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What are the main types of portable grit blasting equipment? 

Portable blast equipment can either be designed for dry or wet blasting. Understanding the different types of portable grit blasting equipment helps ensure you have the right tool for the job. Here are the primary types and their unique applications:

• Siphon blasters: Siphon blasters use a two-hose system where one hose draws the abrasive media, and the other sends compressed air to the nozzle. These are cost-effective to operate but may not offer the same power as other types.
• Pressure vessel blasters: These use a pressurised tank to blast abrasive material, delivering higher force and speed than siphon blasters. They’re ideal for using heavier media to blast with and have more forceful pressure but set up can be expensive and equipment wears out quicker due to the greater force it uses.
• Wet blasters: Mixing water with abrasive media, wet blasters reduce dust, making them suitable for residential environments. They are popular in areas with strict dust control regulations and are gentle enough for delicate surfaces.

Different types of grit blasting equipment can handle a range of materials, which influences the results they achieve on various surfaces:

• Siphon blasters: Often used with fine materials like glass beads and walnut shells. Best for delicate tasks like paint removal, rust cleaning on softer surfaces, and light surface preparation, where less aggressive abrasives are needed. Aluminium oxide and silicon carbide can also be used.

• Pressure vessel blasters: Can handle tougher abrasives like aluminium oxide or steel grit, allowing them to strip heavy rust or coatings from industrial-grade surfaces.
• Wet blasters: Best paired with media that can be effectively dampened without losing abrasive quality, such as garnet. It is effective for applications where dust control is crucial, such as indoor environments or on delicate surfaces, and provides a smoother finish due to the moist mixture.

Airblast sell a wide variety of blast abrasive for light, medium or heavy processing. Our blast abrasive is available to view here. For prices or guidance on selecting the right media, you can contact our team who would be happy to assist you.

• Look for manoeuvrable designs with wheels or handles for easy transport, especially if you’ll be moving between job sites.
• High-quality materials like stainless steel or reinforced components ensure the equipment can withstand heavy use and abrasive wear.
• Different projects may require varied media (e.g., glass beads, steel grit, aluminium oxide). Ensure the equipment supports the specific media you plan to use.
• Equipment with customisable pressure controls allows you to adjust the blasting pressure, essential for handling different surface types and achieving the desired finish.
• Look for equipment with accessible parts and a straightforward design, making it easy to maintain and service as necessary.
• Ensure the equipment is within your budget, and check for a robust warranty that covers essential parts and provides support for repairs. You can see Airblast’s warranty on our products here.

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping all types of grit blasting equipment in optimal condition. Key tasks include inspecting hoses, nozzles, and seals for wear, as these parts often endure heavy use and can affect performance if damaged. It is important to ensure abrasive is properly sieved before blasting to prevent debris from entering the machine, which could damage the equipment’s internals. It is also important when blasting with reusable media to replace once it is spent, as spent abrasive negatively affects blast pattern and cleaning action. For equipment using compressed air, moisture control is crucial—drain any accumulated moisture and ensure air filters and moisture separators are clean and functional. For wet blasting systems, regularly cleaning water and abrasive reservoirs prevents clogs and rust. Across all types, replacing worn parts, lubricating moving components, and inspecting valves and gaskets are essential steps to ensure efficient and safe operation.

Safety is paramount when using grit blasting equipment, as the process involves high-velocity abrasive materials and often generates dust and noise. Operators should wear full PPE, including a respirator helmet, heavy-duty gloves, ear protection, and protective overalls to prevent inhalation of dust and protect against abrasive materials. We have a full range of PPE available to purchase online here, stocking a range of products including blast suits, blast helmets, breathing filters and equipment, and more.

Effective ventilation is essential in enclosed spaces to reduce dust buildup, which can be hazardous to health and visibility. Using blast booths, blast rooms or blast cabinets can help to minimise airborne dust.

Operators should be trained on proper equipment use, including pressure control, nozzle handling, and emergency shut-off procedures, to prevent accidents due to equipment malfunction or misuse, and should have a clear emergency plan in place, including first aid equipment and emergency shut-off switches, to ensure quick response to any incidents.

Maintaining equipment also helps prevent unexpected malfunctions, regularly inspect hoses, nozzles, and other components for wear and tear, as damaged equipment can lead to hazardous conditions.

The price of portable grit blasting equipment varies widely based on type, size, power, and additional features. Airblast Eurospray offer portable blasting pots, plus a range of equipment, parts and spares, available to buy here. If you are in need of a blast pot for a short-term project, we also offer 18ltr, 50ltr, 100ltr and 200ltr Redline blast pot kits for hire.

Please download our price list and hire guide here, where you’ll also find details relating to compressor requirements.

Full terms and conditions of hire can be found here.

Choosing the right type of portable grit blasting equipment can be transformative for your project’s efficiency and results. By understanding the strengths, applications, and maintenance needs of each type, you can select equipment that best fits your needs, whether for light-duty surface cleaning, industrial-grade rust removal, or delicate restoration work.

View our available range of portable blast pots here.

View our range of equipment, parts and spares here.