Abrasive blasting is a popular technique for removing surface contaminants and preparing surfaces for painting or coating. Two of the most common types of abrasive blasting are traditional dry blasting and dustless blasting. Though both methods have their advantages, it can be tough to know which one to use. Here is when it makes the most sense to choose mobile abrasive blasting, particularly dustless blasting.

Dust suppression

While dustless blasting is more expensive than dry blasting, it’s worth it if you’re concerned about dust suppression. With dustless blasting, you won't have to worry about cleaning up the environment after blasting since the wet process eliminates the need for containment and leaves behind no mess to clean up. The wet mixture of water and abrasive used in dustless blasting suppresses dust and ensures a cleaner work environment. This is especially important when working in a residential area, near traffic, or when working indoors.

Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is critical to ensure the adhesion of paints and coatings to the substrate. Traditional dry blasting can be harsh and create surface imperfections due to the extreme impact of the abrasive media used during the blasting. Dustless blasting, on the other hand, uses a low-pressure water/abrasive mix that creates less friction and is ideal for surfaces that require a smoother finish. This process creates an ideal surface profile that will bond well with any paint or coatings.

Material types

Another factor to consider is the type of material you will be blasting. Traditional dry blasting can create heat, which can be detrimental to some materials such as thin steel, glass, plastics, or thin aluminum. In contrast, dustless blasting is gentle enough for even the most fragile and delicate materials. The use of water during the process also means that it can be used to remove lead paint safely, which can be hazardous during dry blasting.

Accessibility

If you need the blasting to be performed in an accessible area, then traditional dry blasting may not be ideal for your needs. Dustless blasting can be performed in tight spaces because it doesn’t require the use of compressed air systems as dry blasting does. This means that it can be used for blasting in basements, garages, and other confined spaces without much disruption.

Environmental regulations

Environmental regulations vary from one city to another, and non-compliance can be very costly. If you work in an area with strict environmental regulations, dustless blasting is the ideal alternative to traditional dry blasting. Dustless blasting is eco-friendly, and the wet blasting mixture used doesn't harm the environment or pollute the air with dust.

For more information on mobile dustless blasting, contact a professional near you.