Bead Blasting vs Sand Blasting: What to Choose for Your Next Project

Cars, bridges, industrial structures all have something in common, they all require surface finish restoration. And how professionals restore a lost finish? With the help of blasting technique. With the right blasting method, you’ll be able to maximise profits by getting the job done faster with satisfactory results.

However, for the best results, it is important to determine which of the blasting method suits your particular need best. By choosing the best blasting delivering method for your task, you will for sure see excellent results.

Two of the most popular blasting techniques used to clean a hard metal surface amongst many are- Sand Blasting and Bead Blasting. These cleaning methods are used to strip paint, corrosion and abrasive materials. The type of technique experts use is directly proportionate to the amount of dirt on the material. For delicate metal, gentle blasting technique is required as it prevents any scratches on the surface. However, often times, people find it difficult to choose between the two.

Though blasting with glass beads take more time than sand blasting, at least it is much gentler on the material and can be done effectively without causing damage to the material itself. As a result, you will get a fresh, shiny and more polished appearance.

Let’s see in detail what makes the one better than the other.

SAND BLASTING

Sand blasting is the operation of forcibly propelling a sand on to a metal surface through very high air pressure. Though this technique is much quicker and completes the work in less time, the fact that it is harsher on the underlying metal material cannot be denied. Sand blasting, just like sand paper, has the ability to shape and smoothen the underlying material. However, unlike glass beading, sand blasting is not recyclable.

GLASS BEAD BLASTING

In order to clean impurities from a metal’s surface, bead blasting uses tiny glass beads. Glass bead blasting is considered the gentlest abrasive blasting material for metal restoration. The beads from blasting can be shot at the metal with air pressure or water. Apart from that, glass beads are affordable, cheap to produce and can be reused approximately 30 times.

The size and shape of glass beads possess the ability to affect the surface texture. Smaller beads produce a smoother, glossier finish, whereas larger beads give the metal a rougher and more conductive texture. Round beats are gentler on the metal, while sharp-cut beads offer a heavy-duty cleaning. The best part about glass bead blasting is that it does not leave any residue behind and poses little to no health or safety hazards for workers.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

As compared to glass bead blasting, sand blasting is much more dangerous for workers. Silica dust released from sand blasting can cause silicosis in workers after extended inhalation. On the contrary, glass bead blasting is harmless because the beads do not produce silica dust and are led-free.

However, just because glass beads are led-free does not mean it will not lead you to any problem. It’s always advised to protect your mouth with a mask while inspecting any such place where blasting technique is being used, so that you do not inhale any hazardous residue. Lastly, don’t forget to protect your ear from the loud noise of blasting machine.