Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should steel be painted after sandblasting?

Steel should be painted as soon as possible after sandblasting. We have rust inhibitors that can be applied to the steel to extend the painting window up to 72 hours or more if the steel is stored in a dry, climate-controlled area.

When should dry ice blasting be used instead of abrasive blasting?

Dry ice blasting is the best choice when the surface needs to be cleaned without changing its texture or removing the underlying material. Unlike abrasive blasting, dry ice uses compressed air to accelerate dry ice pellets that lift away contaminants without creating a surface profile or leaving behind blasting media.

Can you remove powder coating?

Yes. Powder coating can be removed effectively using abrasive blasting. The best blasting media depends on the type of metal, coating thickness, and the desired surface finish.

Do you actually use sand?

No. Despite the name “sandblasting,” modern abrasive blasting rarely uses sand because it creates hazardous silica dust and is unsuitable for many applications.

Instead, we use high-performance abrasive media selected for each project, such as crushed glass, garnet, copper slag, steel shot, or other specialty abrasives. The type of media we choose depends on the material being cleaned, the coating being removed, and the desired surface finish.

Can you blast brick or stone?

Yes. Brick, stone, and masonry can often be cleaned with abrasive blasting, but the process must be tailored to the material to avoid damage. We carefully select the blasting media and adjust the pressure to safely remove paint, graffiti, staining, soot, and other surface contaminants while preserving the integrity of the substrate. For historic or delicate masonry, we use gentler blasting methods to minimize surface erosion. Every project is evaluated individually to determine the safest and most effective cleaning approach.

Which blasting method is best for my project?

The best blasting method depends on the material, the type of contaminant being removed, and the desired finish. We evaluate each project and recommend the process that delivers the best results while protecting the underlying surface.