Posted on August 7, 2023 by Brent Phillips

Protective coatings play a vital role in various industries, providing essential protection to surfaces against corrosion, wear and tear, and other damaging factors. But before a surface substrate can get coated, it must be properly prepped.

Surface preparation is a crucial step before applying protective coatings. It involves cleaning a surface thoroughly and removing contaminants that might hinder proper adhesion, such as:

• Rust
• Salts
• Sediment
• Oils
• Biologics

The process ensures that the coating adheres properly to the surface and provides optimal protection.

In today’s blog, we’ll explore the importance of surface prep, diving deeper into how commercial sandblasting equipment outperforms other surface prep methods through:

1. Superior Surface Cleaning
2. Efficient Coating Removal
3. Enhanced Coating Adhesion
4. Versatile Coating Application

Benefits of Sandblasting in Providing Superior Coating Protection

Overall, sandblasting plays a crucial role in thoroughly cleaning substrate surface contaminants that could compromise coating performance. Its use in various industries has proven to be an effective method for achieving long-lasting and reliable coating systems.

1. Superior Surface Cleaning

Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting, involves propelling fine particles at high speeds onto a surface using compressed air or water. The abrasive material used can vary the outcome based on the kind of substrate.

Any contaminants, including rust, old coatings, or impurities, are effectively removed by subjecting a surface substrate to this process. That makes sandblasting equipment a superior choice for surface cleaning to promote better adhesion of subsequent coatings.

2. Efficient Coating Removal

An advantage of sandblasting is its efficiency in quickly and thoroughly removing existing coatings or layers of paint that may be difficult to remove by any other means. That makes it an ideal choice for projects that require a clean and prepped surface before applying a new protective coating system.

It’s an invaluable technique in various industries where surface preparation is critical for achieving optimal results with little downtime.

3. Enhanced Coating Adhesion

When achieving optimal adhesion in coating applications, sandblasting and surface roughening techniques play a crucial role. These methods get widely utilized to enhance the bond between coatings and substrates, ensuring long-lasting and durable results.

The surface roughening technique is employed to improve coating bond strength while providing anchor points for proper adhesion of the coating material. It involves etching irregularities on the substrate’s surface through mechanical means such as grinding, etching, or scoring, which occur during sandblasting.

By removing contaminant barriers that hinder bonding, mechanical interlocking gets enhanced between the substrate and coating material by creating a textured surface profile. The interlocking mechanism significantly improves resistance against peeling, chipping, or delamination caused by external forces.

4. Versatile Coating Application

The versatility of sandblasting equipment lies in its ability to adjust pressure and abrasive media material according to the specific surface being cleaned and prepped for a new coating application. Different materials require different levels of pressure and abrasiveness to achieve optimal results without causing substrate damage.

Whether cleaning and prepping metal, concrete, or wood, sandblasting equipment provides a versatile solution for cleaning and preparing this substrate for applying a protective coating system. Its ability to remove unwanted coatings efficiently makes it an indispensable tool in various industries and applications.

Harness the Power of Commercial Sandblasting Equipment for Superior Protective Coatings

In conclusion, harnessing the power of commercial sandblasting equipment can provide superior, long-lasting protection for coatings. The sandblasting effectively removes old coating layers, rust, and other contaminants from surfaces, allowing for a clean and smooth surface ready to apply new protective coatings.

In addition, sandblasting is a cost-effective solution compared to other surface preparation methods. It eliminates the need for labor-intensive manual scraping or chemical stripping methods, saving time and money. The efficiency and effectiveness of commercial sandblasting equipment make it a valuable process for achieving high-quality protective coatings.

By harnessing this powerful technique, you can achieve superior protection for various surfaces while enjoying long-lasting results and cost-effectiveness. Whether you are looking to protect industrial equipment or enhance the longevity of your water assets, contact the professionals at Cunningham Inc. for your next commercial sandblasting project.

To get started, complete an online service form or call (620) 848-3030 to schedule your next water asset inspection!