Before a metal component can be painted or powder coated, its surface must be free from dirt, oil, rust, and other contaminants that interfere with good adhesion. Sandblasting is a common choice, but there are many additional options available. Here, we’ll compare sandblasting with soda blasting, wet blasting, and vacuum blasting. We’ll also look at some of the standout benefits of sandblasting for surface prep.
NJ McCutchen offers comprehensive fabrication services, including sandblasting and painting in Stockton, California. All of our industrial sandblasting services are done completely in-house in our 28 ft. by 60 ft. blast room, equipped with a 10-ton overhead crane for handling heavy and oversized goods. Keep reading to learn more.
Sandblasting vs. Other Prep Methods
While there are many different blasting methods, sandblasting offers unique advantages. See how sandblasting compares to alternative blasting methods and the sandblasting benefits our services can offer you. Three common alternatives to sandblasting are soda blasting, wet blasting, and vacuum blasting. Each method offers unique pros and cons.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting uses different types of media to abrade surfaces of dirty or coated metal goods. At high enough speeds, the abrasives cut away the surface buildup. A variety of media can be used depending on the application. Common options include silica sand, quartz, walnut shells, steel grit, or glass beads. Regardless of the abrasive material used, the process is still called sandblasting.
NJ McCutchen’s sandblasting equipment supplies pressurized air at 90-100 PSI and a volumetric flow rate of 50-100 CFM. At high speeds, the media can cut through grease, paint, sealing coats, rust, and buildup to reveal the original surface. We use high-quality abrasive particulate materials with a consistent size and sharpness to ensure that the resulting finish is uniform and fully clean, with minimal risk of damage.
Soda Blasting
Soda blasting is a similar process to sandblasting, but it is best suited to cleaning applications rather than removing old coatings or buildup. This is because soda blasting involves milder abrasives, usually sodium bicarbonate (i.e., baking soda). It is a softer material, but still abrasive enough to remove rust and create a smooth surface prior to applying a coating. The downside is soda blasting can take much longer than alternative methods that use more abrasive materials. As a result, this process is generally reserved for cleaning.
Wet Blasting
Sandblasting and other airblasting processes are typically dry; however, they can propel varying amounts of particulate, which can result in an inconsistent surface finish. Wet blasting tools reduce this effect by injecting high-pressure water into the pressurized air and particulate mixture right before or right as it’s released. The water improves the evenness of the abrasion, and is often used for equipment and vehicle panels to prevent warping.
Vacuum Blasting
Vacuum blasting is a cleaner alternative to conventional sandblasting. Also called dustless blasting, this process incorporates a vacuum suction device into a blasting machine. After the propelled abrasives clean contaminants off the workpiece surface, the vacuum sucks up the abrasive and contaminant particles, leaving behind a clean work area and workpiece for additional processing.
Sandblasting Benefits
Stockton-area manufacturers, construction crews, and restoration services rely on high-quality sandblasting services to clear away old buildup and coatings on parts, fixtures, and equipment. At NJ McCutchen, we have the tools and expertise to deliver clean workpieces with a consistent surface quality, whether you need to clean old metal goods down to the original material or a complete repainting or recoating. The advantages of choosing sandblasting services like NJ McCutchen’s are:
Efficient Contaminant Removal
Proper surface preparation ensures that coatings, paints, and sealers make full contact with the item and adhere well. Sandblasting is compatible with virtually any hard surface and can remove:
- Rust
- Oil
- Grease
- Old paint layers
Even newly manufactured metal goods can pick up surface contaminants, like oils or grit, during fabrication. These substances and particles can interfere with processing and finishing, add scratches, or damage coatings. We begin every painting or coating project with sandblasting to create a reliably clean base.
Rust Removal and Prevention
Grinding and other traditional methods of rust removal are time-consuming and they risk missed spots or damage to the surface. Sandblasting services abrade the surface just enough to strip away rust without damaging the underlying metal. Carefully selected abrasives can even strip away damaged and oxidized portions of the material to restore it prior to applying rust prevention coatings and seals.
Surface Preparation for Coatings
High-quality coating applications start with thorough cleaning and surface preparation. Without this vital step, powder coats or paint can stick to the buildup instead of the actual surface. This creates imperfections, weaknesses, and blemishes that compromise the integrity of the finished product. NJ McCutchen uses precision sandblasting tools that leave behind a clean, smooth surface that’s ready for paint or finishing treatments.
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving
Sand blasting in Stockton is faster and more affordable than comparable cleaning and surface preparation methods. Grinding, hand sanding, and other manual processes are slow and require costly manual labor. They also risk leaving behind dirty patches in crevices or excessive marring, scratches, or roughness. Chemical alternatives, such as exfoliants, can be dangerous to workers and the environment.
Contact NJ McCutchen for Sand Blasting Services in Stockton, CA
Sand blasting preps commercial and industrial metal goods for superior coating, painting, and finishing options. NJ McCutchen has served Stockton, California, for over 25 years, and we specialize in sand blasting services for manufacturing, aerospace, construction, and other industries. Our blasting booth can accommodate both small and large items, including large machinery, vehicle bodies, tanks and vessels, and industrial equipment. We also provide fabrication services, machining, welding, ASME codework, and more.
Contact us today to learn more about the sandblasting process, or for a quote on your next project.