Abrasives Blasting materials

 Blasting Abrasives: A Complete Guide to Steel Grit, Steel Shot and Garnet in Surface Preparation

Blasting abrasives are really important for getting a surface ready for painting, coating and protecting it from corrosion. If you choose the abrasive it makes sure the surface is clean rough enough and the coating lasts a long time.
In this article we will talk about the common abrasives. Steel grit, steel shot and garnet. We will explain what they are used for what is good about them and what you need to be careful about when using them.

What Are Blasting Abrasives?

Blasting abrasives are materials that are thrown at a surface fast using compressed air or special machines. They are used to:
   Remove rust, old scale and old coatings
    surfaces that are contaminated
    Make a surface rough so paint sticks to it better
The abrasive you choose depends on:
  How you are blasting. By hand or with a machine
   What the surface is like
   How rough you want the surface to be

Types of Blasting Abrasives

1. Steel Grit (It Has Edges)

Steel grit is made of small particles with sharp edges.
It is good because it:
    Cuts aggressively
   Makes a deep rough surface
   Is great for heavy-duty cleaning
You can use steel grit for:
   Removing old coatings
   Cleaning steel that is heavily rusted
   Preparing surfaces for special coatings
👉 Steel grit is best for: Making a surface and helping the coating stick really well

2. Steel Shot (It Is

Steel shot is made of small round particles.
It is good because it:
   Makes the surface stronger of cutting it
   Creates a smooth and even surface
    Improves the surface strength
You can use steel shot for:
   Cleaning surfaces
   Making the surface stronger
   Finishing operations
👉 Steel shot is best for: Making an even surface finish

3. Garnet (It Is a Mineral)

Garnet is a mineral that is often used for blasting in open areas.
It is good because it:
   Is not toxic and safer than silica sand
    Makes a rough surface
    Can only be used once
You can use garnet for:
    Blasting in shipyards or offshore
    Cleaning tanks
     Preparing surfaces in
👉 Garnet is best for: Safe and effective blasting in open areas

Recyclable vs Expendable Abrasives

Abrasives That Can Be Reused
Steel grit and steel shot can be reused.
They are used in blasting systems.
They can be used times.
They save you money in the run.
Abrasives That Cannot Be Reused
Garnet and other similar materials cannot be reused.
They are used in blasting.
They break down when they hit the surface.
They need to be thrown after use.

Why Surface profile Is Important

The roughness of the surface is very important for the coating to stick.
Steel grit makes a rough surface.
Steel shot makes a surface.
Garnet makes a rough surface.
If the surface is properly rough it helps the paint stick better the coating lasts longer and it does not fail easily.

Safety Is Important

Safety is very important when blasting.
You need to remember:
    Do not use silica sand
    Silica dust can cause a lung disease
     Always wear proper safety gear:
    A respirator
    A blasting helmet
     Protective clothes
Choosing the blasting abrasive is the key to getting a surface ready properly.
Use steel grit for cleaning.
Use steel shot for finishing.
Use garnet for effective blasting, in open areas.
If you understand these abrasives you can make your coatings better save money and keep your workplace safe.