PLASTIC MEDIA
Low-dust, non-destructive surface prep for aerospace & sensitive substrates
Plastic media is a soft (3.5 MOHs), angular blasting abrasive engineered for precision coating removal without damaging the underlying surface. Unlike harder abrasives, plastic media gently lifts paint, primer or contaminants from delicate substrates like aluminum, fiberglass & carbon composites—making it a preferred choice for aerospace, military & restoration applications.
With proper reclamation, it can be cycled through multiple blasting sessions, offering excellent long-term value. PMB is especially effective in dry blasting cabinets or low-pressure blast systems where precision, cleanliness & operator safety are top priorities.
AVAILABLE TYPES & GRITS
- Type II – Urea-Based (12/16 grit)
For general paint stripping & light industrial cleaning - Type II – Urea-Based (20/30 grit)
Finer grit for detailed cleaning & coating removal - Type III – Melamine-Based (12/16 grit)
More aggressive option for tougher coatings
* Other sizes and types available by request. FOB factory.
WHY CHOOSE PLASTIC MEDIA?
Safe on sensitive surfaces: Minimizes risk of warping or substrate damage—ideal for thin aluminum & composites
Reusable & economical: Can be reclaimed & recycled multiple times, lowering per-cycle cost
MIL‑SPEC certified: Meets MIL‑P‑85891 requirements (Types II & III).
Low-pressure precision (14–40 psi): Safe for aluminum, composites & avionics-grade parts.
Aircraft paint stripping
Remove multiple layers of paint without damaging aluminum or composite airframes
Component maintenance
Clean landing gear, engine parts, and other critical systems during MRO
Surface preparation
Strip primers or contaminants while preserving anodized coatings or base metals
Defense & aerospace restoration
Maintain tolerances on complex assemblies like missile casings or rotor components
Plastic media is compatible with most pressure or suction blast cabinets and select blast pots. For best results, use with equipment designed for low-pressure blasting.
Explore our full line of blast equipment
Contact us for a quote or custom media blend
- No minimum order at any of our locations: Hatfield, PA; Grand Rapids, MI; Greensboro, NC
- Mix and Match skids of different grades OR medias available at no extra charge
- Logistics: We can deliver to virtually any location, including construction sites, residential addresses, military complexes, nearby terminals.
- Need rush service, lift gate, call ahead, or appt? No problem!
- All Major credit cards accepted
- Free Project Support: Consumption and production rates, scheduling, application recommendations
- Ready to Order? Contact us now!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about the plastic media, it’s common applications and more.
Don’t see your question? Contact us and we can add it!
What is plastic media blasting used for?
PMB is primarily used for non-destructive paint and coating removal on sensitive surfaces like aluminum and composite materials. It’s widely used in the aerospace industry for aircraft paint stripping, as well as in defense and automotive restoration applications.
Is plastic media safe for aircraft and aerospace components?
Yes. Plastic media is specifically designed to be gentle on soft metals and composite materials, making it ideal for stripping coatings from aircraft fuselages, wings, and parts without compromising structural integrity or surface finish.
Can plastic media be reused?
Absolutely. One of the key benefits of plastic media blasting is its reusability. With proper reclamation, plastic media can be recycled and reused multiple times, significantly reducing overall media costs and waste.
What types of equipment are compatible with plastic media?
Plastic media works best with blast cabinets and low-pressure blast pots specifically designed for lightweight abrasives. It’s important to match the media type and pressure setting to the application to avoid media breakdown and ensure consistent results.
Is ESCA Blast plastic media MIL‑SPEC rated?
Yes—our plastic media meets MIL‑P‑85891 Type II/III/V standards used across military and civilian aerospace applications.