There are lots of different options out there for people who are looking for deep cleaning, paint removal or texturization of surfaces. One of the most popular options is media blasting. This process has a lot of different applications, but some people are unsure about some of the basics of media blasting and how it can be used. So, what is media blasting in Washington, and what materials can be used for this process? Keep reading to find out.
What is media blasting?
Media blasting is a process that’s used for a variety of applications, including paint removal, deep cleaning, deodorizing and texturization. Media blasting is done with the use of a pressurized nozzle that applies tiny pieces of material to a surface. There are lots of different materials used for media blasting in Washington. While many of these materials offer similar benefits and results, there are some key differences to keep in mind. Here are a few of the most common materials used for media blasting in Washington, and some information about how they’re used:
- Plastic abrasives: Plastic abrasives are relatively soft, and they are typically used to strip paint without etching the surface of a material. Plastic abrasives are very coarse, and are most commonly used for automotive and aerospace applications to strip away paint and other coatings on the surface of metal parts.
- Glass beads: Glass beads can range from very coarse to very fine, which makes them suitable for a variety of applications. Sometimes, glass beads are used to strip away paint and coatings, but they can also be used for aggressive etching and surface profiling.
- Pumice: Pumice is a natural material commonly used for media blasting. Pumice can range from super coarse to super fine, and it’s mostly used for applications where the surface needs to be protected from etching. Because it’s light and low etching, pumice is commonly used as a mild abrasive.
- Walnut shells: Walnut shells provide an organic, durable material for media blasting. Walnut shells are low-etching and are commonly used for mild stripping of paint and other coatings without causing damage to the surfaces below.
- Steel grit: Steel has a much higher grit than some other materials used for media blasting in Washington. Carbon steel is typically super coarse and used for aggressive cleaning and fast stripping on surfaces where etching is not a concern.
- Corn cob: Corn cob is one of the softest materials used for media blasting. Because of how soft it is, it doesn’t cause any etching and can be used for cleaning and stripping on soft surfaces, including wood, without causing damage.
Media blasting in Washington
If you have more questions about media blasting in Washington, reach out to Powder Vision Inc. We specialize in powder coating, sandblasting and media blasting. No matter what your specific needs may be, our team is here to make sure you get all the services you need. Whether you want to learn more about our media blasting services, or you’re interested in seeing some of our powder coating work, give our team a call for more information.