Professional finishers rely on sandblasting techniques to smooth surfaces to get the best paint job. The method utilizes abrasive materials such as steel grit, glass beads, acrylic, and fine sand. These materials are forcefully propelled to the object’s surface, scuffing any imperfections, like old paint, rust, grime, and oil.
Sandblasting Benefits
Some pros for using this technique include:
- Cost-Effective: Sandblasting is more economical than other alternatives, such as laser cleaning. Sandblasting is also faster, allowing manufacturers to work on more products. The only additional costs are the setup costs of a sandblasting booth and specific machines, such as the sandblasting clothing, eye protectors, and earplugs necessary to protect workers from hazardous materials.
- Adequate Coating Application Preparation: The two main functions of coating a product are decoration and protection. A professional finish gives a product the appeal factor; a good paint job is essential to protect metal products, especially outdoors. The coating will last longer on a well-polished surface because of the increased adhesion.
In addition, the coating will protect the metal product and increase its service life. Scuff marks can affect the final quality of the paint job and should be removed with sandblasting before applying new paint. For manufacturers of metal products, sandblasting is an essential step in preparing for coating.
- Efficient and Safe: Most abrasives used in sandblasting, such as glass beads and walnut shells, are non-toxic. Finishers typically use non-toxic materials because they’re recyclable.
The only element of sandblasting that can harm people is the dust produced in the process. It may contain toxic silica, a known cause of lung diseases, but companies protect their employees by providing protective clothing and well-ventilated booths.
However, even with the workers protected by these safety procedures, there’s always the possibility of exposure to hazardous material for those unaware of the dangers.
- Fast: Sandblasting machines make the process of preparing metal for scuffing easy and quick, and they reduce labor costs. The person operating the sandblaster can work alone instead of needing a dedicated sandblasting and clean-up crew.
After the sandblasting job is complete and can be collected and reused, a team of people would be required to complete the task.
Sandblasting Risks
Since there are potential risks involved in this process, we won’t short-change you by ignoring the potential dangers of sandblasting your items. Remember the following before attempting any remodeling or finishing project:
- It is better to hire a professional to sandblast a surface than to attempt it yourself. Too many uncontrollable factors can ruin a DIY sandblasting project: too much rain, too little rain, cold temperatures, hot temperatures, etc.
Different types of abrasive blasting techniques can be used, such as bead blasting, dry ice blasting, wet abrasive blasting, hydro blasting, and bristle blasting. A professional will use their expertise to determine which techniques are best for your job.
- Wood products should not be scraped because this will damage their surface. Some metal products may have wooden parts, but sandblasting these parts risks damaging the product’s structural integrity. Sand isn’t soft on wood. Instead of cleaning wood, it wears it down and eats into it.
Instead of blasting these parts, you can wipe or buff them with a wood-friendly solution sprayed or spread on a piece of cloth.
Final Thoughts
Protective coatings are essential for manufacturers, as these layers improve the effectiveness of liquid and powder coatings and increase product longevity. Manufacturers who utilize sandblasting services will also enjoy quick turnaround time, higher production rates, and increased profit margins.
However, always work with professionals to ensure the utmost quality and safety, like those from Precision Finishing! We specialize in sandblasting in Tulsa and nationwide, with a staff dedicated to offering the highest quality powder coat finishes. We will work with you to get the finished product you desire. Call us now at (918) 605-0445!
