Grit blasting

Not even the best, the most expensive paint or coating can provide appropriate protection against corrosion if it also causes damage from under the coating, from the inside. The proper surface preparation is at least as important as the coating itself.

Sandblasting : a technology that uses quartz-sand grains mixed with compressed air for the cleaning and treatment of different surfaces. As opposed to other cleaning procedures, sandblasting not only removes the different contamination, remains of materials or paint from the given surface but it also slightly abrases the surface by removing its top layer. The process can be used for forming rustic surfaces and also for removing paint or graffiti depending on the type of surface. Sand(grain)blasting can remove oxidation, rust, scale, old paint or coating and varnish from almost any surface.

The resulting new, clean to metal surface is a perfect base for further treatment: polishing, powder-spraying, galvanizing, etc. As opposed to chemical processes the advantage of sandblasting is that there are no remaining chemical materials that would have a negative effect on the later coating. By using the power of the high-pressure water the result is a well-adhering and rough surface.

Paint, varnish and old parts can be removed even from wooden surfaces by this procedure. Because the procedure has different effects on the various parts of the wooden structure which has different strength thus it can be used to enhance the cloud of the wood as well as for cleaning and antique finishing of wooden surfaces, ceilings, furniture and other wooden structures.

Grit blasting :

The procedure is the same as with sandblasting but it is performed with the type of grain most appropriate for the surface and the task. Its outside application can only be efficient and economical in case of special tasks. As for most surfaces sandblasting with normal quartz-sand can provide the expected result.

Wet sandblasting:

This procedure is similar to high-pressure washing. The emitted high-pressure water is mixed with grains of sand, thus enhancing the cleaning effect. Its advantage is that is does not result in dust formation.

A number of materials can be applied as cleaning grains. The material of the grain significantly influences the speed of the cleaning and the quality of the work. For cleaning metal surfaces, mainly the following materials are used:

Reusable materials:

• grains of steel, which can be rounded or angular
• aluminum-oxides and aluminum-silicates in certain special cases
• glass marbles, for cleaning aluminum and stainless steel
• special materials

Non-reusable materials:

• various types of slag
• quartz-sand
• granite sand

Fields of application of grit blasting:

• Rust removal : on metal structures, e.g. for the surface preparation and derusting of bridges, steel-frame buildings, tanks, pipes, etc. before the application of the protective layer.
• Descaling: the removal of scales on semi-finished processed products (such as plates, bands, wires, pipes) and forged or heat-treated parts.
• Cleaning: to clean castings, to clean castings of foundry sand and scales, to prepare and clean welding and soldering areas, to clean welds, remove old paint and other coatings.
• Granulation: to increase the adhesive strength of various metallic or non-metallic coatings (sprayed metal, rubber etc.)
• Fine grit blasting: to eliminate the roughening of surfaces that had earlier been fine processed.
• Very fine grit blasting: to eliminate controlled roughness, scarred of chipped surfaces
• Depolishing: to cater for decorative needs, and to eliminate reflection on parts of optical equipment.