ARTICLES

Pinch vs. Diaphragm Valves: The Differences in Wet Blast Systems

Pinch vs. Diaphragm Valves: The Differences in Wet Blast Systems

When it comes to wet abrasive blasting equipment, the type of valve used can significantly impact performance, efficiency, and overall user experience. Two common control valve options in this context are pinch valves and diaphragm valves. In this article, we'll...

Leave No Trace with Dry Ice Blasting

Leave No Trace with Dry Ice Blasting

If you’d like to learn about a surface cleaning technique that leaves no blast media behind to clean up, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn about dry ice blasting and whether it’s a good choice for your surface cleaning project. What is dry ice blasting? Dry...

Surface Restoration for Concrete Structures

Surface Restoration for Concrete Structures

Surface restoration for concrete structures often means applying coatings to rebuild and protect the deteriorated surface. Theses coatings range from sealants to overlays. There are some marvelous products on the market that perform a variety of restoration roles,...

What is Wet Abrasive Blasting?

What is Wet Abrasive Blasting?

It’s called wet abrasive blasting, vapor blasting, and even dustless blasting. But what is this process, and is it right for your surface preparation project? Wet abrasive blasting is a time-tested method of removing coatings, residues, contaminants, and corrosion...

Is Dustless Blasting Really Dustless?

Is Dustless Blasting Really Dustless?

If you’re preparing for a surface preparation and cleaning project, it’s only natural to want it to be as environmentally friendly and as efficient as possible. That’s why the term “dustless blasting” has gained traction. But is dustless blasting really dustless?...

The Evolution of Abrasive Blast Media

The Evolution of Abrasive Blast Media

Media blasting is a term that’s been coined in the very recent past. Prior to the 1990s, the process of blasting with abrasive media was more commonly (and more correctly) called sand blasting. Back in the early days of blast­ing, the predominant abrasive of choice...

Understanding Abrasive Blast Media

Understanding Abrasive Blast Media

4 Key Characteristics, 5 Popular ChoicesMedia blasting is a term coined in the very recent past. Prior to the 1990s, the process of blasting with abrasive media was more commonly, and more correctly, called sand blasting. Back in the early days of blasting, the...

Diversifying Media Blasting Services

Diversifying Media Blasting Services

For the last few months, more than ever before, people ask very sincerely, “how are you doing?” A global pandemic has impacted us either directly, or indirectly, in almost every corner of our lives. It’s a reasonable question. As a salesman with more than 25 years in...

Tools in the Media Blasting Tool Chest

Tools in the Media Blasting Tool Chest

Something occurred to me while watching TV the other night. My favorite game show was on - you know the one – a long-running hit game show that features families feuding with each other by guessing how 100 men or women responded to a given question. At the end of the...

A Healthy Evolution in Media Blasting

A Healthy Evolution in Media Blasting

Sand blasting is a term long used to describe the action of blasting sand with compressed air. It’s not that simple anymore. In fact, even the name “sand blasting” is falling out of favor in many circles due to the inaccuracy of that title. The following discussion...

Media Blasting: Restoring to Former Condition

Media Blasting: Restoring to Former Condition

Understanding media applications, maintenance and training.A recent anniversary – 21 years in the business – was announced by my business-related social network computer program. Of course, I realized that the milestone – completing my second full decade in the...

The Final Demise of Sand Blasting

The Final Demise of Sand Blasting

Finding effective, afforable alternatives to sand blasting as OSHA's Silica Laws evolveWhat would you do?” asked the voice on the phone. I get this question almost every day of my working life, from every corner of the U.S., from contractors, engineers, architects,...

Take a Profitable Walk down a New Path

Take a Profitable Walk down a New Path

Thinking Outside the Media Blasting BoxEver heard the saying “…take a long walk down a short pier”? It’s a clever, but not very nice way to tell someone to go jump in a lake. Recently, on a visit to a customer’s job site, this saying came immediately to mind. I...

Something Old, Something New…

Something Old, Something New…

It seems like only yesterday that I first saw abrasive media blasting in use on an architectural restoration job – a fire-damaged, limestone church in central Illinois. I don’t remember all of the circumstances (that was over 18 years ago), but I do remember what...

Historical Restoration with Crushed Walnut Shells

Historical Restoration with Crushed Walnut Shells

Historical Restoration with Crushed Walnut ShellsDrop me in any city around the world – Amsterdam, Berlin, Quebec, Rome, Zurich – and I’ll end up in the oldest, most historical district that burg has to offer. I’m no different when I travel in our United States. When...

Focus on Blasting Without Losing Your Focus

Focus on Blasting Without Losing Your Focus

The versatility of today’s blasting equipment allows it to be utilized for more than just mold and fire jobs. The first step to outfitting a restoration professional with the right type of blasting equipment is first determining the demands of the job they’re working....