How is dustless blasting different from traditional sandblasting? Wet sandblasting, or dustless blasting, is an abrasive blasting process that uses a mixture of water, compressed air, and abrasive media. Unlike dry sandblasting, wet media blasting degreases and blasts in one step. Wet blasting also eliminates frictional heat found in dry abrasive blasting, meaning there is no warping of the substrate. Wet dustless blasting is becoming more popular as is has great versatility as a surface preparation process.

There are various types of abrasive media that can be used in wet sandblasting. Recycled crushed glass is often used, especially in construction, industrial, and commercial applications. Glass abrasive media is free of crystalline silica, a known carcinogen, which can cause respiratory diseases if inhaled.

How does wet abrasive blasting deal with rust? Sandblasting contractors add a rust inhibitor to the water and abrasive mixture before blasting. Many types of metal can “flash rust” if left exposed to the the air. The rust inhibitor prevents oxidation for up to 72 hours, provided the metal surface is kept dry. The chemical rust inhibitor is also environmentally friendly.