Sandblasting & Surface Prep
Professional media blasting and surface preparation services. The foundation of every lasting finish starts with proper surface prep.
Surface preparation determines whether a finish will last years or peel in months. Our sandblasting services remove rust, scale, old coatings, and contamination to create the ideal surface for powder coating, paint, or bare metal protection.
What We Do
- Media blasting to remove rust, mill scale, and old coatings
- Surface profile creation for optimal coating adhesion
- Chemical conversion coatings (phosphate, chromate)
- Aluminum-specific preparation methods
- Selective blasting for partial restoration projects
- Blast-only services for items being finished elsewhere
Best Fit For
- Items being prepared for powder coating or painting
- Rust and corrosion removal on structural steel
- Old coating removal for refinishing projects
- Automotive and motorcycle parts preparation
- Contractors needing surface prep services
- Restoration projects requiring clean bare metal
How We Deliver
- Assessment of substrate material and condition
- Media selection appropriate for the substrate
- Controlled blasting to specified profile
- Post-blast cleaning and inspection
- Chemical treatment when specified
- Prompt coating application to prevent flash rust
Why Surface Preparation Matters
The most expensive powder or paint will fail on a poorly prepared surface. Coatings need clean, profiled metal to grip. Oil, rust, mill scale, and old coatings all prevent proper adhesion. Shortcuts in preparation create failures that show up months later.
Proper preparation is invisible in the finished product — you cannot see it under the coating. But it determines whether that coating will last 5 years or 20. We treat surface preparation as the most important step in the finishing process.
Blasting Media and Methods
Different jobs require different media. We select blasting media based on the substrate material, the contaminants being removed, and the required surface profile.
Steel grit and shot provide aggressive cleaning and deep profile for structural steel. Aluminum oxide is effective on a wide range of substrates without iron contamination. Glass bead produces a smooth, satin finish on softer metals. Garnet offers a balance of cutting speed and surface finish.
- Steel grit/shot for heavy rust and scale removal
- Aluminum oxide for general-purpose blasting
- Glass bead for delicate parts and satin finishes
- Garnet for balanced cutting and finish quality
- Soda blasting for sensitive substrates
Surface Profile
Blasting creates microscopic peaks and valleys in the metal surface — this is the profile. Coatings grip these peaks mechanically, like velcro. The right profile depth depends on the coating being applied.
Too shallow a profile and coatings may not adhere well. Too deep and the coating may not fill the valleys, leaving thin spots vulnerable to corrosion. We control profile depth through media selection, pressure, and technique.
Chemical Conversion Coatings
After blasting, chemical treatments can further improve adhesion and corrosion resistance. Iron phosphate conversion coatings are common for steel, creating a crystalline layer that bonds to both the metal and the coating above it.
Aluminum and other non-ferrous metals require different chemistry. Chromate or non-chromate conversion coatings prepare aluminum for optimal coating adhesion. The right pretreatment depends on the substrate and the performance requirements.
Blast-Only Services
Not every customer needs coating from us. We offer sandblasting as a standalone service for items being painted elsewhere, items going to galvanizing, or bare metal applications. You bring it dirty; we return it clean and ready.
Timing matters with blast-only services. Clean bare steel begins to oxidize quickly, especially in humid conditions. We coordinate pickup or coating timing to minimize flash rust on blasted surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you sandblast without powder coating afterward?
- Yes. We offer standalone sandblasting services. However, bare blasted steel will begin to rust quickly, so you should plan to coat or protect the surface within hours of blasting.
- Can you blast aluminum without damaging it?
- Yes. We use appropriate media and pressure for aluminum and other soft metals. The key is matching the media aggressiveness to the substrate — we do not blast aluminum with steel grit.
- What size items can you blast?
- Our blast booth accommodates items up to 26 feet in length. For very large or heavy items, contact us to discuss logistics and handling.
- Do you remove lead paint or other hazardous coatings?
- Contact us to discuss items with potentially hazardous coatings. Special handling, containment, and disposal procedures may be required, which affects pricing and scheduling.
Related Services
Durable, high-quality powder coating for metal surfaces of all kinds. Electrostatic application with controlled oven curing for superior performance.
Custom metal fabrication — welding, cutting, forming, and repair for gates, brackets, frames, and structural components.
Strip, repair, and recoat existing metalwork to like-new condition. Furniture, railings, gates, architectural elements, and more.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote for your powder coating, sandblasting, or fabrication project.