Man sandblasting a stone wall

Device used for adding sand to the compressed air (top of which is a sieve for adding the sand)

Diesel powered compressor used as an air supply for sandblasting

Historically, the material used for artificial sandblasting was sand that had been sieved to a uniform size. The silica dust produced in the sandblasting process caused silicosis after sustained inhalation of dust. Sandblasting may now only be performed in a controlled environment using ventilation, protective clothing and breathing air supply (as it is shown in the top image).

Other materials for sandblasting have been developed to be used instead of sand; for example, carborundum grit, steel shots, copper slag, powdered slag, glass beads (bead blasting), metal pellets, dry ice, garnet, powdered abrasives of various grades, and even ground coconut shells or corncobs, walnut shells, baking soda (sodablasting) have been used for specific applications and can produce distinct surface finishes. Some commercial grade blasters are specially designed to handle multiple blast abrasives. These blasters are commonly referred as multi-media blasters.

Sandblasting can also be used to produce three dimensional signage. This type of signage is considered to be a higher end product as compared to the flat signs. These signs often incorporate gold leaf overlay and sometimes crushed glass backgrounds which is called smalts.

Sandblasting can be used to refurbish buildings or create works of art (carved or frosted glass). Modern masks and resists facilitate this process, producing accurate results.

Sandblasting technique is used for cleaning of boat hulls, bricks and concrete work. Sandblasting which is also known as blast cleaning is used for cleaning industrial as well as commercial structures.

See also

• Abrasive blasting
• Pressure washer
• Water jet cutter

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