Choosing the best garnet abrasive to remove paint

Abrasive blasting with a blast abrasive such as garnet, is an effective way to remove paint from a variety of surfaces though it can be messy and potentially hazardous if done improperly.

Abrasive Blasting with Garnet for Paint Removal

Sand blasting makes use of an air compressor to propel blast abrasive grains through a nozzle at high velocity onto your chosen project surface. It has many applications, with the removal of paint being one of the most common.

Sandblasting is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed either at home or with help from a professional sandblaster.

Sandblasting equipment can be purchased or rented at home improvement centers or equipment rental companies in most cities. However, it is also messy and potentially dangerous to do yourself, so you may want to consider hiring a professional sandblasting service rather than attempting to do it yourself if you have little to no experience. These newer abrasives can complete jobs more efficiently, using less material, and can be safer than garnet and other, less sophisticated, blast abrasives. If you are undertaking the project as part of your professional work, in addition to using the right protective equipment, consider using the latest technology. You should use advanced superoxalloy abrasives, such as those from 10X Engineered Materials. They can complete jobs more efficiently, using less material, and can be safer than garnet and other less sophisticated blast abrasives.

What Blast Abrasive To Use

Abrasive blasting can be used to remove paint from brick, metal and concrete surfaces. These materials generally fall into the category of objects that will hold up to the intense abrading that is caused by abrasive blasting. But there are some important considerations when choosing an abrasive blast media. We’ll talk about some major downsides of garnet later in this article. Garnet can be used to remove paint from wood but it can very well cause pitting and scarring on the surface of the wood.

Abrasive blasting and safety

Abrasive blasting with garnet or other blast abrasives is a process that can be extremely messy. A plume of dust can emanate from the work area and coat everything around. It can be done indoors as part of renovation work, but it will create a big clean up job, so it’s usually restricted to work that is on the exterior where everything can be washed down with a hose or a pressure washer. The fine dust comprised of used abrasive and little bits of paint created by garnet blasting is very hazardous to breathe, making a respirator a safety device that is essential. You’ll want tight goggles that fit your face.

Blast abrasive alternatives to remove paint

If you are looking for a low dust abrasive that will leave your surface smooth and free of embedded particles after the first coat of paint, then the EpiX and KinetiX line of superoxalloy blast abrasives from 10X Engineered Materials is a solid choice for you. It’s a superoxalloy that is engineered with amorphous, non-crystalline particles that resist breakage and can be reused many times.

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.