What Is Sand Blasting? Know The Difference Between Sand Blasting And Wet Blasting

Sand blasting can use different types of abrasives depending on the job. Although the word “sand” is used, actual sand is not always preferred today because it can cause health problems like silicosis. Instead, materials like steel grit, aluminium oxide, glass beads, or even crushed walnut shells are often used.

USES OF SAND BLASTING

• Removing rust from metal surfaces
• Cleaning old paint or coatings
• Preparing surfaces before applying new paint
• Creating a smooth or matte finish on glass or stone
• Restoring old machinery, tools, and equipment

In short, sand blasting is mainly about cleaning, smoothing, or preparing a surface for further work.

WHAT IS WET BLASTING

Wet blasting is a lot like sand blasting, but there is one big difference: water is added to the gritty material. In wet blasting, the abrasive particles are carried in a stream of water (sometimes with detergents or chemicals) and sprayed on the surface.

Due to the involvement of water, the process is softer when compared to dry sand blasting. The water softens the abrasive's impact and lowers the amount of dust that is made. Because of this, wet blasting is a better and healthier process. Wet blasting is usually employed in cases where you want a smoother finish, the dust control is significant or the material that is undergoing cleaning is sensitive.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SAND BLASTING AND WET BLASTING

• Medium Used: In sand blasting, abrasive material is only used in its dry form with the help of compressed air whereas in wet sand blasting, it uses the combination of the two, the abrasive material and water.
• Dust and Cleanliness: Sand Blasting produces a lot of dust since it is entirely dry. Employees require protective equipment such as masks and helmets and adequate ventilation. In Wet Blasting, very little dust is generated because water prevents the particles to be carried to the air. It is safer and less polluting to work with.
• Surface Finish: Sand Blasting leaves a rougher texture, this is good where you want paint or coats to really adhere to the surface. Wet Blasting provides a smoother and more polished look and is best used where looks are required.
• Damage to Surface: The dry abrasive impact is stronger in the case of sand blasting, so it may damage softer surfaces like aluminium, plastic, or thin sheets. Wet blasting works better for fragile materials because the water softens the sharp bits.

APPLICATIONS

Sand Blasting is commonly used in heavy industries to remove rust, scale, and tough coatings from steel, iron, and concrete. Wet Blasting is used in automotive restoration, cleaning delicate moulds, aerospace parts, or surfaces where a smooth, cosmetic finish is important.

• Cost and Equipment: Sand Blasting equipment is usually simpler and cheaper, but extra safety systems for dust collection may add cost. Wet Blasting equipment is more complex and costlier because it must handle both water and abrasives. However, it reduces cleanup and dust-control costs.
• Health and Safety: Dust can cause respiratory problems in Sand Blasting and this demands high levels of care. Wet Blasting is far safer to the workers since most dust does not spread when in contact with water.

CONCLUSION

Sand and wet blasting are both the effective methods of cleaning and preparation of the surfaces, yet they are applicable in different circumstances. Sand blasting is stronger and coarser, which works well to take off heavy rust, paint, or coats in hard materials such as steel. It however produces a lot of dust and may be dangerous unless safely done. Wet blasting produces a smoother finish and is safer and less polluting. It is particularly suitable on sensitive surfaces or where aesthetics does matter.