Blast media is a range of materials shot at high speed with compressed air or water to clean, remove paint, or polish surfaces. It plays a key role in preparing surfaces in industries such as automotive and aerospace. Choosing the right blast media depends on the material’s hardness, shape, and the finish you want. Using the correct blast media is important to get the results you need.

Abrasive Types

Use hard abrasives when you need to remove material quickly or create small indentations to help hard surfaces hold protective coatings better. Soft abrasives work well for cleaning dirt and grime from surfaces such as wood, plastic, and other delicate materials without causing significant damage. High-friability abrasives break apart easily into smaller pieces and can be collected and reused. The shape of the abrasive also affects how it works and the final result. Angular abrasives make a rougher, more detailed surface, while round abrasives leave a smoother, satin-like finish.

Abrasive Applications

Abrasives that work well to remove paint include:

• Aluminum Oxide removes paint before repainting and for etching prior to recoating and plating.

• Coal Slag removes paint before repainting and for etching prior to recoating and plating.

• Garnet removes paint before repainting or recoating.

• Ground Glassremoves paint before repainting or recoating.

• Soda cleans and removes paint.

• Steel Grit removes paint quickly.

Abrasives that work well to clean substances other than paint, prepare surfaces, and enhance apperance include:

• Corn Cob removes oil, light coatings, and surface oxidation from delicate surfaces.

• Glass Beads clean and peen to produce a smooth and bright finish.

• Silicon Carbide prepares a hard surface.

• Stainless Steel Shot polishes and smooths surfaces.

• Walnut Shell cleans and strips without damage.

Since 2000, Enviro Tech Coatings has offered top-quality metal finishing, painting, and coating services that go beyond industry standards. We hold all required Air Permits and are fully approved for blasting and painting. To request a project bid, call us at 989-495-0000 or visit enviro-tech-coatings.com.