Services / Sandblasting & Abrasive Blasting
Sandblasting & Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting removes rust, mill scale and old coatings and establishes the surface profile a coating needs to bond. Proper prep — not the paint — is what determines coating life.
What abrasive blasting achieves
Abrasive blasting removes rust, mill scale, old coatings and contaminants, and establishes the anchor profile a new coating needs to bond. It is the foundation of every protective coating system — and the step most responsible for how long that system lasts.
SSPC / NACE surface-prep grades
Surface prep is specified to a standard grade, not "as clean as possible." The common grades (SSPC, now under AMPP; NACE equivalents in brackets):
| Grade | Name | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| SSPC-SP 7 (NACE 4) | Brush-off blast | Mild exposure, over tight rust |
| SSPC-SP 6 (NACE 3) | Commercial blast | Most atmospheric coatings |
| SSPC-SP 10 (NACE 2) | Near-white blast | Immersion, aggressive/marine service |
| SSPC-SP 5 (NACE 1) | White metal blast | Most severe / critical service |
The higher the grade, the more material removed and the more labor and abrasive — which is why the specified grade drives cost.
Abrasive & profile
Garnet, coal slag, steel grit and other media each produce a different surface profile (typically 1.5–4 mils). The coating system dictates the target profile; blasting is set up to hit it consistently and verified with profile tape.
Industries we serve
Refineries and petrochemical, structural and bridge steel, tanks and vessels, manufacturing and fabrication — anywhere steel must be prepped to a coating spec.
See our sandblasting cost guide for pricing, or pick your metro below to get matched with a local blasting contractor.
Sandblasting & Abrasive Blasting by metro
Metro pages roll out in batches — each written to the metro’s industry and climate.
Common questions
What SSPC surface-prep grade do I need?
What is surface profile and why does it matter?
Do you handle containment and disposal?
Related & next steps
Typical $/sq ft ranges and what moves the number.
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Sandblasting & Abrasive Blasting
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