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What surfaces are suitable for abrasive blasting?

Surface preparation is the foundation of any successful coating, bonding, or finishing process. Whether you’re applying paint, powder coating, or protective films, proper surface prep is essential. The surface must be clean, roughened to the correct profile, and free from contaminants

Abrasive blasting offers a fast, reliable way to:

• Remove rust, scale, and old coatings
• Improve adhesion for new coatings
• Create a uniform surface texture
• Extend the life of metal components

Let’s take a closer look at the most common surfaces that respond well to abrasive blasting.

1. Steel and iron

Mild steel, stainless steel, and cast iron are among the most commonly blasted materials. These metals can withstand aggressive media like steel grit or aluminium oxide and benefit greatly from the clean, textured surface that blasting provides.

Typical uses:

• Corrosion removal
• Paint stripping
• Pre-treatment for coatings
• Structural steelwork and heavy equipment

 

2. Aluminium

Aluminium is softer than steel, so it requires more careful media selection – often something gentler like glass bead or plastic media abrasive. It is important to note here that plastic media and glass beads are not interchangeable, you can’t use one or the other for the same application. You can use plastic media to treat an aircraft fuselage, but not glass bead. You can use glass bead to treat prop blades or a turbine fan, but not plastic media. Still, it’s widely used in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries, where clean finishes and precise surface profiling are essential.

Typical uses:

• Aerospace components
• Engine parts
• Decorative finishes

 

3. Concrete and masonry

Abrasive blasting can be used on concrete walls, floors, and paving to remove coatings, expose aggregate, or create a rough profile for better adhesion.

Typical uses:

1. Paint removal
2. Surface texturing
3. Cleaning graffiti or stains
4. Preparing concrete for sealants or coatings

 

4. Wood

Though less common, certain types of wood can be sandblasted to remove old finishes, stains, or to achieve a weathered, rustic appearance. Low-pressure blasting and soft abrasives are essential to avoid surface damage.

Typical uses:

• Furniture restoration
• Beam cleaning
• Decorative wood finishes

 

5. Brick and stone

Historic restoration and commercial cleaning projects often rely on gentle abrasive blasting to clean brickwork and natural stone. The goal is to remove dirt or paint without damaging the material underneath.

Typical uses:

• Building façades
• Monument cleaning
• Paint or soot removal

Surface type	Dry blasting	Wet blasting (Vapour)	Bead blasting	Grit blasting	Shot peening
Steel / iron	Excellent for rust and scale removal; fast and aggressive	Reduced dust and cushioning impact; slower but effective. However, take necessary steps to prevent flash rusting	Good for polishing stainless steel	Highly effective for coating removal and profile creation	Suitable for cleaning, but excellent for peening; improving fatigue strength
Aluminium	Risk of pitting; needs low blasting pressure/media	Reduced dust and cushioning impact; slower but effective. However, take necessary steps to prevent corrosion	Excellent for fine finishes	Use with caution; work at lower blasting pressure due to softness of aluminium	Possible, but you must be very careful with the setup
Concrete / masonry	Great for removing coatings/graffiti; creates profile	Good for prep; reduces airborne dust	Not typically used	Effective for aggressive surface prep and texture	Not suitable
Wood	Risk of gouging; use soft abrasives only at low blasting pressure		Recommended with low pressure and soft abrasive	Recommended with low blasting pressure and soft abrasive	Not suitable
Brick / stone	Effective; but be cautious not to overblast	Great for restoration and gentle cleaning	Rarely used	Good for paint removal and surface prep	Not suitable – risk of surface damage
Plastic / fibreglass	High risk of damaging; use low blasting pressure and soft abrasive	Preferred method; very low impact	Use at low blasting pressure and with soft abrasive	Not recommended	Not suitable – will damage material

Some surfaces are not suitable for abrasive blasting, especially with standard or high-pressure techniques:

• Soft plastics: May warp or melt
• Thin metals: Risk warping or puncture
• Glass: Unless using specific media with expert control
• Delicate painted surfaces: Unless removal is the goal

When working with delicate materials, always test a small area or consider alternative surface preparation methods.

The success of your blasting job depends on matching the abrasive media to the surface material and desired finish. Here are a few common options:

• Steel grit: Aggressive; ideal for heavy rust or coatings on steel
• Glass bead: Gentle; good for aluminium and fine finishes
• Garnet: Popular for its balance of aggression and control
• Walnut shell: Used on delicate or soft surfaces

You can view our full range of abrasive media on our website.

Abrasive blasting is a powerful method of surface preparation, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Understanding which surfaces can be blasted – and how to match them with the right abrasive – helps ensure the best results without risking damage.

Not sure which blasting media suits your surface? Our experts can help you choose the right abrasive and approach. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements.