Can You Sandblast Furniture?

Two rusted metal patio chairs sit outside

When traditional methods like sanding or chemical stripping seem unsuitable for furniture restoration, you want a more convenient solution. You can sandblast furniture for effective results, even when dealing with varied materials such as wood and metal.

What Is Sandblasting?

Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting, is a cleaning technique that uses pressurized air to propel a stream of abrasive material against a surface. This forceful impact removes dirt, paint, rust and other contaminants, leaving a clean and textured finish.

The success of sandblasting depends on the choice of abrasive, especially when applied to delicate substrates such as wood. While traditional sandblasting uses materials such as silica sand, coal slag, copper slag, nickel slag, aluminum oxide and garnet, modern alternatives such as superoxalloy abrasives from 10X Engineered Materials offer a safer and more efficient solution for furniture restoration.

Can You Sandblast Wood Furniture?

Yes, sandblasting wood furniture is possible and highly beneficial for restoring and rejuvenating old or detailed pieces. This method is excellent for removing old finishes including paint, varnish and stains, revealing the natural wood beneath and preparing it for a new finish. Sandblasting is especially advantageous for furniture with intricate details or hard-to-reach areas where traditional sanding methods may fall short.

When sandblasting furniture, a gentler approach is often required to preserve the integrity and details of the wood. Many blasters use abrasives such as walnut shells, corn cob or baking soda due to their softer, less aggressive nature. Baking soda is a non-destructive option for sandblasting wood. However, it is not as effective as other methods when it is necessary to remove layers of finish or cover large areas quickly. It may also be time-consuming. Other techniques can clean wood, but they tend to leave material embedded in the piece, which decreases the effectiveness of the finish or paint.

10X Engineered Materials’ superoxalloy abrasives present a revolutionary option specifically engineered to be strong enough to effectively sandblast wood, yet gentle enough to maintain the furniture piece’s integrity. These abrasives have a unique amorphous structure that produces minimal dust and reduces the likelihood of embedding abrasive particles into the wood. This results in a cleaner finish and a safer work environment.  

These abrasives are engineered from the byproduct of mineral wool, making them the only biosoluble option on the market. Because superoxalloy abrasives are formulated to be biosoluble, they pose no long-term health risks if inhaled. This feature is vital for those concerned about the health and safety impact of their blasting media.

Can You Sandblast Metal Furniture?

Sandblasting is an effective method for rejuvenating metal furniture, stripping away layers of rust, paint and corrosion to prepare the surface for refinishing. It can reach the smallest crevices and detailed work, removing old coatings without damaging the underlying metal. This precision ensures even the most intricately designed pieces are cleaned effectively and well-prepared for refinishing. 

For metal furniture, selecting the right abrasive is crucial to achieving the desired finish without compromising the material. Traditional abrasives like steel grit, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, or garnet are popular choices. While these abrasives are effective, they each have limitations such as high dust production, less durability and potential health risks. 

Superoxalloy abrasives from 10X Engineered Materials present a groundbreaking alternative for sandblasting metal. They are tempered which makes them exceptionally durable, allowing them to be used for longer periods. They also resist breakage at up to 130 PSI and can be reused many times. The particles in these abrasives are polymorphous, or made up of many shapes, which enables them to perform various blasting tasks in one step, reducing blasting time and labor costs. 

Call Us Today for Premium Furniture Sandblasting Abrasives

By leveraging the power of sandblasting with 10X Engineered Materials’ superoxalloy abrasives, you can restore the former glory, reveal hidden beauty and breathe new life into furniture pieces. The combination of our high-tech engineering, environmental stewardship, and our commitment to your safety places us at the forefront of the abrasive industry. We have developed three lines of patented superoxalloy abrasives: 

  • EpiX can remove powder coating, rust and paint on metals and prepare furniture surfaces for finishing.
  • KinetiX is suitable for high-volume blasting requirements and can effectively remove layers of paint.
  • DynamiX easily removes multiple layers of thick coatings, such as high solids epoxies, non-skid, and claddings.

Purchase abrasives today or contact us through our online form. We can offer expert help in selecting the right abrasive product for your wood or metal furniture restoration project.