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What do you need to sandblast?
Sandblasting (an outdated term in the UK, better known as abrasive blasting), is a surface preparation technique that uses high-pressure air or water to propel abrasive materials against a surface. This process is widely used in industrial, automotive, marine, and construction applications to remove rust, paint, contaminants, and surface imperfections, as well as to prepare surfaces for coating or bonding. To successfully and safely carry out sandblasting/abrasive blasting, you need the right equipment, abrasive media, safety gear, and workspace setup. Below, we outline everything required for effective sandblasting.
Blasting equipment
Blasting machine
A blast pot is a critical component of an abrasive blasting system, consisting of a pressure vessel that holds the abrasive media, along with a blast hose, nozzle, pressure regulators, valves, compressor coupling, and air supply lines. To function, the blast pot must be connected to an air compressor. The required compressor size and CFM (cubic feet per minute) depend on the blast pot’s capacity—larger blast pots require higher CFM for efficient operation. See our available blast pot range here.
Air compressor
Sandblasting/abrasive blasting requires a steady flow of high-pressure air to propel the abrasive media. The air compressor should have the capacity to supply adequate air for the abrasive and nozzle you are using. See our available air compressors here.
Blast hose
The hose transports the pressurised abrasive mixture to the surface and is usually made of reinforced rubber to withstand high-pressure media flow. Diameter varies from ½ inch to 1½ inches, depending on the application. See our available blast hoses here.
Blast nozzle
The blast nozzle determines blasting efficiency and pattern. Nozzles are made from tungsten carbide, boron carbide, or ceramic, each offering different durability levels. See our available blast nozzles here.
Blast rooms/booths
While contractor jobs typically don’t require a blast room, incorporating one—especially for larger or industrial-scale projects—offers significant advantages. A blast room contains the entire process, preventing abrasive particles and dust from escaping, which enhances safety and minimises risks to surrounding areas and personnel. See our blast rooms/booths here.
Abrasive media selection
Choosing the right abrasive material is crucial for achieving the desired surface finish when sandblasting/abrasive blasting. Since silica sand is banned for sandblasting in the UK due to the serious health risks associated with silica dust exposure (silicosis), several safer alternatives are available, each suited to different applications:
| Abrasive media | Best for | Key benefits |
| Garnet | Rust & paint removal, steel surface prep | Fast-cutting, recyclable, produces minimal dust |
| Aluminium oxide | Heavy-duty stripping, surface profiling | Hard, reusable, highly effective on metals |
| Glass beads | Polishing, finishing, cleaning delicate surfaces | GENTLE, leaves a smooth finish |
| Steel grit/shot | Large-scale industrial blasting (e.g., shipyards, bridges) | Durable, recyclable, aggressive cleaning |
| Walnut shells | Wood, stone, delicate surfaces | Gentle, biodegradable |
| Plastic media | Automotive, aerospace, sensitive coatings | Soft, non-destructive, ideal for paint stripping |
| Glassia | Graffiti, restoration work, stainless steel | Recyclable, eco-friendly, non-aggressive |
See our full range of abrasive media here.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Safety should always be the top priority when sandblasting/abrasive blasting, as the process generates high-speed abrasive particles and hazardous dust that can pose serious health risks. To ensure full protection, operators must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes:
- Blast helmet: A blast helmet with a supplied air respirator is essential to prevent inhalation of harmful dust and airborne contaminants. The helmet should be connected to a breathing air filtration unit to supply clean, filtered air, have a sealed visor to protect the face from flying abrasive particles and offer hearing protection to reduce exposure to high noise levels from blasting equipment.
- Blast gloves: Operators should wear abrasion-resistant gloves, typically made from reinforced rubber or leather, to protect hands and wrists from flying debris and prolonged exposure to abrasive materials.
- Blast suit: To prevent abrasive particles from causing skin irritation or injury, operators should wear a full-body blast suit made from durable, tear-resistant fabric, and with elasticated cuffs to prevent dust from entering.
- Boots: Blasting operations often involve heavy equipment and materials. Steel-toe, slip-resistant boots provide essential foot protection against falling objects and abrasives.
By following these safety measures and investing in high-quality PPE, operators can work efficiently and confidently while significantly reducing the risks associated with sandblasting. See our full range of PPE available for purchase here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the correct sandblasting/abrasive blasting equipment is essential for achieving high-quality results while maintaining efficiency and safety. The right tools help control critical factors such as pressure, abrasive material, and nozzle size, ensuring a precise and effective blasting process. Poor equipment choices can lead to inefficiencies, uneven finishes, material wastage, and increased project costs. More importantly, safety should always be a top priority—improper equipment use or inadequate PPE can put workers at serious risk. By understanding the fundamentals, choosing suitable abrasive media, and adhering to safety protocols, you can carry out a successful and hazard-free sandblasting/abrasive blasting operation. Always follow industry best practices and seek expert advice when necessary.
For high-quality sandblasting/abrasive blasting equipment and abrasives, visit Airblast Eurospray Direct.
