Choosing the best garnet abrasive for chrome​

Abrasive blasting is one of the best methods used to remove chrome. It isn’t the only option, but it’s an effective option. 

Other chemical methods may be difficult to execute or damage the underlying substrate, making it difficult to re-chrome. 

Some of the other methods, like using chemicals, reverse electroplating, or using other specialized equipment, are not only time consuming, but also dangerous. They can also be very difficult to execute.

Sand blasting is able to be done with multiple types of blast media, including sand, glass beads, crushed walnut shells, and aluminum oxide. Garnet is a common form of this media, and will certainly get the job done when removing chrome. But, it isn’t the best option.

Compared to some of its alternatives, garnet isn’t the strongest or most durable type of blast media – it’s between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale. Compared to aluminum oxide which is at 9, for example. It may also produce high amounts of dust in the workspace making it messy or difficult to work in, or even leave embedded particles in the surface.

Garnet blast abrasive alternatives

10X Engineered Materials has developed a line of superoxalloy blast abrasives that are clean, strong, and durable. The EpiX and KinetiX abrasives will remove chrome in one quick step, without damaging the underlying material. The surface will be virtually clean of embedded particles so that the next coating can adhere effectively.

10X abrasives can get the job done much faster and safer than garnet. Superoxalloy abrasives outperform garnet blast in head to head testing. Superoxalloy abrasives can be safer than mined abrasives like garnet. EpiX and KinetiX generate extremely low dust in the work environment and are highly reusable.

Currently, KinetiX and EpiX are available from abrasive distributors around the US. If you don’t see a distributor near you, contact 10X and we will work with you to get you what you need. EpiX abrasive, which is best for precision applications such as powder coating and medical applications, is also available to purchase directly from the 10X Engineered Materials website.