Maryland Sand Blasting

Sand blasting is a general term used to describe the act of propelling very fine bits of material at high-velocity to clean or etch a surface. As a cleaning method, sandblasting is often used for priming a surface for the application of paint or a sealant. 

When painting or sealing a smooth surface, dust, dirt, or bubbles in a previous layer of paint can cause imperfections as the new layer is applied. By launching small bits of abrasive at the surface at a high speed, all imperfections are knocked loose and can then be easily washed off, creating an incredibly smooth surface upon which to lay the new layer of paint or sealant.

The Evolution of Sandblasting

Over the years, sandblasting has been used for a wide variety of projects, from preparing old metal lawn furniture for new paint, to cleaning the hulls of ships or large structures such as bridges.

While it is true that sand used to be the most commonly used material, inhaling the dust created by sand blasting has been found to cause the lung disease silicosis. Because of this, sandblasting has been replaced by other types of abrasive media blasting.  Any small, relatively uniform particles will work.

Modern types of blasting media include:

• steel shot
• aluminum oxide
• copper slag
• corn cob
• crushed glass, plastics (urea, acrylic, polyester and melamine)
• silicon carbide grit
• steel grit
• walnut shells
• Soda Blasting with Baking Soda and other powdered abrasives

Sandblasting Safety

Even with other types of abrasive blasting, care must be taken to avoid inhaling tiny particles. Due to the dangers of dust inhalation during the process, sandblasting (or abrasive media blasting) must be performed in a controlled environment, using an alternate air supply, protective wear, and proper ventilation. 

O.T. Neighoff offers one of Maryland's largest, safest and well maintained blast and paint facilities, and our project managers have the experience to know which blasting media is best for any particular cleaning or surface prep application. We have handled blast and paint projects both small and large, including individual car parts and Department of Defense aircraft and ground vehicles.

Learn more about OTN's Baltimore, Maryland Blast and Paint Shop, or contact us today to see how we can help with your upcoming Maryland sandblasting project.