Buyer’s Guide to Sand / Grit Blasting Machines

Sand and grit blasting remain some of the most effective methods for surface preparation, rust removal, paint stripping, and industrial cleaning. Whether you’re a contractor, workshop, or large industrial operation, choosing the right blasting machine is essential to achieving efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

This guide explains the key factors to consider, the different types of machines available, and how to balance cost with performance for your business.

1. Your Applications and Industry

  • Surface preparation — Ideal for steel, concrete, wood, and masonry before painting or coating.

  • Rust and paint removal — Effective for restoring vehicles, machinery, and structural steel.

  • Industrial cleaning — Removing scale, baked-on residues, and heavy contaminants.

  • Decorative blasting — Frosting, etching or cleaning stone, glass and wood.

Consider whether your jobs involve light-duty blasting (occasional rust removal) or continuous heavy use (bridge refurbishment, shipyards). This will guide the right machine size.

2. Machine Size and Capacity

Blasting pots are typically measured in litres:

  • 20L – 40L: Compact, portable machines suited for small jobs, workshops, or occasional use.

  • 100L – 140L: Mid-sized, versatile units offering longer blasting sessions and a good balance of mobility and capacity.

  • 200L+: Large pots designed for heavy contractors, shipyards and industrial projects needing long-duration blasting.

3. Air Supply Requirements

Blasting machines rely on compressors to deliver the right CFM (airflow) and pressure (bar/psi).

  • Small pots may run on compressors from 80–120 cfm

  • Larger pots often need 250+ cfm for continuous use

Tip: Always check compressor compatibility when buying — insufficient airflow means poor performance.

4. Abrasive Media Compatibility

The choice of abrasive depends on your job:

  • Steel shot / grit — aggressive cleaning and surface prep

  • Glass bead — gentler, for decorative finishes

  • Garnet / expendable media — cost-effective, widely used

  • Walnut shells — softer blasting for delicate work

Ensure the machine you buy has a precise metering valve (like Applied’s Micro Grit or Fina II valves) to regulate media flow.

5. Dust Control and Extraction

Blasting creates dust and debris. Options include:

  • Moisture separators / aftercoolers on compressors to keep abrasive dry

  • Blast room grit recovery systems to recycle abrasive and remove dust

  • Dustless blasting machines (wet blasting) to reduce airborne dust for sensitive environments

6. Build Quality and Features

Look for:

  • Heavy gauge steel construction for durability

  • Concave top with pop-up valve for fast filling

  • Conical base to ensure smooth abrasive flow

  • Quick couplings for hoses

  • Remote-control deadman’s handle for operator safety

  • CE approval and compliance for peace of mind

7. Maintenance and Servicing

  • Regular checks of valves, seals, and hoses

  • Keep moisture separators clean to prevent blockages

  • Replace worn nozzles — nozzle wear has a big impact on blasting efficiency

  • Ensure spare parts and servicing support are available from your supplier

8. Costs and ROI

  • Initial cost varies by size (20L entry-level vs 200L contractor machines)

  • Running costs include abrasives, compressor fuel, replacement nozzles, and PPE

  • Efficiency gains come from reduced cleaning time and longer abrasive life with recovery systems

Investing in the right machine pays off by reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

9. Safety and PPE

Blasting is hazardous without proper PPE:

  • Helmets with clean air supply

  • Blasting gloves and suits

  • Respiratory air filters and hoses

Many suppliers (including CoolBlast) offer PPE bundles alongside machines.

Key Takeaways

  • Small pots (20–40L) are best for workshops and occasional use.

  • Mid-range machines (100–140L) balance mobility and capacity for regular contractors.

  • Large machines (200L+) are built for heavy-duty industrial jobs.

  • Always match your compressor and abrasive to the machine size and task.

  • Invest in quality build, dust control, and PPE for safe, efficient blasting.

👉 Need help choosing? Contact CoolBlast for expert advice on sand blasting machines, compressors, abrasives and PPE packages.