Sandblasting & Abrasive Blasting Services in Auckland
Expert surface preparation for optimal coating adhesion. Remove rust, old paint, and contaminants to prepare your metal for a perfect finish.
Get A Free QuoteWhat is Sandblasting?
Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting, is a surface preparation technique that uses compressed air to propel abrasive media at high velocity against a surface. This process effectively removes rust, old paint, mill scale, and other contaminants, leaving a clean, profiled surface that's ideal for coating adhesion.
At Coating Lab, we understand that proper surface preparation is the foundation of any successful coating job. A coating is only as good as the surface it's applied to - that's why we take sandblasting seriously.
Why Surface Preparation Matters
- Coating Adhesion: A clean, profiled surface allows coatings to mechanically bond
- Longevity: Proper prep can double or triple coating lifespan
- Rust Prevention: Removes existing corrosion before it spreads under new coatings
- Uniform Finish: Clean surfaces result in consistent coating appearance
- Cost Savings: Prevents premature coating failure and recoating costs
Types of Abrasive Media
We select the appropriate media based on your substrate and requirements:
- Garnet: General purpose, excellent for steel and iron
- Glass Bead: Gentle cleaning, ideal for aluminium and delicate surfaces
- Steel Grit: Aggressive cleaning for heavy rust and mill scale
- Aluminium Oxide: Fast cutting action, good surface profile
- Crusite: Recyclable, environmentally friendly option
Applications
- Automotive Restoration: Stripping old paint from car bodies, frames, and parts
- Industrial Equipment: Removing rust and scale from machinery
- Structural Steel: Preparing steel for protective coatings
- Marine: Cleaning boat hulls, anchors, and marine equipment
- Architectural: Restoring metal railings, gates, and outdoor furniture
- Before Powder Coating: Essential prep for most powder coating jobs
Our Process
- Assessment: We evaluate your items and determine the best blasting approach
- Media Selection: Choose the appropriate abrasive for your material
- Blasting: Items are blasted in our dedicated blasting booth
- Inspection: Surface profile and cleanliness verified
- Immediate Coating: Items proceed directly to coating to prevent flash rust
Frequently Asked Questions
Most metals can be sandblasted including steel, iron, aluminium, brass, and stainless steel. We select appropriate media and pressure for each material. Delicate items like aluminium require gentler treatment than heavy steel.
When done correctly, sandblasting doesn't damage metal - it cleans and profiles the surface. We adjust media type, pressure, and technique based on the material to ensure safe, effective cleaning without warping or damage.
Sandblasting is faster, more thorough, and creates a surface profile for better coating adhesion. Chemical stripping is slower and doesn't profile the surface. For most coating applications, sandblasting is the preferred method.