http://sandblaster-parts.com/sandblasters-sodablasters-sandblaster-parts | Every sandblasting job is different, and requires the use of a special medium. Whether removing tough paint from heavy metal surfaces, or looking to polish a delicate object, it’s best to start slow and work your way up, from low-abrasive media like walnut shells to heavy-duty steel.

1. SANDBLASTING MEDIA
H O W T O C H O O S E T H E R I G H T

2. Sandblasting is the act of
shooting sand, glass, or
other medium at high
speeds using a sandblasting
machine or gun. This is
generally done to remove a
finish on an item, or to clean
rust from a particular
surface. Sandblasting is ideal
to prepare a surface for a
new coat of paint, or for
heavy cleanup.

3. The “medium,” or “media” (plural), is
the material used to sandblast. The
medium used to blast a surface
depends on how difficult the removal
or cleanup is and how much impact
the object can withstand. Common
media include: sand, glass, steel, and
organic materials like corn cobs or
walnut shells.

4. If you’re uncertain how much a surface can
handle, start slow using a gentle medium and
work your way up. Here are some common
options for less-abrasive media:
• Walnut shells - effective for adding
porosity to soft materials; also works
well for blasting cars, buildings, boats,
and bridges.
• Pumice - ideal for soft wood.
• Corn cob - can be used safely on wood
homes or thin plastics.

5. Glass Beads give a soft, rounded,
attractive finish to your project. Glass
beads are great because they can be
recycled up to 30 times. Glass offers a
silica-free option for peening, honing,
cleaning, and light deburring.
Plastic Beads are ideal for stripping the
paint from automotives. They work
well without damaging or warping the
underlying material. Beads can be
made from acrylic, polyester, and urea.

6. The hardest material available for
sandblasting is silicon carbide. It’s great for
quick and low-cost jobs as it has shorter blast
times than other media. Silicon carbide can
also be recycled more times than sand.

7. For a specific texture in a finished
project, pick steel grit or steel shot for
use in a sandblast gun.
• Steel grit leaves an etched
surface that makes it easy for
paint to adhere.
• Steel shot is used for peening
operations and leaves a
smooth finish. Steel shot
produces little dust and can be
used up to 3,000 times.

8. A new form of sandblasting uses compact dry ice
pellets. The pellets can be ideal for small-scale or
delicate projects, such as cleaning machinery,
electrical installations, electromechanical equipment, or other surfaces where the
residue from standard media would be detrimental.

9. Another relatively new form of
sandblasting, sodablasting uses
baking soda as the medium. It can
be used to clean automotives or
boats, but is even gentler than
other media like pumice or walnut
shells. It is also very effective for
mold or smoke damage as it
deodorizes as it cleans. Many
sodablasters can also be used for
sandblasting, giving multiple uses to
just one machine.

10. Big A’s Place supplies and distributes sodablasting and sandblasting parts and cabinets.
Offering brands like RPB, Pirate Brand, Goodyear, Thunderblast, Kennametal,
Everblast, and more, Big A’s Place specializes in parts and supplies to handle any job
with any medium.
For more information, call 616-741-9237 or visit http://sandblaster-parts.com/.
C O N T A C T U S

11. Summary
Every sandblasting job is different, and requires the use of a special medium. Whether
removing tough paint from heavy metal surfaces, or looking to polish a delicate object,
it’s best to start slow and work your way up, from low-abrasive media like walnut
shells to heavy-duty steel.