Blast The Dust And Rust!

When some caked-on rust, layers of old paint, grease or dust appear on your car surfaces or the floors, and you seriously want to get rid of it. Then sandblasting with pressure is the best thing on earth you can do to make your surfaces look clean and fresh.

Sandblasting isn’t a costly affair, and this can make you save dollars. Easy cleaning chores can be handled by you if you choose the right type of pressure washer sandblasting kit. With the help of this kind of vapor blasting, you can save a lot of your time and effort by pressure washing.

The article covers everything from the best products to cleaning methodology, precautions, assembling the kit, and more. We have also focussed on the benefits of wet sandblasting as compared to the dry sandblasting.

Just get started with the best pressure washer and blast the dust and rust with ease and comfort.

For making the entire process a success, you will need a proper tool such as an air compressor or a pressure washer. Sanding media or a bag of sand along with a good sandblasting kit is also required. the ones we have mentioned above make use of attachments like silica sand, builder’s sand, baking soda, river sand-purifies, and even crushed shells of walnuts.

The pressurized washer is forced to the surfaces with the help of a perfect pressure washer that prevents jamming also. The perfect combination of sand with water results in the best output with minimal efforts.

As mentioned above also the tools you use are an air compressor or a sandblaster and that entirely depends on the project you are going to deal with while cleaning. Though, both the types of procedures you undergo are great and the major difference between the dry or wet sandblasting is here:

A. Material

The surfaces which are supposed to be treated, decide the type of method you choose. If any wooden surface or object of wood is to be cleaned, then dry sandblasting is a better option. The reason behind this is that wooden surfaces may get damaged with excess water or moisture and may bend with the water pressure.

Many plastic surfaces have to be dealt with deep cleaning and heat may make them lose their shape. Using wet blasting is the best and most effective way to deal with this type of cleaning.

The metal or masonry surfaces can be cleaned with either of the methods, both will prove good. In case treating a metal surface exclusively, then opt for a product that possesses anti-corrosion qualities.

B. Dust

If the professionals have to clean open areas that have more population then they prefer wet blasting, as this will prevent clouds of dust that may fly around. Locations such as office buildings, areas near schools, or homes, then wet blasting will prove beneficial.

This is a major issue when you use a dry blast as the pieces of sand shatter and fly and tend to settle back on the surface, which makes it look messier. These several pieces of dust may get enveloped on the surface and more safety may be required by you to have. A respiratory mask and eye protection paramount are a must when you treat surfaces with a dry blast.

Wet sandblasting is environmentally friendly and doesn’t let any dust fly, rather makes them settle down and the sand cleans by the pressure wet blast and makes it drop away. This is safe for the people around and the air remains dust-free to breathe. Extra precautions such as the mask on the mouth or nose aren’t required.

C. Affordability

This is a potent factor that should always be considered, as it your the hard-earned money that you are going to spend. If you are planning to buy one and don’t have any then, wet sandblasting is a much affordable option than the dry blast that is pretty expensive.

Air-compressors are expensive than the tools that are water-based. A wet sandblasting with a lesser PSI will also help you do your regular pressure-washing domestic tasks. Furthermore, the professionals may require an air-compressor for commercial use.

The benefits of the power washing kits will help you decide better if you are still unsure. Lets us plunge in the details:

Removes Caked-On Layers

Big muscles or a bunch of elbow grease isn’t required if you have to remove rust, that too a bit of it. You can remove caked-on rust, grime, old paint, grease, stubborn stains, and more with a pressure washer sandblaster. This is super easy to use, and the least of efforts without any back or shoulder pain can be executed. Even any chewing gum or chocolate can be removed from the concrete surfaces outside your house. You won’t find anything taxing, or stressful while cleaning any surfaces.

Powerful And Affordable

These kits come with an affordable price tag, as they are made of simple plastic hose and metal. The sandbags can be bought by you with ease from any nearby store, that too for a few bucks. As mentioned earlier the pressure washers are cheaper than any air compressor and after purchasing one good one you can start your cleaning task with ease.

No Dust

Any operation done by a dry sandblast can make you inhale a lot of dust and this may prove dangerous. So, buying a wet pressure washer sandblaster is the best alternative. While performing cleaning tasks at home, you don’t even need a mask to wear.

The dust particles fall down along with the water droplets; thus, the wet sandblaster is safe for any project you choose to treat. Unlike, dry blasting it is eco-friendly too.

Easily Tackle Nooks And Crannies

There could be many tight spaces with stubborn and irritating nooks and crannies. Pointing them with a pressure washer can help you get rid of them, unlike the sandpaper. Even, cleaning the crevices becomes extremely simple and hassle-free.

The Surface Stays Cool

The heat tends to bend, get d-shaped, or discolored if the surfaces are made of plastic or thin metal. The heat can leave unpleasant effects that are irreversible on materials sometimes.

Henceforth, whenever we clean surfaces with a sandblaster the surfaces remain cool and don’t get over-heated.

Whichever surfaces you are targeting to clean, the pressure washer you invest in should show compatibility. The best cleaning outcomes are visible only after we use and choose the right product. The factors are mentioned in detail after performing practical tests with the best pressure washers.

1. PSI And GPM Ratings

The PSI is a term that is used to measure the pressure levels which any product can create while working. The pressure washers which you use for domestic purposes have a capacity of 800 to 2000 PSI, and this is significant enough. There are some gas-powered models also and the PSI they offer maybe about 8000 PSI.

The GPM is a term that is used for making you aware that how much the water is poured out and that is gallons per minute. You can know the exact amount of power of your pressure washer, by knowing the ratings of these two factors.

Later on, you need to have components such as the nozzle and water band, as they will help in letting the water out. A sandblasting kit of low ratings won’t provide you satisfaction.

A. Nozzle Tip Material

This is an extremely important part of a power washer, as the maximum effect of water pressure is felt by these and their strength plays a key role. As these sandblasters put so much force while cleaning old paint, or removing the rust off the metal. So, choose a product that has the ability to withstand pressure and toughness. With time, the nozzle tips tend to get worn out, so choose a one that needs the least replacement.

1. Carbide

Carbon and metals in a compound form make the sturdiest materials. The tools and equipment made of carbide are the strongest.
If the nozzle is made of this material, then it will remain durable and this will provide you with a tip that remains rust-free. You can get a valuable pressure washer nozzle tip of in your sandblasting kit.

They may increase the costs, but in the end, you get a durable product that will serve you for long without regular replacement hassles.

2. Ceramic

The most common material used for the sandblasting nozzle tips is the ceramic. Natural materials are used to make tips of ceramic and they are durable and come at an affordable price.

The nozzle tips are strong and abrasion-resistant too. Unlike the carbide nozzle tips, these are not that strong but are quite affordable with a price that is too less.

3. Steel

The steel is a great material for other parts of sandblasting but as far the nozzle tips are concerned these don’t work well. The water with pressure makes them wear off and they corrode rapidly. They don’t prove to be useful when used as a pressure washer tip and don’t work like the carbide or the ceramic materials.

B. Sand Intake

The sandblasting kit comprises two major parts such as the wand and the hose.

1. Hose

These are normally made of rubber or plastic (rarely of metal) and help in transferring the sand and the water to the tip of the nozzle. Later on, when the water and the sand get mixed up, they are sprayed with pressure. They are not very complicated and aren’t affected by any abrasive damage. Even if the pressure washer works with a low PSI, you can maintain a reasonable distance for the best cleaning outcomes. These hoses are usually 20 feet or more in length and the sand intake should be adequate while transferring it from the hose.

2. Wand

This is the other end of the hose which is put into the sand container, from where it takes the sand and takes in for the hose to carry further. Now, you can see that the wand should be sturdy enough to perform nicely. Now the wands also need some budget planning and quality material like the hard-plastic or stainless-steel for longevity.

Setting Up The Sandblasting Kit

It is no complicated chemistry, to set up your sandblasting kit. You can just set up and get started, let’s dive in the steps:

Always Set-up In An Open Space

There should be a drain nearby, for the water outlet. If the drain isn’t near, a grass field or a land with dry sand can also be used. The worries relating to the environment should be kept aside as the substances that are used are chemical-free and jus plain water and sand. You can silica sand too and it is a safe option.

1. Things You Need

➽ A bag of abrasive media – silica sand, crushed walnut shells or corn cobs, baking soda

➽ A pressure washer – an ideal value is over 2000 PSI

➽ Sandblasting kits

➽ A large tarp or similar water-resistant material to collect sand

➽ Protective equipment such as Protective eyeglasses and clothes, a respiratory mask

2. Setting Up

As you are just starting to clean tough areas along with removing dust and rust so a proper set-up is required. Following systematic steps will make you execute things without any hassles.

A. The Surface

Be it your car, a panel or wheelbarrow (old), you need to have a perfect setup to ensure proper cleaning. As mentioned above, you need to have a drain, a grass field, or a piece of land with mud that can soak water. Electricity along with water for your pressure washer is required.

Some store for reuse and a tarp is required in that case, for collecting sand. You can spread the tarp; the sand will fall on it and then it can be dried up for future use. There may be some pieces of plastic, paint, or rust that may damage the next project. These pieces may be tough, so always ensure that the sand dries up and then run it through a sieve to remove unwanted waste.

B. Assembling The Kit

Assembling and preparing of the equipment is required at this step. Firstly, check the water pressure and make it run smoothly. The metal wand (sandblaster kit) should be connected to the pressure washer band. Establish a perfect connection. The metal tube at the end of the hose should probe into the sand or any other media.

The sand should be poured in a bucket where there should be no entry of water. In the markets, you can easily get a bucket with a lid or to save the sand you can put an umbrella.

Ensure that the sand you use is completely dry, otherwise it may obstruct the hose. The sand wand can be put in the bucket and the tip should be made to reach the bucket bottom. The wand tip should be left out in order to have a bit of air. Some of the people do this directly into the bag of sand and carry on pressure washing. This is not wrong but can engulf air at times.

The washer wand should always be made to sit under the sand wand. The water won’t enter the sand hose and it will prevent jamming. You should stand a few feet away from the surface which has to be cleaned.

3. Safety During Handling

Good control and patience are always required when you have to handle sandblasting. We recommend you to follow some simple rules for this.

A. How To Start Blasting

How you hold the pressure washer, plays a key role. Always hold it an make it point downwards. A reasonable distance should be maintained by you when you are sandblasting as the high-pressure may lead to damages. Getting closer may prove risky.

B. Protective Equipment

Protection of every sort is required, as this will keep you safe from getting wet and the kickback of water won’t let the sand enter your nose. For your personal safety just follow a few things:

Protective eyewear and mask: This will keep your eyes and face safe while you are sandblasting.

Breathing Mask: Disease like silicosis may affect your breathing, though wet sandblasting is much safer. But precautions are always necessary.

Waterproof clothing: So much water can make the surfaces slippery, and wearing waterproof clothes and shoes are a must-have as this will prevent you from drenching in water.

Hearing protection: Make use of earplugs or earmuffs, as you are dealing with powerful pressure washing, which makes the sound louder.

FAQs – Sandblasting Kits

Q1. Is it safe to use pressure washer sandblasting kits?

Ans1. It is safe to use a sandblasting kit, provided you follow the instructions given the manufacturer properly. Using a pressure washer is not a child’s play. You need to take some precautions, and they are mentioned in the article above. Use the necessary equipment to keep yourself safe while sandblasting.

Q2. Which is the ideal sand for a pressure washer?

Ans2. This entirely depends on the surfaces you are going to clean. You can first test a fine one and then the coarser one if the former doesn’t work properly. Be careful as the hard things like crushed walnut shells and glass may be harsh on your tender surfaces. The sand you choose should match your surface requirements of all kinds.

Q3. What is the ideal pressure while sandblasting?

Ans3. An output of 1500 PSI or above is the right amount of pressure required for sandblasting. The intensity of dirt, paint, or rust you will be removing also lets you decide so. Initially, start-up with low pressure and then make it high according to your needs. Keeping everything in good control also matters a lot.

Q4. If the water enters the sand hose, what should I do?

And4. The sandblaster should always be held above the water wand and this will prevent water to enter the hose. If still it happens due to any of the reasons, then solve this issue by turning off and disassembling the sandblaster. The sand wand should be removed, cleaned, and dried (models with gun trigger should be opened). The hose should be separated and after proper drying, the cleaning process should be continued.

Summing Up:

We have tried you to provide the best information which is completely true and reliable. The wet pressure washer sandblasting kits are a much better and safer option than the dry sandblasts. Any of your surfaces can be dealt with ease and comfort while you clean them. The ones we have discussed in the article are the topmost products of renowned brands, and you can easily choose the one which suits your needs.

Domestic cleaning chores feel like a breeze when you use the right type of pressure washer. These are not expensive, and you don’t need any extra tools too. Wet sandblast kits keep your health in the best condition than the dry blasts. Each and every aspect should be followed with sincerity for the best outcomes. You can also go through the customer reviews in case of any doubts.