Surface Prep: Before & After Blasting
Updated: December 22, 2023When you have a business in the manufacturing or industrial industries, Abrasive Blasting should be an important part of your daily operations. While sandblasting usually doesn’t involve sand anymore, surface prep is a key step in the process.
Abrasive blasting can produce proper surface preparation, for adhesion of subsequent coatings and in some cases results in a final finish.
The Importance of Proper Surface Prep
The main reason to include surface prep as part of your blasting routine is that leaving it out can prevent the finish from taking hold. Whether you’re painting or adding any other type of finish to an object, it won’t look right unless you prep the surface properly.
When a coating (paint or powder) doesn’t adhere to the substrate, the coating will either not adhere properly and in most cases fail prematurely, requiring unnecessary rework. Beginning with a properly prepared surface prep finish will improve the appearance and functionality of your components.
Sandblasting Surface Prep
Sandblasting and abrasive blasting are both terms that refer to the process overall. Prior to the severe safety and health restrictions put on Silica Sand, the term sand blasting was commonly used. Abrasive Blasting is a more general term, and aptly more appropriate because there are a variety of abrasives that may be used in an abrasive blasting process. Each abrasive possesses its own characteristics, and ultimate results. Choosing the appropriate abrasive will produce the results you desire. Allow us to assist in the proper media selection and recommendations to best suit your application and job.
A wide variety of blast media is available. Some of the more common abrasive media include: Starblast, Glass Beads, Aluminum Oxide, Silicon Carbide, Plastic Abrasives, Aluminum and Steel Shot and Grit, as well as naturally occurring abrasives like Corn Cob and crushed Walnut Shells. Each comes in a range of mesh or grit sizes to produce the desired finish and result.
There are also varying blast methods available depending on your budget, equipment needs, and specific application.
Allow our team to assist you with choosing the proper equipment to give you the desired surface prep finish.
Surface Cleaning After Blasting
Proper Surface preparation will properly prepare your substrate for a subsequent finish and leave it in a raw state. Be sure you are ready to apply that finish so rust will not occur. Iron substrates or alloys that contain iron will rust in short order. In some cases you can utilize rust preventatives if your finishing cannot occur in a timely manner.
Always keep your abrasive clean from debris and moisture for effective abrasive blasting.
Get in Touch With Us at Finishing Systems
At Finishing Systems, you’ll find all of the equipment and blast media you need for sandblasting. For superior surface preparation allow the experts at Finishing Systems to help you find the right solutions for your application and projects.
Whether it be Portable Blast Units, Installing Turnkey Abrasive Blast Rooms, or Blast Cabinets the proper blast equipment can make your business operations more efficient and cost-effective. To learn more about our products or to request a free quote, please contact us today.