The Cost of Blasting Materials in the UK
Blasting media prices in the UK vary widely — from a few pence per kilogram for expendable abrasives to several pounds per kilogram for specialist media. The key is understanding not just price per kg, but also reusability, performance, and the type of job you’re tackling.
Some abrasives are designed for single-use blasting (cheap but dusty), while others can be recycled many times in a cabinet or blast room, cutting long-term costs. Premium options like dry ice are more expensive but bring unique benefits such as delicate cleaning or zero residue.
Cost Comparison Table
| Blasting Media | Typical Price (per kg) | Reusability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Silicate | ~£0.25–£0.65 | Low–Moderate | Rust and paint removal at lower cost, surface prep, general blasting |
| Crushed Glass | ~£0.3–£0.4 | None | Low-cost blasting, graffiti removal, outdoor jobs |
| Garnet | ~£0.5–£0.6 | Moderate | General surface prep with less dust, industrial blasting |
| Aluminium Oxide | ~£1.1–£1.3 | High | Heavy rust, paint removal, aggressive surface prep |
| Glass Beads | ~£1.1–£1.3 | Moderate | Smooth finishes, peening, cleaning without metal removal |
| Soda (Bicarbonate Media) | ~£1.3–£1.6 | Single-use | Very soft blasting — removes coatings without damaging substrate, ideal for fibreglass, rubber, wood |
| Walnut Shells | ~£2.0–£2.5 | Moderate | Gentle cleaning of wood, plastics, delicate substrates, low dust blasting |
| Dry Ice (CO₂) | ~£2.5–£2.6 | None | Delicate, residue-free cleaning (engines, electrics, automotive detailing) |
Blasting MediaIron Silicate
Typical Price (per kg)~£0.25–£0.65
ReusabilityLow–Moderate
Best ForRust and paint removal at lower cost, surface prep, general blasting
Blasting MediaCrushed Glass
Typical Price (per kg)~£0.3–£0.4
ReusabilityNone
Best ForLow-cost blasting, graffiti removal, outdoor jobs
Blasting MediaGarnet
Typical Price (per kg)~£0.5–£0.6
ReusabilityModerate
Best ForGeneral surface prep with less dust, industrial blasting
Blasting MediaAluminium Oxide
Typical Price (per kg)~£1.1–£1.3
ReusabilityHigh
Best ForHeavy rust, paint removal, aggressive surface prep
Blasting MediaGlass Beads
Typical Price (per kg)~£1.1–£1.3
ReusabilityModerate
Best ForSmooth finishes, peening, cleaning without metal removal
Blasting MediaSoda (Bicarbonate Media)
Typical Price (per kg)~£1.3–£1.6
ReusabilitySingle-use
Best ForVery soft blasting — removes coatings without damaging substrate, ideal for fibreglass, rubber, wood
Blasting MediaWalnut Shells
Typical Price (per kg)~£2.0–£2.5
ReusabilityModerate
Best ForGentle cleaning of wood, plastics, delicate substrates, low dust blasting
Blasting MediaDry Ice (CO₂)
Typical Price (per kg)~£2.5–£2.6
ReusabilityNone
Best ForDelicate, residue-free cleaning (engines, electrics, automotive detailing)
Prices based on bulk buying where available
Key Takeaways
Iron Silicate & Crushed Glass → Lowest cost per kg, ideal for bulk blasting and paint/rust removal.
Garnet & Aluminium Oxide → Great balance of price and durability, versatile for industrial prep.
Glass Beads & Soda Media → Softer options for smooth finishes and delicate cleaning.
Walnut Shells & Dry Ice → Premium solutions for sensitive substrates, eco-friendly and residue-free cleaning.
Final Thought
Don’t just buy on price. The real cost is in how many times you can reuse the media, how fast it cleans, and whether it damages the surface.
👉 Need expert advice? Contact CoolBlast today to discuss your applications or get a personalised quote.
