What is sandblasting?

Sandblasting is a technique widely used in various industries. But what exactly is sandblasting? Can you do it yourself and what is needed for it? In this blog article, we will tell you everything you need to know. At Van Dillen Antique Building Materials, we sometimes use this technique for restoring and cleaning old facades and walls, but also for other old building materials such as antique tiles. Therefore, it is very valuable knowledge if you want to give building materials a second life or if you want to breathe new life into your old facade. This is also a very useful and informative text if you want to remove lime or cement residues from a newly built facade!

What is sandblasting and what is its purpose?

Sandblasting is the process of blasting abrasive materials, such as sand, against a surface at high pressure. This is done with a sandblasting machine that consists of a compressor, a blasting pot, and a nozzle. The purpose of sandblasting is to clean surfaces by removing old paint layers, rust, lime/cement, or other contaminants. It is ideal for cleaning wooden furniture or metal machines.

However, it also works perfectly to clean building materials such as old facades or new facades made of old bricks. In some cases, for example, there may still be a layer of paint on a material, and sandblasting can remove that layer. It can also be used to roughen surfaces in preparation for painting or gluing, allowing the materials to adhere better. At Van Dillen Building Materials, we sometimes use it to clean masonry bricks so they are ready for reuse. However, it often strips a hard outer layer from the bricks, causing them to absorb moisture again. This happens somewhat less quickly with old molded bricks, while old handmade bricks tend to do so even faster as they are generally softer.

We always recommend impregnating the bricks after sandblasting. If you want to use an old, antique facade stone but do not want to see any lime or cement traces, you can still choose to have your facade sandblasted. However, experience shows that many people find the overall look with lime traces so beautiful that this later proves unnecessary.

You can also achieve quite a bit with many antique facades made of old masonry bricks by simply using a suitable high-pressure washer and warm water; this is always worth trying before you start sandblasting. Always seek advice before you start cleaning your facade with a high-pressure washer.

What does sandblasting cost?

If you want to have the sandblasting done by someone, the price can vary by provider. The cost depends on various factors such as the size of the project, the type, the amount of materials, and the required labor time. If you have someone do the sandblasting, the price will be higher than if you do it yourself. For small DIY projects, the costs can be relatively low, especially if you rent the equipment yourself. The costs of the equipment depend on the type of equipment. There are sandblasting guns available as well as large compressors.

Can I sandblast myself?

Yes, sandblasting yourself is possible and can be a cost-saving DIY task. For smaller projects, such as removing paint from furniture or small metal parts, you might consider renting sandblasting equipment yourself. You can rent a blasting pot, blasting cabinet, or handheld blaster. However, it is crucial to take the proper safety precautions, including wearing safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask, to prevent injury. For larger projects, such as sandblasting a large facade, it may be better to approach a company. They specialize in this and often have the right equipment. When sandblasting old facade stones, it sometimes happens that too coarse a quantity is blasted away, so some knowledge and experience are required.

What compressor do I need for sandblasting?

For sandblasting, you need a powerful compressor that can deliver enough air to push the abrasive materials through the nozzle. Compressors vary in size and capacity. For smaller projects, a portable compressor of at least 100 liters is often sufficient, while for larger projects, a compressor with a capacity of 200 liters or more may be needed. The required output is also important. If you have a compressor of at least 100 liters, you will need an output of 270 liters per minute. In addition to compressors, other devices such as sandblasting cabinets can also be used for specific applications.

What sand do I need for sandblasting?

The type of sand used in sandblasting depends on the material of the surface and the desired effect. However, there are several types of materials you can use for blasting.

• Soda is a good medium for sandblasting and is also the most commonly used. This blasting medium is ideal for parts of, for example, an engine.
• Silica is often used for concrete and/or wood. It is suitable for large facades or stone surfaces.
• Glass beads are suitable for removing light oxidants and cleaning objects. It is a good blasting medium for soft surfaces.
• Sand is generally the most suitable if the goal is to restore old facade stones to their original color.

It is important that you first know what type of surface you want to sandblast before choosing a blasting medium; seek advice from someone knowledgeable about this.

Sandblasting is an effective and efficient method for cleaning and preparing surfaces, but it requires knowledge of the right equipment and materials. At Van Dillen Antique Building Materials, our customers sometimes apply this technique to enhance the quality and beauty of old building materials or to comply with municipal permit requirements.