Media Types
» Media Types Media Types
We offer a number of different media types. When you enter the shop you will see at a glance what the machines are loaded with.
Standard Medias
*UPDATE* We are no longer using Garnet in our shop. OSHA in the US has changed the limits to allowable respirable crystalline silica and our filtering equipment cannot meet the new lower requirements.
Coarse Mineral – We use it in a medium sized granule in a “working mix” that incorporates both new and used abrasive. After blasting, you are left with a fine, rough finish that is perfect for the application of paints or powder coating. Typically, you will use Coarse Mineral on harder metals of all kinds, aluminum in certain cases, glass, ceramics, plastic and for “weathering” wood.
Coarse Mineral
Crushed Glass – Gentler than Coarse Mineral, but still very effective on metals, glass, ceramic, fibreglass and some plastics. Also can be used to remove coatings from harder species of wood. We offer 3 mesh sizes: 20/50 (coarse), 50/100 (standard) and 100/200 (fine).
Crushed Glass
Glass Bead – Where crystalline or jagged medias leave a rough finish, glass bead acts as a peener. On softer metals such as aluminum or on harder metals where you want a finer finish, you are left with a “bright” satiny surface that is great to be either painted, clear coated, anodized or ceramic coated. We offer mesh sizes ranging from #4 (coarse) to #10 (fine).
Glass Bead
Walnut Shells – Literally smashed up walnut shells, but specially milled as an abrasive media. Great for removing built up coatings from metal, fibreglass, glass and some plastics. Works on some woods. Also good for removing carbon build up from combustion chambers, valves and pistons.
Walnut
Specialty Medias
Blasting Soda – Our gentlest media. It’s used primarily for cleaning parts where no residual media can be left, such as engine internals. It rinses completely away with either water or solvent. Also works exceptionally well on wood. There is an additional charge for using Soda. See the RATES page for details.
Blasting Soda
Aluminum Oxide – Our hardest media. Aggressively removes coatings from hard metals and leaves a significant profile to the substrate. Usually used when a customer is looking for a specialized finish. Also great for etching glass. We offer a range of grit sizes, from ultra coarse to ultra fine. There is an additional charge for using Aluminum Oxide. See the RATES page for details.
Aluminum Oxide
Don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly staff members which type of media would be best for your project.