Uses for Sand Blast Cleaning

by Dave Donovan

Sand blast cleaning is used for a wide range of applications, from cleaning brick facades to softening the edges of a wooden object. While rarely used on metal surfaces, sand blast cleaning is excellent for removing built-up paint from metal, such as when the Golden Gate Bridge was refinished in the mid-1960s. It is also a common method used for cleaning the hulls of large ships and other structures.

Sand Blasting in Art

Hand-etching glass takes a considerable amount of time and effort and it can be quite expensive in the long run. So, in recent years, sand blasting has become one of the most popular methods of decorating glass.

In sand blast etching, high powered abrasive is jettisoned to the glass, turning the once-clear surface an opaque or milky white. Using sand blasting allows for a higher level of creativity as the intensity is able to be adjusted, thus making it possible for the glass to take on different shades and angles.

Carving glass is performed by placing a stencil of your desired shape on the glass. As the high velocity sand hits the glass, it is carved away, leaving behind the stenciled shape. Like etching, carving glass with sand blasting equipment allows for multiple angles to be used which in turn, makes for some brilliant lighting effects and nuances.

Sand Blasting Considerations

If you are considering using sand blasting for a hard surface cleaning method, there are certain things you need to keep in mind.

First, always wear the proper clothing and breathing apparatus. Because minute particles will be entering the air, it will be very easy to breathe them in, and sometimes, depending on what you’re sand blasting, these particles can be dangerous to your health.

Look for alternatives to using a sand blaster that uses sand. It has been proven that inhalation of dust created by sand can cause a lung disease called silicosis. Therefore, look for one that uses a different type of abrasive, like powdered abrasives, steel grit, copper slag, coconut shells or others.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.