How Sandblasting Works: The Process Explained Step-by-Step

🔧 Step 1: Assessment & Media Selection

Before anything gets blasted, we:

• Inspect the item or surface to understand what we’re dealing with (metal type, previous coatings, condition, etc.)

• Select the right blasting media based on your needs—crushed glass for rust removal, soda for delicate items, or garnet for tougher coatings

📝 The wrong media can warp or damage your item. That’s why our experience matters.

🧼 Step 2: Preparation & Masking

We prep the workspace and the object to:

• Protect areas that shouldn’t be blasted (threads, openings, delicate sections)

• Set up containment barriers or extractors to manage dust and debris

• Ensure surfaces are dry, degreased, and ready—moisture and oil can ruin the blast

💨 Step 3: The Blasting Process

Now the real work begins:

• We load the chosen media into our pressurised blasting system

• Using compressed air, the media is shot through a hose at high velocity

• The abrasive hits the surface, removing:

  • Rust

  • Old paint or powder coat

  • Scale or corrosion

  • Dirt or grime

📏 We control the pressure and nozzle angle to suit each surface perfectly.

🧹 Step 4: Clean-up & Inspection

Once blasting is complete:

• We remove all residual media and dust

• Surfaces are checked thoroughly for finish quality

• If needed, we’ll perform spot blasting on any areas that need a touch-up

✅ At this stage, the item is fully clean and ready for coating, painting, or storage.

🛡️ Step 5: Post-Blast Protection (Optional but Recommended)

Freshly blasted metal is very clean—and very reactive. To prevent flash rust, we often:

• Apply a rust inhibitor or light oil coating

• Recommend immediate primer or powder coating

• Offer fast turnaround for blasting + coating jobs

🛠️ Real-World Example: Car Suspension Arms

Before: Covered in thick rust and old paint After: Bare metal, perfectly textured for powder coating Result: Long-lasting, professional finish—and no surprises under the paint

🏁 Final Thoughts

Sandblasting isn’t just blasting things with air—it’s a skilled, controlled process. Done right, it leaves surfaces clean, even, and ready for whatever comes next.

Have a job in mind? Want advice on your specific project? [Get in touch with Albion Blasting today].