What is fine blasting?
Fine blasting is a refined abrasive technique specially designed for the careful cleaning, paint removal, or restoration of delicate objects and surfaces. Thanks to the low blasting pressure and the use of fine abrasive media, the underlying material remains intact while paint, varnish, or deposits are carefully removed.
Characteristics of fine blasting
Three characteristics are essential for successful fine blasting:
- Low blasting pressure
The blasting pressure is adjusted according to the type of surface and the degree of contamination. Generally, a pressure of 1 to 3 bar is sufficient, which is much lower than traditional blasting. - Fine abrasive media
The abrasive media used is typically very fine. Depending on the application, the grain size ranges from 0.05 to 0.3 mm (270 – 50 mesh). To illustrate that finer abrasive media produces a finer finish, it is often compared to sandpaper: the finer the sandpaper, the smoother the end result. The same applies to fine blasting. - Precise, constant dosing
To achieve a uniform finish and prevent over-blasting, accurate dosing of the abrasive media is essential. This is done with a metering valve that can be precisely adjusted and ensures a constant flow.
For small and large projects
Fine blasting is suitable for both small and large projects. Examples include cleaning wooden furniture, removing graffiti, or restoring historic facades.
For smaller objects, a compact blasting pot and compressor are sufficient. Larger projects require a system with higher capacity, using larger diameter blast hoses and a compressor with a greater airflow volume — all without compromising the fine blasting result.
Dry or wet blasting
Although fine blasting produces much less dust than traditional blasting, dust production can be further reduced by adding water to the air and abrasive media stream.
Discover Gritco machines
Gritco has been developing wet and dry fine blasting equipment for 35 years and is happy to make all its knowledge and experience available to put together the right method + machine line for your specific blasting application.
