Sandblasting relies on high-velocity sand to clean and texture surfaces. But not all sand performs equally. The shape, size consistency, purity and moisture content dramatically impact results. Let’s talk about where can you buy sandblasting sand that meets your blasting needs.
Local Sand and Gravel Companies
Check with excavation companies and gravel pits in your area. Materials extracted for construction projects often yield stocks of usable blasting grit. Look for coarse concreting sands screened to 0.5-2mm sizes with minimal fine dust. Inspect sand composition and granule shape under magnification to check suitability.
Buying locally eliminates shipping costs for bulk quantities. You can personally evaluate the material rather than relying on photos. Testing samples ahead of purchase will confirm performance. Just ensure the supplier can maintain consistent grain sizes and type long-term.
Regional Distributors
Various industrial distributors carry packaged blasting media including sands. Major national suppliers like Grainger offer pallet loads of common grits for local pickup. Prices per pound are reasonable on bulk purchases.
The convenience of delivery offsets higher costs over raw excavated materials. Consistent grading and screens out excess fines. Packaged products also avoid concerns over introduced contaminants from raw material suppliers. Verify any regional distributors carry media certified for intended blasting use.
Online Abrasive Suppliers
Online retailers like ATHi offer another source to conveniently purchase packaged, graded blasting sands. National suppliers like Kramer Industries provide 50+ lb bags up to 3,000 lb super sacks. Order exactly the grit size and amounts needed.
Research suppliers specializing in abrasive media. Look for range of grit types and sizes appropriate for sandblasting. Check for documentation on material standards, typical particle size distribution and screening process controls. Compare costs including shipping which can be significant for individual bags.
Importers and Brokers
For large-volume needs, locating an importer or broker handling bulk industrial abrasives could offer savings. Search terms like “sand blasting media wholesale” can help find trading sites listing global suppliers. Use business directories to identify local importers.
Vet any offshore sources carefully before purchasing. Language barriers complicate properly specifying and verifying imported media quality. Require certified analysis reports for composition and particle sizes. Check government regulations on importing raw abrasives which may require special permitting.
Self-Processing and Recycling
Another option is buying bulk unconsolidated sand in raw form and mechanically screening to usable sizes yourself. Raw silica sands are abundantly available from dredging operations and mines. Conveyor screening systems can grade these loose sands for consistent blasting media.
Likewise, consider recycling spent abrasives on-site. Magnetic separators first remove any leftover ferrous grit contamination. Air washers then de-dust the particles before vibrating screens grade by size. This recovered sand could supplement purchased media.
Key Considerations
When sourcing blasting sand, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Match sand grain shape and size to the blasting system – finer sands suit siphon cabinets.
- Ensure the silica composition meets industry standards – don’t just use random beach sand.
- Require grain size analysis from the supplier to confirm range distribution.
- Evaluate suitability through actual test blasting before fully adopting the media.
- Check abrasive purity – excessive fines or dust degrade performance.
Conclusion
While not a complex industrial material, quality sand is crucial for effective abrasive blasting results. Taking time to properly source clean, well-graded media from a trusted provider will pay off with smooth, efficient surface preparation. Don’t just grab any available bulk sand without verifying its suitability.
