Blasting Media Guide

Abrasive blasting has been used for many years to clean and remove rust, paint and corrosion. There are many types of abrasive media available, the most common being Garnet, Steel Grit and Glass Bead. These media have an aggressive cut and can rapidly remove paint and rust. However, they can also generate significant heat, potentially resulting in warped metal and etched surfaces, and they cannot be used on fiberglass. Also, chrome, plastic, rubber, trim, and other parts must be removed from a work surface or masked-off before blasting.

Alternatively, less-aggressive media, such as Walnut Shell, will do a great job at removing paint. Walnut Shell does not generate as much heat as other media, and can be used on sheet metal and fiberglass without damaging the base material. However, Walnut Shell as with any abrasive media, will require more clean-up as it leaves particles in the car body's seams and crevices that can be difficult to completely remove.

Soda blasting media has non abrasive properties which makes it a very universal blasting media which can be applied to lighter materials such as aluminium, plastic, fibreglass, wood etc. Soda Blasting does not damage glass, rubber, chrome items if they are left on a vehicle for blasting.

Garnet

Garnet is one of the last few abrasives that are naturally mined. It is an industrial gemstone that creates a profile virtually free of embedment, which makes it excellent for coating adhesion, as well as applications where low or no transfer of grit into the substrate can be tolerated. Garnet is generally used when paint, rust, and scale have to be removed from steel, such as car/truck frames, tanks, heavy machinery, farm equipment, etc. Garnet is one of the most economical abrasive and is the best choice for large blast projects. Best uses: rust removal, heavy scale removal, paint and coatings removal on heavy-gauge steel.