Sand Blasting Can Give a Building a Whole New Look

If you’re intrigued by the process of sand blasting then allow us to enlighten you with our comprehensive guide.

Time takes its toll on everything. Everything wears out. Take buildings, for instance. Under the weather, they are affected by the sun's ultraviolet light, the rain's acidity and general dirtiness, and the temperature extremes of summer and winter. Sand blasting is a process that can help to restore the look of commercial buildings.

Unless the outer surface is brick, stone, glass or another "naked" surface, it has paint or another similar coating to protect it. And since this paint lives under the same physical laws of entropy, it must be refreshed when it begins to look tired. Refreshing these outer surfaces is a two-step process. The first step is to prepare the surface, and the second is to apply the coating.

Homeowners on a tight budget may prefer to climb a ladder to scrape peeling paint and wash off loose dirt. But for a commercial building of any size, hand preparation is not a sensible option. The most sensible solution is generically referred to as sand blasting. The sand blasting process consists of aiming a high-pressure stream of fine particles at the surface to be cleaned or etched.

There are many other materials that are now used instead. These materials include steel grit, copper slag, walnut shells, powdered abrasives, and even bits of coconut shell. One common method of cleaning metal and concrete surfaces is shot blasting. In this method, the shot is mixed with water as it is blasted at the surface. The material is recaptured so that the shot can be separated from the water and debris to be reused.

Another innovative material is dry ice. When dry ice is used, there is no need to be concerned with recapturing the blasting material because it just evaporates into the atmosphere. Sand blasting can be used not only to prepare a surface for painting but also as a means of cleaning a "naked" surface that will never be coated.

If the cleaned building is a painted building, the time has come to coat the surface. The first coat may not necessarily be paint. There are many types of undercoating that may be needed to further prepare the surface. If the surface is pitted or cracked, fillers can return the surface to its original smoothness or planned texture. Another undercoating that will further prepare the surface is in the primer category. Primer prepares the surface to receive the paint covering. Then, when the surface is properly prepared, the actual painting can take place.

Maintaining the outer surfaces of our structures, whether it is a cosy bungalow or a towering skyscraper, is vitally important. The first result of neglect is a decline in the appearance. If the outward appearance of the structure is allowed to decline further, the building will lose monetary value. But the paint or other coating serves an even more important purpose. If neglected long enough, the physical structure will begin to deteriorate.

Blast Technology Ltd– For all Your Sand Blasting Needs

Blast Technology has a range of solutions for you, whether you need sand blasting services, industrial painting or waterproofing – contact us today for expert advice and the best prices. Tel: 01509 412 622 or email: info@gritblasters.co.uk.

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