SandBlasting Equipments & Supplies

Sandblasting is the process of using compressed air to propel abrasive media at a surface to clean, (usually paint & rust),debur, or to prepare a surface for a coating of some sort.

There are two kinds of sandblasters: “Suction” / “Siphon”" & “Pressure” Blast Systems. Pressure systems are ten times faster & much more effective, but also quite a bit more expensive.

There are two basic kinds of sand blasters: Blast Cabinets & Portable Blasters

There is a huge variety of abrasive blast media out there each has its purpose. One you want to stay away from is Silica Sand. Blasting with Silica sand causes Silicosis of the lungs…Do Not Ever Use It!!!

If you are looking to blast hand tools, such as saw blades, wrenches, etc., I’d recommend blasting them in a sandblast cabinet. (A “Suction/Siphon” cabinet would probably be sufficient…)

Sandblast Cabinets have adequate lighting, a dust collector, and two gloves you place you hands inside to blast within the cabinet. One nice part about blasting inside a cabinet is that all the dust is contained, so no respirator is needed. They are also relatively quiet, and some have abrasive separators which allow you to get the maximum life out of the abrasive blast media & consequently save money.

Below you will find the steps of a typical “sandblasting process” inside a cabinet:

• Open Door
• Place Item inside
• Close Door
• Turn On The Power
• Place Your Hands Inside The Gloves
• Grab The Blast Hose, or Suction Gun
• Step On The Foot Pedal
• Blast Surface
• Blow-Off Item with Blow-Off Nozzle (Inside Cabinet)
• Inspect
• Repeat Blast If Needed
• Open Door
• Remove Item

QUESTION:

I have a building that is actually two adjoining buildings under one roof. This means that I have a large brick wall in the middle. I actually like having the brick there, but I would like to clean it. Is it possible to sandblast the interior walls? What issues do I need to take into consideration? If sandblasting isn’t an option, are there any other suggestions for cleaning the walls? One wall is 270 sq ft, so a wire brush isn’t really an option.

Note: everything is unfinished, so I have no framing to worry about and only subfloors.

ANSWER:

There truly is no difference in the process whether done outdoors or in. Especially inner city issues require that a ROOM/Shielded space be set in the area of the blasting. That might be accomplished with Tarps over framework in your case.

The blast operator most often wears protective OVER clothing, and certainly a mask/respirator, as well as a helmet of some sort. Containment is the issue, not the effectiveness of the task.