Sandblasting Tips For The Uninitiated

Submitted by: Ellie Lewis

You have probably heard of it, but if you have never made use of sandblasting you probably do not know that some consider it a new art form. Sandblasting is an action that removes coatings one particle at a time and it is the generalized term for the process in which minute amounts of material are forcibly removed via high velocity, usually when one requires that a surface be cleared or etched. Sandblasting is not by any means a new process, but using these materials to mold a work of art is a development only seen in recent years.

It may be called sandblasting, but the process of removal can utilize a number of different materials to get the job done. Steel grit, copper slag and powdered abrasives such as coconut or walnut shell are all fair game for your removal purposes. Each substance is usually utilized in the stead of sand with a certain purpose in mind. Even if different materials are utilized, the process is still referred to as sandblasting.

Whatever your intentions, there are a few things you should know about the process before you begin. For safety s sake, it is a good idea to wear a medical mask so that you do not inhale any of the particles. Wearing safety goggles will keep the particles out of your eyes, and the use of a protective jumpsuit is another necessity. If you are doing this indoors, make sure the room is properly ventilated so that there is no lack of oxygen in the room.

You will need the proper tools such as a sandblaster that comes equipped with the abrasive of your choice, a blaster nozzle and an air compressor. Those creating etched works of art with their sandblaster will need another piece to hold their glass in place, as the machine exerts quite a bit of pressure. Lastly, a collector that rids the air of excess particles should be used throughout the process.

More often than not, this procedure is a business left to professionals. As you can see, there is quite a bit of health hazard involved and those in the habit of sandblasting have often gone through extensive training. Often it is used to retexture surfaces to remove graffiti or paint from walls, to remove rust from metal surfaces, or to remove oil, grease, dirt, paint or oxides. It may also be used in the construction of concrete, routine building maintenance, or, as previously mentioned, in decorative or artistic etching.

Traditionally, the process has been used to thoroughly clean an object or surface, this particular act was even patented in the US during 1870. This process acts as a sort of primer, and a sealant or paint can be applied to the wall after all particles have been contained. The artistic manner of etching a design onto glass or plastic is an alternate use; many have made quite beautiful pieces in this manner. Sandblasting may be a more expensive and time-consuming way to create art (as opposed to etching by hand), but often the results are too good to pass up.

About the Author: Ellie Lewis recently worked with a

San Antonio coatings

firm as new developments occur regularly in this field. She worked with a

San Antonio sandblasting

firm as she sought quotes for an abatement project.

Source:

isnare.com

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