The Difference Between Sandblasting, Soda Blasting, and Vapour Blasting

⚙️ 1. Sandblasting (Dry Abrasive Blasting)

Best for: Heavy rust, thick paint, industrial equipment, car chassis, steel structures

How it works: Sandblasting uses compressed air to shoot abrasive media (like crushed glass or garnet) at high speed onto a surface. It strips away rust, coatings, and grime, leaving a clean, textured finish ready for painting or powder coating.

Pros:

• Highly effective on tough materials

• Fast and aggressive

• Great for large or rough surfaces

Cons:

• Not suitable for soft or thin metals (can cause warping)

• Dustier than other methods

💨 2. Soda Blasting

Best for: Delicate materials, aluminium, soft metals, thin panels, engine parts, glass, plastics

How it works: Soda blasting uses baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as the blasting media. It’s much softer than traditional abrasives and breaks apart on contact, making it perfect for delicate work.

Pros:

• Won’t damage soft surfaces

• Leaves no surface profile (smooth finish)

• Non-toxic and water-soluble

• Great for cleaning without removing base metal

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well on heavy rust or thick coatings

• Requires cleanup of soda residue

• Doesn’t etch surface—so not ideal before painting

💦 3. Vapour Blasting (Wet Blasting)

Best for: Engine casings, carburettors, aluminium parts, restorations where surface finish matters

How it works: Vapour blasting combines abrasive media with water under pressure. This softens the impact and gives a satin-smooth finish while still cleaning the surface. It’s also known as “wet blasting” or “liquid honing.”

Pros:

• Very fine, polished finish

• Reduces dust significantly

• Great for visual or show-quality parts

• Gentler than dry blasting

Cons:

• Slower than dry blasting

• Requires specialised equipment

• Not ideal for heavy rust or paint removal

🧭 Quick Comparison Table

Method	Aggressive	Surface Finish	Best For	Not Ideal For
Sandblasting	High	Textured	Rust removal, paint stripping	Thin metals, soft alloys
Soda Blasting	Low	Smooth	Aluminium, glass, cleaning	Heavy coatings or corrosion
Vapour Blasting	Medium	Satin/smooth	Restoration, fine detailing	Thick paint, structural steel

🛠️ Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re unsure, that’s where we come in. At Albion Blasting, we’ll:

• Assess your parts and material

• Recommend the safest, most effective method

• Explain the process and finish you can expect

From farm gear to Ferrari parts—we blast with care.

📞 Ready to restore, clean, or prep a surface? [Contact Albion Blasting today for a free assessment.]