Industrial Blast Media Supplier

SurfacePrep is a leading supplier of abrasive blasting media for industrial surface preparation. Blast media consists of abrasive particles propelled by compressed air or centrifugal force to clean, strip, or finish a surface. From removing rust, scale, and coatings to creating the exact surface profile for optimal coating adhesion, our high-quality blast media delivers consistent, reliable results.

With a nationwide network, extensive in-stock inventory, and technical experts, we provide fast delivery and guidance to ensure you have the right abrasive blasting media for your application. We work with you to select the ideal abrasive type, size, and hardness to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and extend equipment life.

Often referred to as “sandblasting media,” blast media should never include silica sand due to the serious health risks of respirable crystalline silica. Learn more about silica hazards on OSHA’s website.

Choose SurfacePrep as your trusted blast media partner — delivering the products, expertise, and support to keep your operations running at peak performance.

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Choose the Right Abrasive Blast Media

Particle Size

Particle size, measured in mesh or microns, dictates the impact intensity and surface finish.  Larger particles deliver a more aggressive impact, ideal for heavy rust, scale removal, or creating a rough surface profile for coatings.  Smaller particles, on the other hand, are gentler and produce a smoother finish, perfect for delicate cleaning or surface preparation for painting.

Effective for heavy contamination removal, thick coatings, and creating a deep anchor pattern. Think of these for initial blast passes on heavily corroded surfaces.

A versatile option for general-purpose cleaning and surface preparation. Good for removing moderate rust and existing coatings.

Best for achieving a smooth surface finish, removing light rust or flash rust, and preparing surfaces for painting or powder coating. Ideal for more delicate substrates.

Particle Hardness

Particle hardness, often referred to as strength or durability, influences the media’s ability to withstand the impact of blasting and resist fracturing.  Stronger media can be reused multiple times, making it a more economical choice for large projects.  However, the substrate material also plays a role.  A very hard abrasive might be too aggressive for a softer substrate.

Offer superior durability and can be recycled many times. Ideal for demanding applications and high-volume blasting. Examples include steel grit and steel shot.

Provide a good balance between cutting power and reusability. Suitable for a variety of general-purpose blasting operations. Examples include garnet and aluminum oxide.

Best for delicate surfaces or where minimal surface profile is desired. Often single-use and not recyclable. Examples include glass beads and plastic media.

Particle Shape

The shape of the abrasive particle significantly impacts the blasting process and the resulting surface profile.  Different shapes offer varying degrees of cutting action and create distinct surface textures.

Characterized by sharp edges and points, angular abrasives deliver a more aggressive cutting action. Ideal for removing thick coatings, rust, and scale. They create a more jagged, deeper profile.

Produce a smoother, peened surface finish. Less aggressive than angular abrasives, they are often used for surface preparation and finishing. They create a more consistent, shallower profile.

These can be a blend of angular and rounded, offering a compromise for many applications.

Benefits of Abrasive Blasting

Efficiency

Abrasive blasting processes can reach areas of the workpiece, or surface, that can be hard to access by other surface finishing means.

Eco-Friendliness

The process is more environmentally friendly since most blast media are natural materials and recyclable.

Surface Profiling

The profiling of the surface is easily controlled by the use of different media types and sizes, opening up a wider range of customer application requirements.

Operator Safety

Using abrasive blasting media for blast cleaning poses less of a health risk than other cleaning techniques, but operators must take protective measures with proper PPE.

Abrasive Air Blast Media Products

At SurfacePrep, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We focus our efforts on providing world-class customer service and support, to insure ensure we provide the best materials to our customers.

SurfacePrep stocks a large quantity of abrasive blasting media and abrasive finishing equipment that will meet your application needs. Our knowledgeable, friendly associates are ready to help you find the materials that fit your needs and provide solutions to your problems.

Contact us today to learn more, receive a quote, or place an order!

Aluminum Shot

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Brown Aluminum Oxide

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Ceramic Shot & Grit

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Corn Cob

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Crushed Glass

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Cut Wire

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Garnet

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Glass Bead

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Plastic Media

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Slag Abrasives

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Sodium Bicarbonate

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Stainless Steel Shot and Grit

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Steel Grit

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Steel Shot

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10X Superoxalloy Abrasives

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Synthetic Olivine

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Walnut Shell

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White Aluminum Oxide

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Featured Products

Aluminum Oxide Blasting Media – RockRidge Brown

Garnet Abrasive – RockRidge

Glass Bead Blasting Media – RockRidge

Have a Question? Connect with one of our Experts Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Blast media can be defined as any abrasive that cleans, removes, finishes, or prepares a surface. The media is propelled with compressed air or via centrifugal force by a bladed wheel. The media impacts the surface to be finished to erode any unwanted materials, prepare a surface for a coating to be applied, or provide a desired surface finish.

Blast media is often incorrectly referred to as “sandblasting media.” Silica sand should never be used in blasting processes. Learn more about the dangers of working or blasting with silica sand on OSHA’s website.

Abrasive blasting media consists of small particles propelled at high speed to clean or prepare surfaces. These particles can be natural (like walnut shell) or synthetic (like glass beads, steel grit, or aluminum oxide), each with varying degrees of hardness and impact. The choice of media depends on factors such as the surface material, desired finish, and environmental considerations.

The ideal blast media for rust removal depends on the application, metal type, and desired outcome:

For heavy-duty rust removal, steel grit or shot are excellent choices. They offer aggressive cleaning power and can quickly remove thick layers of rust and scale.

For lighter rust removal and surface preparation, options like glass beads, walnut shells, or crushed glass can be effective. These media are less aggressive and minimize surface damage, making them suitable for delicate substrates.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on factors such as the metal type, the rust severity, and the desired surface finish.

Aluminum oxide is the most common abrasive material. It’s a versatile and cost-effective option used in various applications, from industrial grinding to everyday products like sandpaper.

Glass beads are generally considered one of the safest media for blasting. They are non-toxic, non-conductive, and produce minimal dust. However, “safe” is relative and depends on the specific application and safety precautions taken:  

Eye protection: Always wear appropriate safety glasses or goggles.

Respiratory protection: Use a properly fitted respirator to prevent inhalation of dust.

Skin protection: Wear long sleeves, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent skin irritation.

It’s crucial to follow all recommended safety guidelines when using any type of blast media.

For etching applications, the choice of media will depend on the desired depth and character of the etch, as well as the material being etched. Some of the most common blast media include:

Aluminum Oxide: Known for its efficient cutting action, it’s ideal for creating defined etch patterns

Glass Bead: While primarily used for polishing, finer grades of glass bead can be used for creating subtle etching effects.

Plastic Media:  Some plastic media are designed for mild etching, offering a gentler approach than more abrasive options.

  1. Anchor pattern creation
  2. Shot Peening
  3. Polishing
  4. Radiusing
  5. Mold & Die Cleaning
  6. Rust, Scale, and Contaminant Removal
  7. Smoothing
  8. Deflashing
  9. Cleaning

SurfacePrep can assist you with your abrasive blasting media selection process. Your specific application parameters, such as required finish, production output, and available processing time, are important factors when choosing the right abrasive blasting media. With around 46,000,000 lbs. of abrasive medium in our warehouses, we can supply you with the right product when needed.

Characteristics of blast media can all determine the surface profile the abrasive creates. Those characteristics are bulk density, the shape of the abrasive media, hardness, and the number of times the abrasive can effectively be recycled. Different types of abrasive blasting media have different characteristics, creating different surface profiles.

Yes, we offer a wide selection of different blasting equipment depending on the application. We offer equipment and parts such as Air Blasting Equipment, Wheel Blasting Equipment, Vibratory Equipment, Safety Equipment, and more!

Blast media is often incorrectly referred to as “sandblasting media”. Silica sand should never be used in blasting processes. Learn more about the dangers of working or blasting with silica sand on OSHA’s website.

Industry Articles

The Importance of Proper Media Flow in an Abrasive Media Blast Cabinet

June 21st, 2024|Comments Off on The Importance of Proper Media Flow in an Abrasive Media Blast Cabinet

The right size of steel shot or grit blast media can make all the difference in a project's outcome. By understanding the application requirements and keeping in mind the equipment considerations, optimal results can be ensured.

Selecting The Proper Abrasive Blast Media

August 17th, 2023|Comments Off on Selecting The Proper Abrasive Blast Media

Choosing the right abrasive blast media is essential for achieving the desired finish on a variety of surface materials. The wrong choice can result in an unsatisfactory finish, wasted materials, and potential damage to the surface. As a leading supplier in the industry, SurfacePrep understands the importance of making the right choice. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision for your surface finishing application with commonly used abrasives.