Sandblasting is an effective blasting method to thoroughly clean steel and can be applied to any steel surface in preparation for further treatment; for example, adding a protective coating.

However, stainless steel is not a single alloy, but a mixture of iron-based alloys. Hence, there are different types of stainless steel, which will each require differentiating sandblasting applications depending on its contents and sensitivity to undesirable surface changes. For example, austenitic stainless steels produce less heat conductivity than carbon steel. Thus, austenitic steel will become hotter than carbon steel, causing heat tinting on its surface.

Using special abrasive blasting equipment and media, sandblasting assists with:

• Refining rough surfaces (smooth surfaces)
• Exposing the original metal surface material (prepared surface)
• Removing corrosion, rust and unwanted contaminants
• Paint removal

With this in mind, it’s important to note that professional sandblasting will ensure the long-term preservation of your restored steel surface.

At ProStrip, our sandblasters retain years of experience in utilising a wide variety of steel sandblasting technologies to provide clients with their requested surface finish.

Descaling plays an important role in cleaning steel. Descaling is required when an unprotected steel surface has been heated or exposed to high temperatures, causing an oxide scale to develop on the surface.

Of course, oxide scale can be removed to restore the steel surfaces back to its original condition to prevent corrosion. However, with each type of oxide scale varying in composition, there is no single solution that will remove all oxide contamination.

Depending on the oxide scale, an acid mixture may effectively but slowly remove light oxide scale and loosely embedded iron. Sandblasting and various abrasive blasting technologies come into play when steel surfaces are severely contaminated. For example, sandblasting steel will efficiently remove debris, heavy iron contamination and guarantee a perfect surface finish. At the same time, using glass bead blasting on steel have also been proven to successfully remove unwanted welding discolouration (a heat tint) caused by the weld heat and restore the surface’s resistance to corrosion.

It’s not easy to achieve a perfect steel surface finish. For this reason, it’s important to choose sandblasters who are experienced in their field and use only the best equipment and media that the industry has to offer.

Having a perfect steel surface finish does not only include removing oil, unwanted contaminants, heat tints and other debris, but also using treatment processes that provide a durable, protective layer to prevent undesirable short and long-term reactions to the steel surface.

When compared to using conventional ways of restoring steel surfaces, sandblasting offers the most convenient, affordable, safe, efficient and effective solution:

1. Sandblasting media and the blasting debris of steel surfaces are easily recyclable.
   
2. The steel sandblasting process adheres to Australia’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and Regulations.
   
3. Sandblasting speeds up the process of steel restoration, cleaning and surface preparation for further treatment.
   
4. Avoid harmful acidic chemicals used in conventional surface treatments.
   
5. Sandblasting steel is much more affordable than having it re-manufactured.
   
6. More power is required to remove unwanted layers on steel surfaces due to its higher level of strength when compared to a surface like wood or concrete. For this reason, sandblasting will guarantee the complete removal of supplementary impure substances on steel surfaces.
   
7. Sandblasting provides the ability to meet any surface finishing requirement due to its wide range of abrasive blasting technologies and applications which can be utilised to achieve the desired result.
   
8. The heat treatment of steel – following the sandblasting procedure – ensures the strengthening of the steel for optimum durability for use in industries such as construction.