How to Use Sandblaster

If you know what sandpaper is and what it does you would already have a general idea of a sandblaster.  Sandblasting is defined as the operation of cleaning or preparing a surface by forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against it. It’s the use of a material against another material to make it smoother, remove surface contaminants, or to roughen a surface.  Sand is usually the solid material used to spray against the other material.

Sandblasting is used to remove dirt, rust, paint and other particles from a surface.  It can also be used to etch designs in glass.  The force is generated by an air compressor or water if used with a pressure washer.

Tools Required

• Sandblaster
• Air compressor
• Media type – for example silica sand , glass beads or dry ice

Materials Required

• Goggles
• Dust mask or breathing respirator
• Work gloves
• Overalls or protective clothes
• Tarpaulin – for containing the mess

Instructions

1. First you will need to acquire your sandblaster; it can either be bought new or secondhand, or rented.
2. Next determine the type of media required, this will be dependent on the surface you wish to blast.  Consult your local home improvement store to ascertain this info.
3. Prepare the work area by spreading tarpaulin on floor and hanging it over any other areas that may have contact.
4. Don your protective clothing and gear.
5. Fill the sandblaster with the chosen media, stop at the fill line.  Ensure the valves are closed during this process.
6. Once tank is filled pull the ring closure up and seal the tank.
7. Ensure the ring closure is in the up position then open the air valves except the nozzle valve.
8. Open the nozzle valve in slow motion until a spray of media comes out.
9. Aim the nozzle at the blast surface and move back and forth using sweeping movements.
10. Turn the sandblaster off when finished.
11. Clean sandblaster and store away.

Tips

• Ensure you are far from the work site before removing the respirator, as there may be particles lingering in the air.
• Sandblasting is especially helpful in removing graffiti and stubborn grime.
• The sandblast pot where the abrasive particles are placed should be well grounded at all times.
• Ensure the sandblast tank is off when filling it with the abrasive particles to prevent accidents from happening.
• The entire sandblast unit should be thoroughly inspected for possible defects before it is used.
• Sandblasting regulations and safety guidelines vary from state to state. For specific information on safety procedures to follow, contact your local occupational health and safety department.
• Attachments can be applied to pressure washer to give a sandblasting effect.