and any specialized breathing equipment should be thoroughly checked before and after each use to see that there is a steady air flow produced. The equipment should only be taken off when the worker has moved well clear of the area to avoid breathing any contaminants which still remain hanging in the air for a considerable time.

It is always good practice to seek some professional assistance when considering the use of blasting for any purpose. This advice as you would expect will eventually provide a superior result that you will be very pleased with.

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