How well a surface is prepared before painting will affect a paint job’s overall quality. That’s why professional finishers rely on sandblast techniques to smooth a surface before a paint job. Sandblasting utilizes abrasive materials such as steel grit, glass beads, acrylic, and fine sand. These materials are forcefully propelled to the surface of an object. The scuffing then cleans any imperfections on the surface, such as old paint, rust, grime, and oil. Here are the benefits of this technique.
1. Effectively Prepares Metal Surfaces for Coating Application
The two main functions of coating are decoration and protection. A professional finish gives a product the appeal factor, especially the metal products. A paint job will be far more effective on a well-polished surface because of increased adhesion. The coating will not only last for long, but it will also protect the metal product, and increase its service life. When you scuff a metal surface, you get rid of impurities such as oil and rust that can affect the final quality of the coating. Sandblasting is great for both powder coating and liquid coating. If you manufacture metal products, it is best to seek these services before applying the final finish.
2. It is Quick
Sandblasting machines make the process easy and fast. One person can operate the sandblaster, and this reduces the labor costs. There is no need for intensive preparations that utilize harsh chemicals and extensive scrubbing when you choose to scuff. Additionally, after the sandblasting job is complete, cleaning up is easy. There isn’t much waste to collect in the sandblasting booth, save for the sandblasting grit. Some of the sandblasting materials, such as glass beads, can be reused. If you had to manually scuff metal using sandpaper, it would take you more time to complete a project.
3. It is Safer and Less Wasteful
Most of the abrasive materials used in sandblasting, such as glass beads, are non-toxic. Most professional finishers utilize non-toxic materials because they are also recyclable. The only element of sandblasting that may harm people is the dust produced in the process. It may contain toxic-silica, which is a known cause of lung diseases. However, manufacturers utilize protective clothing that protects the workers from inhaling the toxic dust. Moreover, the whole sandblasting process takes place in a booth that is well ventilated.
4. Sandblasting is Cost-effective
To scuff a surface, you only need a sandblaster and the abrasive materials. After setting up your sandblasting booth and buying the sandblasting machines and protective clothing, you will not have additional startup costs. The other cost-benefit is that most of the abrasive materials used in the process are recyclable and readily available. Compared to other alternatives such as laser cleaning, sandblasting is a big bargain for manufacturers. Additionally, sandblasting takes less time, and this allows manufacturers to work on more units.
What to Avoid When Sandblasting
Although sandblasting is not an overly complicated process, you should avoid DIY sandblasting. Especially if you are preparing a coating surface, it is better to have the experienced professional sandblast your products. There are many abrasive blasting methods that include bead blasting, dry ice blasting, wet abrasive blasting, hydro blasting, and bristle blasting. A professional will be able to pick the most suitable blasting method for your use.
It is also not advisable to scrape wood products, as this will damage them. Sometimes, metal products may have some wooden parts. If you subject the wooden parts to abrasive sandblasting, you risk comprising the structural integrity of the product. The abrasive materials are not soft on wood. Instead of cleaning wood surfaces, sandblasting eats into the wood and erodes most of it.
Sandblasting is essential for manufacturers who make metal products. It makes liquid coating and powder coating more effective and long-lasting. Manufacturers who utilize sandblasting services enjoy quick turnaround time, hence increase their rate of production. Before you get a powder coating for your metal products, you should engage the professional finishers who offer sandblasting services.