Sandblasting Abrasives Education and Training

Consider the particular sandblasting media you use when deciding on a training method
By Casey Holley Sandblasting is the practice of shooting small sandblasting media through a handheld nozzle with compressed air or siphoned air. While sand is the traditional media used, hence the name sandblasting, many other sandblast media are available. These include walnut shells, garnet and copper slag. Each abrasive serves a different purpose. For example, sand is appropriate for sandblasting rust off an oil rig, while garnet is too fine for that purpose.

Even the smallest sandblasting media can cause serious injury to people or property. Therefore, it is imperative to know the proper techniques and safety methods to avoid injury when working with this sandblast media. Consider the following sandblasting abrasives education and training to ensure safe use of the equipment and media:

1. Take a class that teaches the techniques for the sandblasting abrasives your company uses.

2. Know the special considerations for sandblasting glass.

3. Learn and practice safety procedures for using sandblasting media and equipment.

Get hands on instruction to learn or improve techniques for working with sandblast media

Each type of sandblasting media has specific techniques that are appropriate for that type of media. Knowing the techniques and learning them in a hands-on setting is necessary to ensure safe use. This is especially true in industrial settings, where the sandblasting usually happens when other workers are near.
Try:  Hosted by Ron Clamp, the Memorial Design sandblasting course is designed to show sandblasting beginners basic techniques or help sandblasting business professional sandblasters improve their techniques. Mr. Clamp provides his students with innovative uses for uncommon media for sandblasters. SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings offers on site and off site seminars about using commercial sandblasting abrasives. The course is appropriate for use on oil rigs and other industrial applications.

Learn appropriate techniques for using sandblasting media on glass

Sandblasting glass for the purpose of etching the glass or altering its look is popular in the home and office decor industry. Knowing the best techniques to make the designs you need for your clients a reality saves your company time and money. For example, using garnet as the sandblasting media produces very fine etching, while sand produces very course etchings.
Try:  Riordan Artistry offers detailed explanations about the different types of sandblasting techniques. The information includes instructions and tips about how to choose the most appropriate sandblasting media or the best mixture of sandblasting abrasives. Delphi Glass offers numerous books and instructional CDs with techniques for using sandblasting abrasives to create glass designs.

Ensure safe use of sandblast media

Sandblast media is sometimes mixed. While this is usually a very safe practice, there are some special considerations when doing this. For example, sandblasting with a mixture of sand and walnut shells has a high range. This means that the particles will go farther when bouncing off the sandblasted item.
Try:  Trowel Trades offers frequently updated information about new uses and mixtures of sandblasting abrasives for cleaning new masonry. This website also offers archived records of sandblasting abrasives for refinishing older masonry. Sundance Art Glass offers safety instructions for properly operating sandblasting equipment. The information provided is appropriate when using any type of sandblasting media, including sandblasting abrasives for construction projects.

• When working in a sandblasting booth, ensure the booth enclosure is appropriate for the sandblasting media. For example, when using sand, a metal enclosure or hard plastic enclosure is most appropriate. A soft plastic enclosure, such as Visqueen, will rip or tear. You should also ensure proper ventilation.