Restoring Surfaces with Media Blasting | Michels Communications Corporation

Home Ideas Magazine - May 2020

Many people may not realize just how much sand blasting has evolved over the years. Differing from the usual sand blasting, media blasting features the use of multiple forms of blast media and abrasive levels that can be used on numerous surfaces.  This can been achieved without damaging the integrity of the project. One of the materials used for blasting is recycled bottle glass. This media can be used dry or can be applied with water, creating a dustless form of blasting. This is typically referred to as “Wet” or “Dustless” blasting. This makes it easier for the technician to see what they doing, keeping materials cool and easier to clean. The media blasting industry has evolved to the point of blasting not only with recycled glass, but also corncob, walnut shell and recycled plastic. Soda blasting can also be used when the job calls for it, typically to remove soot and smoke odor from fire damage. Using a variety of materials allows for more diversity in projects. This variety of media allows for blasting of aluminum, glass, steel, wood, brick, plastic, fiberglass and concrete. 

With wet blasting, there is a rust inhibitor mixed in during the actual stripping process and when the project is finished, it is also rinsed with another rust inhibitor, helping to ensure that the clean metal will not rust upon completion. Some companies guarantee the product up to 72 hours to prevent rust from surfacing on the bare metal. If the project is stored properly, the inhibitor can last for months. This makes the timeline stretch a little further for customer’s projects to be coated and painted.

Work with a company that has various types of media with various levels of abrasive. This allows for the least amount of change to the original surface. The finish can be left smooth, lightly textured and ready for paint or aggressive finishes for specialty coatings. These different abrasive levels can also be used to age woodwork. Did you know stain could be removed from doors, cabinets and log houses with blasting? A local company has also aged new oak trim to match the existing trim on the historic Pettigrew House in Sioux Falls. 

Brick is often a surface that is altered by applying plaster or paint and then restored to original. To re-expose brick walls that have not been seen for many years has been a desired look recently. Concrete can also be cleaned and blasted to expose aggregate or to remove stain. 

There really is no normal project for a media blasting business, as a project can include anything from a building (interior and exterior), an old Coca-Cola cooler and memorabilia to a classic car or random parts from a vehicle. Most anything can be blasted and returned to its former glory.