Also Known as Shot/Grit Blasting
The equipment we use for media blasting is a low-pressure setup which allows items to be blast cleaned without distortion. This is ideal for items with thin metalwork such as car bodyshells and panels, whilst it is still able to complete some of the more industrial blasting as well.
A variety of media can be used to blast including types of very fine recycled glass, glass bead, walnut shells and soda depending on the results required. A combination of these can also be used on a project (e.g - recycled glass on the underside and engine bay of a car shell and Soda for the panels/roof). Some of the more common media used and expected results are described below:
Bead Blasting
The process of Bead blasting will remove old paint, rust, oil and corrosion which will leave it with a clean, bright and smooth surface finish. Glass bead is spherical therefore it doesn't damage the surface unlike the more angled media which will slightly pit the surface ready for primer or other finishes to adhere to.
Bead blasting can be used on engine casings/blocks, gearboxes, manifolds or anything made of steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper and many more metallurgies.
Soda Blasting
Soda blasting does not etch or damage the surface of the item being blasted. Soda being a soft pelletized product, is safe to use on lead, aluminium, fibreglass and polypropylene. It does not generate heat or distortion and will not damage glass, plastics etc. It is not suitable for areas of heavy rust.
Fine Abrasive Blasting
A range of media can be used to remove old paint and rust which will increase paint/powder adhesion when done correctly. The usual media used for this is crushed recycled glass which removes rust and paint without damaging the substrate, therefore leaving a good key for paint to adhere to.
Items That Can Be Blasted:
- Most metals (agricultural, industrial, automotive, marine, household)
- Fibreglass
- Hardwoods
If required, photos of your restoration project can be taken throughout the blasting process, so please let us know beforehand.
On completion of blasting, items can be left un-primed (or with an inhibitor if required, as bare metal can flash rust VERY quickly!), primed in a red oxide paint, painted in any standard RAL colour or if required, galvanised. All paints or galvanised surfaces can be completed to any thickness specified. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements.
