Sand Blasting: Techniques, Equipment, and Benefits

What Is Sand Blasting?

Commonly called abrasive blasting, grit or sand-blasting can be used to expose the aggregates inside a hardened concrete, giving it a rustic also attractive look, by eroding the surface layer.

There are four typical grades of abrasion, with each one producing a matt finish featuring textures varying from these resembling sand-paper (brush blasting) to more coarse textures (light blasting) and blasting, which exposes large amounts of aggregate (medium, heavy blasting).

Throughout the process, the colour of the cement will initially dominate, and then the sand colour will progressively show with the coarse aggregates being revealed during thick and medium sand-blasting.

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Sand-blasting is one of the most efficient procedures of cleaning stone, wood, metal, and other solid surfaces. It employs the usage of compressed air to project sand and other granules in a target.

This removes dirt, grime, and all finishes nearly instantaneously. A sandblaster has the ability to restore a surface to the original bare condition with minimal effort. Even though convenient, treating concrete using a sandblaster requires detailed preparation and protective measures.

Concrete Sand-blasting Equipment

1. Cover

2. Screen

3. Machine Tank

4. Pressurizing Ball Valve

5. Upper-Air Line Ball Valve

6. Moisture and Oil Separator

7. Lower Air Line Ball Valve

8. Abrasive Blasting Hose

9. Operator Helmet

10. Nozzle Holder

11. Nozzle

12. Breathing Air Hose

13. Breathing Air Filter

Preparation for operation.

• Ensure that the compressor is positioned out of the abrasive blasting operation zone on the downwind side.

• Start the compressor and increase pressure and temperature up to operational values.

• Open lower ball valve at compressed machine air-line (the handle of the open valve should be parallel to the compressed air-line).

• Open the tank venting ball valve.

• Close compressed air feed ball valve (upper ball valve on this compressed air-line).

• Close metering valve FSV by setting adjusting handle in the central position.

• Connect the compressed air hose to the coupling of the machine. Compressed air hose diameter should be at least 0.5″. Lock hose coupling with safety wire or clip.

• Connect abrasive blasting hose to hose the coupling of the machine. Lock hose coupling with safety wire or clip.

• Fill the machine tank with abrasive.

• Put protective equipment on.

Abrasive blasting operations

• Feed compressed air to the machine inlet.

• Machine Maximum Operating Pressure — 10 Bar.

• Close the pressurizing ball valve.

• Upon the signal of this abrasive blasting operator open the ball valve and feed compressed air to the machine line. This tank is pressurized. Only compressed air is expelled from the nozzle.

• Adjust metering valve FSV to provide an optimal air-abrasive mixture. The general rule for abrasive blasting operations: the less abrasive you use, the better.

• To stop operation, close the compressed air feed ball valve and then immediately open the pressurizing ball valve to relieve pressure from your tank.

Where Can You Use Regular Sandblast Finish Concrete

• Concrete Steps

• Concrete Walls

• Concrete Pillars

• Concrete Patios

• Concrete Walkways

• Concrete Driveways

• Concrete Pool Decks

Key Benefits

There are key benefits to sand-blasting concrete as an alternative to traditional surface restoration procedures:

• It ensures even concrete finishes in the consistency of their cement and stone ratio in comparison to using conventional procedures.

• Sandblasting is a far more affordable and time-efficient solution than the cost involved with ripping up the concrete, disposing the debris, and then adding a new layer of concrete.

• Its technology uses compressed air to project abrasive material in the concrete for exposed aggregate, hence avoiding irreparable damage to the surface.

• ProStrip Sandblasting can effectively and economically restore concrete to its original surface condition with minimal effort for the preparation of further treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sand Blasting

What is sand blasting?

Sand blasting, also known as abrasive blasting or grit blasting, is a process that uses compressed air to project sand or other abrasive materials onto a surface. This technique is used to clean, smooth, or roughen surfaces by eroding the top layer.

What are the different grades of abrasion in sand blasting?

There are four typical grades of abrasion in sand blasting:

1. Brush Blasting: Produces a finish resembling sandpaper.
2. Light Blasting: Creates a slightly rougher texture.
3. Medium Blasting: Exposes larger amounts of aggregate.
4. Heavy Blasting: Reveals significant aggregate, providing a coarse texture.

What materials can be cleaned using sand blasting?

Sand blasting is effective for cleaning stone, wood, metal, and concrete surfaces. It removes dirt, grime, and old finishes almost instantaneously.

What equipment is required for sand blasting concrete?

Key equipment for sand blasting concrete includes:

1. Cover and screen
2. Machine tank
3. Pressurizing and ball valves
4. Moisture and oil separator
5. Abrasive blasting hose
6. Operator helmet
7. Nozzle and nozzle holder
8. Breathing air hose and filter

What safety precautions should be taken during sand blasting?

Operators should wear protective equipment, ensure the compressor is positioned downwind of the operation zone, and follow specific steps to manage the pressurizing and depressurizing of the machine tank.

How is the sand blasting process initiated and controlled?

The process involves:

1. Positioning the compressor correctly
2. Starting and adjusting the compressor to operational values
3. Connecting and securing hoses
4. Filling the machine tank with abrasive material
5. Feeding compressed air to the machine and adjusting the air-abrasive mixture

What are the common applications of sand blasting on concrete?

Sand blasting can be used on various concrete structures, such as:

1. Concrete steps
2. Concrete walls
3. Concrete pillars
4. Concrete patios
5. Concrete walkways
6. Concrete driveways
7. Concrete pool decks

What are the benefits of sand blasting concrete?

The key benefits of sand blasting concrete include:

1. Achieving consistent finishes with an even cement and stone ratio
2. Being a more affordable and time-efficient alternative to traditional surface restoration methods
3. Using compressed air to project abrasive material, avoiding irreparable surface damage
4. Effectively restoring concrete to its original condition with minimal preparation effort

Can sand blasting be used for surface restoration?

Yes, sand blasting is a highly efficient method for restoring surfaces to their original bare condition, making it an ideal solution for preparing concrete for further treatment or finishing.

How does sand blasting ensure even finishes on concrete?

Sand blasting ensures even finishes by evenly exposing the aggregates within the concrete, resulting in a uniform texture and appearance compared to conventional surface restoration procedures.