What is sandblasting?

For facilities managers and owners of commercial buildings, it’s important to understand the different types of work that may be required to maintain your building. So, in this blog we’re going to discuss sandblasting.

You may have seen someone suited up with a respirator and earplugs blasting away on a surface. This high-pressure task has specific purposes that may come in handy for your structure.

Sandblasting is the use of a high-pressure, concentrated stream of particulates on a hard surface. Despite its name, sandblasting doesn’t necessarily use sand as the particulate. Depending on the job, everything from ground walnut shell to glass beads can be used.

Here are a couple of common types of sandblasting.

Decorative Sandblasting

Decorative sandblasting is used for etching on surfaces. Sandblasting can be used on glass and mirrored surfaces to etch logos or specialty designs.

Once the sandblasting is completed, a protective layer can be applied to prevent any staining or marking on the etched surface.

Industrial Sandblasting

In contrast to the delicate etching of decorative sandblasting, industrial sandblasting is usually done on a much larger scale. In a commercial building setting, it may be used for removing graffiti off a building or structure or removing stains from the surface of older buildings.

In cases of graffiti removal, it’s important to also consider following up the sandblasting with a protective coating that can prevent graffiti in the future.

Sandblasting is a very useful—but abrasive—process. So, it’s important to hire someone with experience and expertise to tackle your project.

If you have questions about this or any other service we offer, please contact us today.