{"id":13523,"date":"2026-07-01T06:51:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:51:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/?p=13523"},"modified":"2026-07-01T06:57:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T06:57:31","slug":"abrasive-blast-media-selection-chart-by-material-application","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blast-media-selection-chart-by-material-application\/","title":{"rendered":"Abrasive Blast Media Selection Chart by Material and Application"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Article\",\n            \"headline\": \"Abrasive Blast Media Selection Chart by Material and Application\",\n            \"description\": \"A comprehensive abrasive blast media selection chart mapping substrate type and blasting objective to the correct media \\u2014 covering carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, concrete, composites, glass, wood, and more, with equipment and environmental guidance.\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\"\n            },\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-07-01\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-07-01\",\n            \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\\\/resource\\\/blog\\\/abrasive-blast-media-selection-chart-by-material-application\\\/\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n                \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n                \"@id\": \"https:\\\/\\\/hlh-js.com\\\/resource\\\/blog\\\/abrasive-blast-media-selection-chart-by-material-application\\\/\"\n            },\n            \"keywords\": [\n                \"abrasive blast media selection chart\",\n                \"blast media for steel\",\n                \"blast media for aluminum\",\n                \"sandblasting media by substrate\",\n                \"blast media selection guide\",\n                \"abrasive blasting material chart\"\n            ]\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I use the same blast media on steel and aluminum?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Only under specific conditions. Soft organic media \\u2014 walnut shell, corn cob, and plastic abrasive grit \\u2014 are safe on both steel and aluminum because they are too soft to erode either substrate significantly. However, the hard angular media typically used on steel \\u2014 aluminum oxide, steel grit, garnet \\u2014 will erode aluminum surfaces, alter dimensions, and potentially cause stress cracking in thin-walled aluminum parts. For aluminum, plastic grit (melamine or urea type) is the standard choice for coating removal; glass beads in the 80\\u2013120 mesh range work well for cleaning and brightening without substrate damage. Never use recycled media that has been used on steel to blast aluminum, as metallic iron contamination from the recycled media will embed in the aluminum and cause galvanic corrosion under subsequent coatings.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What blast media is best for stainless steel without causing contamination?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Glass beads are the standard choice for stainless steel finishing and light cleaning. They contain no iron and produce a bright, smooth, satin surface without the risk of iron particle contamination that would initiate rust staining on the stainless surface. For stainless steel that requires a surface profile for coating adhesion, garnet (30\\u201360 grit) is the preferred option \\u2014 it is a low-iron mineral abrasive that achieves a moderate anchor profile without contaminating the stainless surface with ferrous particles. Aluminum oxide (white fused grade, 99.5%+ purity) is also used when a more aggressive profile is needed. Avoid steel shot, steel grit, and any recycled blended media on stainless steel.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How do I choose blast media for paint and coating stripping?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"The correct media for paint stripping depends primarily on the substrate material and how much profile \\u2014 if any \\u2014 is acceptable on the stripped surface. For carbon steel being repainted, aluminum oxide, steel grit, or garnet will strip the paint and simultaneously create a fresh anchor profile for the new coating \\u2014 one step achieves two outcomes. For aluminum, CFRP composites, or any substrate that must not be eroded, plastic abrasive grit (melamine or urea type) strips the coating without measurable substrate material removal. For wood, walnut shell or corn cob grit removes paint without damaging the wood fiber structure. Walnut shell also works on aircraft aluminum and antique metalwork where dimensional preservation is critical.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is the best blast media for concrete surface preparation?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Brown fused aluminum oxide in the F16\\u2013F24 grit range is the most effective media for preparing concrete floors and walls for epoxy or polyurethane coatings. It is hard enough (Mohs 9) to open the concrete surface pores, remove laitance and contamination, and create a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 3\\u20135 \\u2014 the range required by most high-build epoxy flooring systems per ICRI 310.2 guidelines. For large industrial floor areas, shot blast equipment using steel shot achieves the same CSP level at higher throughput rates. Garnet is also used on concrete when a lower-dust option is needed in occupied buildings or food-grade environments.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can abrasive blasting be used on wood without damaging it?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes, with the correct media selection. Walnut shell grit (Mohs 4.5\\u20135) and corn cob grit (Mohs 4\\u20134.5) are the standard choices for blasting wood surfaces. At these hardness levels, the media removes old paint, stain, and weathered wood fiber without cutting into sound wood grain. The technique is used in furniture restoration, log cabin cleaning, historical building preservation, and removing lead paint from wooden architectural elements without generating hazardous abrasive waste. Blast pressure must be controlled carefully \\u2014 typically 40\\u201360 psi for walnut shell on wood, compared to 80\\u2013100 psi for mineral abrasives on steel. Too high a pressure will fray the wood surface even with soft media.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script> <style>\r\n\/* ============================================================\r\n   HLH Selection Chart \u2014 Scoped Styles (.hlh-sel)\r\n   Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd. | hlh-js.com\r\n   July 2026\r\n   ============================================================ *\/\r\n.hlh-sel*,.hlh-sel*::before,.hlh-sel*::after{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\r\n.hlh-sel{\r\n  font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,\"Segoe UI\",Roboto,\"Helvetica Neue\",Arial,sans-serif;\r\n  font-size:16px;line-height:1.78;color:#222;max-width:920px;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel h1{\r\n  font-size:2.2rem;font-weight:800;color:#1a3456;\r\n  line-height:1.25;margin:0 0 1.2rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel h2{\r\n  font-size:1.75rem;font-weight:700;color:#1a3456;\r\n  margin:2.6rem 0 1rem;padding-bottom:.5rem;\r\n  border-bottom:3px solid #d86e18;line-height:1.3;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel h3{font-size:1.16rem;font-weight:700;color:#1a3456;margin:1.7rem 0 .6rem}\r\n.hlh-sel h4{font-size:1rem;font-weight:700;color:#d86e18;margin:1.2rem 0 .4rem}\r\n.hlh-sel p{margin-bottom:1rem;color:#333}\r\n.hlh-sel ul,.hlh-sel ol{margin:.5rem 0 1rem 1.5rem;color:#333}\r\n.hlh-sel li{margin-bottom:.32rem}\r\n.hlh-sel strong{color:#1a3456;font-weight:600}\r\n.hlh-sel a{color:#d86e18;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(216,110,24,.35);transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hlh-sel a:hover{border-color:#d86e18}\r\n\/* Lead *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-lead{\r\n  font-size:1.1rem;color:#444;line-height:1.82;\r\n  border-left:4px solid #d86e18;padding:.85rem 1.3rem;\r\n  background:#fff8f3;border-radius:0 6px 6px 0;margin-bottom:1.4rem;\r\n}\r\n\/* Meta *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-meta{\r\n  display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1.2rem;font-size:.83rem;\r\n  color:#777;margin-bottom:2rem;padding-bottom:1rem;\r\n  border-bottom:1px solid #e8edf4;\r\n}\r\n\/* TOC *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-toc{\r\n  background:#f7f9fc;border:1px solid #dce4ef;\r\n  border-radius:8px;padding:1.4rem 1.8rem;margin:1.6rem 0 2.2rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-toc-title{\r\n  font-size:.82rem;font-weight:700;color:#1a3456;margin-bottom:.9rem;\r\n  text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-toc ol{list-style:decimal;margin-left:1.2rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-toc ol ol{list-style:lower-alpha;margin-left:1.2rem;margin-top:.2rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-toc li{margin-bottom:.28rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-toc a{color:#1a3456;border-bottom:none;font-size:.93rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-toc a:hover{color:#d86e18}\r\n\/* Main matrix table *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-table-wrap{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.4rem 0;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.09)}\r\n.hlh-sel-table{width:100%;min-width:860px;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:.855rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-table thead tr{background:#1a3456;color:#fff}\r\n.hlh-sel-table thead th{\r\n  padding:11px 13px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;\r\n  font-size:.79rem;letter-spacing:.03em;white-space:nowrap;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-table tbody tr:nth-child(even){background:#f7f9fc}\r\n.hlh-sel-table tbody tr:hover{background:#edf2fb}\r\n.hlh-sel-table td{\r\n  padding:10px 13px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0e7f0;\r\n  vertical-align:middle;color:#333;font-size:.855rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-table td:first-child{font-weight:700;color:#1a3456}\r\n.hlh-sel-table .cat-divider td{\r\n  background:#1a3456;color:#fff;font-size:.78rem;font-weight:700;\r\n  letter-spacing:.04em;padding:7px 13px;\r\n}\r\n\/* Substrate detail cards *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-sub-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:1.2rem;margin:1.4rem 0}\r\n.hlh-sel-sub-card{\r\n  background:#fff;border:1px solid #dce4ef;border-radius:8px;\r\n  border-top:3px solid #1a3456;padding:1.1rem 1.2rem;\r\n  transition:box-shadow .2s;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-sub-card:hover{box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(26,52,86,.1)}\r\n.hlh-sel-sub-card h3{\r\n  margin-top:0;font-size:1rem;color:#1a3456;\r\n  padding-bottom:.4rem;border-bottom:1px solid #e8edf4;margin-bottom:.7rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-sub-card p{font-size:.9rem;color:#555;line-height:1.68;margin:0 0 .6rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-sub-card p:last-child{margin:0}\r\n.hlh-sel-sub-card ul{font-size:.88rem;color:#444;margin:.4rem 0 .6rem 1.2rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-recommend{\r\n  background:#f0f6ff;border-radius:5px;padding:.6rem .9rem;\r\n  margin-bottom:.65rem;font-size:.87rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-recommend strong{color:#1a3456;display:block;font-size:.78rem;margin-bottom:.2rem;\r\n  text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.04em;color:#888;}\r\n\/* Equipment table *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-eq-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:.875rem;margin:1rem 0}\r\n.hlh-sel-eq-table thead th{\r\n  background:#1a3456;color:#fff;padding:10px 13px;\r\n  text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:.8rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-eq-table td{padding:10px 13px;border-bottom:1px solid #e0e7f0;vertical-align:top}\r\n.hlh-sel-eq-table tbody tr:nth-child(even){background:#f7f9fc}\r\n.hlh-sel-eq-table td:first-child{font-weight:600;color:#1a3456;white-space:nowrap}\r\n\/* Callout boxes *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-note,.hlh-sel-warn,.hlh-sel-tip{\r\n  border-radius:0 6px 6px 0;padding:1rem 1.3rem;\r\n  margin:1.2rem 0;font-size:.94rem;line-height:1.7;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-note{background:#f0f6ff;border-left:4px solid #1a3456}\r\n.hlh-sel-warn{background:#fff8e8;border-left:4px solid #d86e18}\r\n.hlh-sel-tip{background:#f0fbf3;border-left:4px solid #2d7a2d}\r\n.hlh-sel-note p,.hlh-sel-warn p,.hlh-sel-tip p{margin:0;color:#333}\r\n\/* Link highlight box *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-link-box{\r\n  background:#fff8f3;border:1px solid rgba(216,110,24,.32);\r\n  border-radius:6px;padding:.75rem 1.1rem;margin:1.1rem 0;\r\n  font-size:.94rem;display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:.7rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-link-box::before{content:\"\u2197\";color:#d86e18;font-size:1.1rem;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:.05rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-link-box p{margin:0;color:#444}\r\n.hlh-sel-link-box strong{display:block;color:#1a3456;margin-bottom:.15rem}\r\n\/* FAQ *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-faq{margin:.4rem 0}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-item{border:1px solid #dce4ef;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:10px;overflow:hidden}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-q{\r\n  background:#f7f9fc;padding:.95rem 1.2rem;font-weight:600;\r\n  color:#1a3456;cursor:pointer;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;\r\n  align-items:center;font-size:.97rem;gap:1rem;user-select:none;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-q::after{content:\"+\";font-size:1.35rem;color:#d86e18;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-item.open .hlh-sel-faq-q::after{content:\"\u2212\"}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-item.open .hlh-sel-faq-q{background:#edf2fb}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-a{padding:0 1.2rem;max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:max-height .32s ease,padding .32s ease}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-item.open .hlh-sel-faq-a{max-height:500px;padding:.95rem 1.2rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-faq-a p{margin:0;font-size:.94rem;color:#444;line-height:1.75}\r\n\/* CTA *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-cta{\r\n  background:linear-gradient(135deg,#1a3456 0%,#1e4a80 100%);\r\n  border-radius:12px;padding:2rem 2.5rem;text-align:center;color:#fff;margin:1.5rem 0 2rem;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-cta h3{color:#fff;font-size:1.35rem;margin-bottom:.65rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-cta p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.87);margin-bottom:1.4rem;font-size:.98rem}\r\n.hlh-sel-cta-btn{\r\n  display:inline-block;font-weight:700;font-size:.95rem;\r\n  padding:.72rem 1.8rem;border-radius:6px;border-bottom:none!important;\r\n  text-decoration:none;margin:.3rem;transition:background .2s;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-cta-btn.primary{background:#d86e18;color:#fff!important}\r\n.hlh-sel-cta-btn.primary:hover{background:#c05e10}\r\n.hlh-sel-cta-btn.secondary{background:transparent;color:#fff!important;border:2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.5)!important}\r\n.hlh-sel-cta-btn.secondary:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.1)}\r\n.hlh-sel-divider{border:none;border-top:1px solid #e0e7f0;margin:2.4rem 0}\r\n\/* Media tag pill *\/\r\n.hlh-sel-pill{\r\n  display:inline-block;background:#eef2fb;color:#1a3456;\r\n  font-size:.76rem;font-weight:600;padding:2px 8px;\r\n  border-radius:12px;margin:2px;white-space:nowrap;\r\n}\r\n.hlh-sel-pill-amber{background:#fff0e0;color:#8a4800}\r\n\/* Mobile *\/\r\n@media(max-width:640px){\r\n  .hlh-sel h2{font-size:1.4rem}\r\n  .hlh-sel-sub-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}\r\n  .hlh-sel-cta{padding:1.5rem 1.2rem}\r\n}\r\n<\/style><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel\">\r\n<h1>Abrasive Blast Media Selection Chart by Material and Application<\/h1>\r\n<!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 INTRO \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<p class=\"hlh-sel-lead\">The most common and expensive blasting mistake is not a wrong technique \u2014 it is choosing a media type without first anchoring that choice to the substrate material and the specific objective the blasting must achieve. Ten media types exist because ten different combinations of hardness, shape, and size are needed to handle ten fundamentally different classes of substrate and job. This chart maps those combinations directly.<\/p>\r\n<p>The selection matrix below covers twelve substrate categories \u2014 from heavy structural carbon steel to CFRP composite aircraft panels \u2014 and maps each to the correct primary media, the appropriate grit or size specification, suitable equipment types, and the key constraints that govern each choice. Following the matrix, substrate-by-substrate guidance expands on the most critical selection factors for each material category. Equipment type and environmental site constraints are addressed in dedicated sections before the FAQ.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article is part of the complete <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blast-media-chart-the-complete-comparison-and-selection-reference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">abrasive blast media comparison and selection reference<\/a> where all ten media types are compared across hardness, grit size, surface profile, recyclability, cost, and dust level. If you need to understand the parameters used in the selection chart below before making your choice, start there.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-meta\">\ud83d\udcc5 Last updated: July 2026\ud83c\udfed Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd.\ud83d\udcd6 Reading time: approx. 14 min<\/div>\r\n<!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 TOC \u2550\u2550\u2550 --><nav class=\"hlh-sel-toc\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-use\">How to Use This Selection Chart<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#selection-matrix\">The Complete Selection Matrix<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#substrate-guide\">Substrate-by-Substrate Selection Guide<\/a>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><a href=\"#carbon-steel\">Carbon Steel \u2014 Structural and Industrial<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#stainless-steel\">Stainless Steel<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#aluminum\">Aluminum and Non-Ferrous Metals<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#cast-iron\">Cast Iron and Foundry Parts<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#concrete\">Concrete and Masonry<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#wood\">Wood and Timber<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#glass-stone\">Glass and Natural Stone<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#composites\">CFRP Composites and Aerospace Materials<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#galvanized\">Galvanized and Pre-Coated Steel<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#marine\">Marine and Offshore Steel<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#equipment\">Equipment Type Considerations<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#environment\">Environmental and Site Constraints<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">\u3088\u304f\u3042\u308b\u8cea\u554f<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/nav><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 SECTION 1: HOW TO USE \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<h2 id=\"how-to-use\">How to Use This Selection Chart<\/h2>\r\n<p>Media selection in abrasive blasting is determined by three inputs: the substrate material, the blasting objective, and the operating constraints. The selection matrix below addresses all three. To use it correctly:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><strong>Identify your substrate<\/strong> \u2014 what material is being blasted. The substrate governs the maximum hardness and aggressiveness of media that can be used without causing unacceptable surface damage or dimensional change.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Define your objective<\/strong> \u2014 what the blasting must achieve. Objectives include rust and mill scale removal, paint stripping, surface profiling for coating adhesion, deburring, shot peening for fatigue improvement, or decorative etching. A single substrate may require different media depending on which objective applies.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Check equipment and site constraints<\/strong> \u2014 wheel-blast, pressure-blast, and blast cabinet systems are not all compatible with every media type. Environmental restrictions (near-water sites, enclosed spaces, occupied buildings) may eliminate certain media on dust or toxicity grounds even when they are technically ideal for the substrate and objective.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>The &#8220;Recommended Media&#8221; column gives the primary selection. Where multiple options are listed, the first is the preferred choice and subsequent options are alternatives suited to different equipment types or operating conditions. Grit or size specifications are given as FEPA F-grade designations for mineral abrasives and SAE designations for steel abrasives. For full conversion between these systems and equivalent micron sizes, refer to our <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/blasting-media-grit-size-chart-grit-mesh-microns-inches-conversion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">grit size and mesh conversion chart<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 SECTION 2: MATRIX \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<h2 id=\"selection-matrix\">The Complete Selection Matrix<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-table-wrap\">\r\n<table class=\"hlh-sel-table\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Substrate<\/th>\r\n<th>Blasting Objective<\/th>\r\n<th>Recommended Media<\/th>\r\n<th>Grit \/ Size<\/th>\r\n<th>Equipment<\/th>\r\n<th>Key Notes<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody><!-- CARBON STEEL -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">CARBON AND MILD STEEL<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Structural carbon steel<\/td>\r\n<td>Heavy rust &amp; mill scale removal<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30b9\u30c1\u30fc\u30eb\u30b0\u30ea\u30c3\u30c8<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>G-18 \u2013 G-40<\/td>\r\n<td>Wheel-blast<\/td>\r\n<td>Best throughput and cost per cycle at production volume; Sa 2.5 achievable<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Structural carbon steel<\/td>\r\n<td>Rust removal, field blasting<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u9178\u5316\u30a2\u30eb\u30df\u30cb\u30a6\u30e0<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30fc\u30cd\u30c3\u30c8<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>F20 \u2013 F36 \/ 20\u201330<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast<\/td>\r\n<td>AO for speed; garnet where very low dust is needed<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Carbon steel pipe \/ vessel<\/td>\r\n<td>Coating prep \u2014 zinc primer or epoxy<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30b9\u30c1\u30fc\u30eb\u30b0\u30ea\u30c3\u30c8<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u9178\u5316\u30a2\u30eb\u30df\u30cb\u30a6\u30e0<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>G-25 \/ F24 \u2013 F36<\/td>\r\n<td>Wheel or pressure<\/td>\r\n<td>Profile 2.5\u20134.0 mils required; confirm TDS spec<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Carbon steel \u2014 thin gauge<\/td>\r\n<td>Paint stripping, light clean<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30fc\u30cd\u30c3\u30c8<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u9178\u5316\u30a2\u30eb\u30df\u30cb\u30a6\u30e0<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>F46 \u2013 F80 \/ 36\u201360<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast \/ cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>Finer grit to avoid distortion of thin sections<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- STAINLESS -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">STAINLESS STEEL<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Stainless steel (304, 316)<\/td>\r\n<td>Bright satin finish \u2014 no profile needed<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30e9\u30b9\u30d3\u30fc\u30ba<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>80 \u2013 120 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast \/ cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>No iron contamination; brightens surface; no ferrous media ever<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\u30b9\u30c6\u30f3\u30ec\u30b9<\/td>\r\n<td>Profile for coating or bonding<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30fc\u30cd\u30c3\u30c8<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">White AO<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>F30 \u2013 F60 \/ F36<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast \/ cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>Garnet: very low iron; White AO: zero iron contamination<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- ALUMINUM -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">ALUMINUM AND NON-FERROUS<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Aluminum panels \/ sheet<\/td>\r\n<td>Paint or coating removal<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Plastic Grit (Melamine)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>12 \u2013 30 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast \/ cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>No substrate erosion; no dimensional change; use virgin media only<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Aluminum extrusions \/ castings<\/td>\r\n<td>Clean surface, light deburr<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Walnut Shell<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30e9\u30b9\u30d3\u30fc\u30ba<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>20 \u2013 40 mesh \/ 80\u2013120<\/td>\r\n<td>Cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>Walnut: removes contamination; Glass beads: brightening and peening<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Aluminum \u2014 aerospace MRO<\/td>\r\n<td>Paint stripping \u2014 fatigue-critical parts<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Plastic Grit (Urea \/ Polyester)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>16 \u2013 40 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (controlled)<\/td>\r\n<td>AMS 2430 and Boeing \/ Airbus process specs apply; validate with trial<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- CAST IRON -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">CAST IRON AND FOUNDRY<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Gray \/ ductile iron castings<\/td>\r\n<td>Descaling after pour \u2014 high volume<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30b9\u30c1\u30fc\u30eb\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>S-230 \u2013 S-460<\/td>\r\n<td>Wheel-blast (tumble or hanger)<\/td>\r\n<td>Standard foundry practice; max reuse cycles; minimal dust<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Cast iron machine parts<\/td>\r\n<td>Cleaning before inspection or machining<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30b9\u30c1\u30fc\u30eb\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30b9\u30c1\u30fc\u30eb\u30b0\u30ea\u30c3\u30c8<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>S-110 \u2013 S-280 \/ G-50<\/td>\r\n<td>Wheel-blast \/ cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>Shot for smooth finish; grit if profile for painting is required<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- CONCRETE -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">CONCRETE AND MASONRY<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Concrete floor slabs<\/td>\r\n<td>Epoxy \/ polyurethane coating prep (CSP 3\u20135)<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u9178\u5316\u30a2\u30eb\u30df\u30cb\u30a6\u30e0<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30b9\u30c1\u30fc\u30eb\u30b7\u30e7\u30c3\u30c8<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>F16 \u2013 F24 \/ S-280\u2013S-390<\/td>\r\n<td>Shot-blast machine \/ pressure blast<\/td>\r\n<td>AO: pressure or scarifier; Steel shot: floor shot-blast machine (highest throughput)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Concrete walls \/ facades<\/td>\r\n<td>Surface cleaning and texture<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30fc\u30cd\u30c3\u30c8<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u9178\u5316\u30a2\u30eb\u30df\u30cb\u30a6\u30e0<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>F16 \u2013 F36 \/ 20\u201330<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast<\/td>\r\n<td>Garnet for cleaner environment; adjust grit for desired surface texture<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- WOOD -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">WOOD AND TIMBER<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Softwood (pine, spruce)<\/td>\r\n<td>Paint \/ stain removal<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Walnut Shell<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Corn Cob<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>12 \u2013 20 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (40\u201360 psi)<\/td>\r\n<td>Low pressure critical; higher pressure frays wood grain<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hardwood \/ architectural timber<\/td>\r\n<td>Historic building restoration<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Corn Cob<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Walnut Shell<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>20 \u2013 40 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (35\u201355 psi)<\/td>\r\n<td>Test on inconspicuous area first; biodegradable waste<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- GLASS & STONE -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">GLASS AND NATURAL STONE<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Flat glass \/ architectural glass<\/td>\r\n<td>Artistic etching \/ frosting<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u70ad\u5316\u30b1\u30a4\u7d20<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u9178\u5316\u30a2\u30eb\u30df\u30cb\u30a6\u30e0<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>F60 \u2013 F120 \/ F80 \u2013 F150<\/td>\r\n<td>Cabinet (pressure blast)<\/td>\r\n<td>SiC: sharpest cut, deepest etch; AO: economical for frosting<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Granite \/ marble monuments<\/td>\r\n<td>Lettering and deep relief engraving<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u70ad\u5316\u30b1\u30a4\u7d20<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>F36 \u2013 F80<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (cabinet or handheld)<\/td>\r\n<td>Only medium hard enough for reliable stone cutting; use rubber stencil<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- CFRP \/ COMPOSITES -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">CFRP COMPOSITES AND AEROSPACE<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>CFRP aircraft panels<\/td>\r\n<td>Paint stripping \u2014 fiber integrity critical<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Plastic Grit (Urea \/ Polyester)<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>16 \u2013 30 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (40\u201370 psi)<\/td>\r\n<td>Softest angular media; removes coating without disturbing carbon fibers<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>GRP \/ fiberglass<\/td>\r\n<td>Paint removal, surface adhesion prep<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Plastic Grit (Melamine)<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Walnut Shell<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>20 \u2013 40 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (low) \/ cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>Hard mineral abrasives will erode GRP surface; soft media essential<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- GALVANIZED -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">GALVANIZED AND PRE-COATED STEEL<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Hot-dip galvanized steel<\/td>\r\n<td>Light clean \u2014 preserve zinc coating<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30e9\u30b9\u30d3\u30fc\u30ba<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">Plastic Grit<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>80 \u2013 120 mesh \/ 20\u201340 mesh<\/td>\r\n<td>Cabinet \/ light pressure (50\u201370 psi)<\/td>\r\n<td>Hard abrasives remove zinc; soft media only for light activation<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<!-- MARINE -->\r\n<tr class=\"cat-divider\">\r\n<td colspan=\"6\">MARINE AND OFFSHORE<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Marine steel hull (drydock)<\/td>\r\n<td>Sa 2.5 prep \u2014 near-water compliance<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30fc\u30cd\u30c3\u30c8<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>16 \u2013 30 grit<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast<\/td>\r\n<td>Very low leachable heavy metals; meets IMO\/port environmental requirements<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Offshore platform \u2014 topsides<\/td>\r\n<td>Deep profile for thermal spray \/ epoxy<\/td>\r\n<td><span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30b9\u30c1\u30fc\u30eb\u30b0\u30ea\u30c3\u30c8<\/span> <span class=\"hlh-sel-pill\">\u30ac\u30fc\u30cd\u30c3\u30c8<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td>G-18 \u2013 G-25 \/ Garnet 16<\/td>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (enclosed containment)<\/td>\r\n<td>Steel grit for deepest profile; garnet where containment is limited<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 SECTION 3: SUBSTRATE GUIDE \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<h2 id=\"substrate-guide\">Substrate-by-Substrate Selection Guide<\/h2>\r\n<p>The matrix above gives the primary recommendation. The substrate profiles below explain the reasoning behind each selection, flag the most common mistakes, and identify the constraints that change the recommendation under specific conditions.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-sub-grid\"><!-- CARBON STEEL -->\r\n<div id=\"carbon-steel\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>1. Carbon Steel \u2014 Structural and Industrial<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Steel grit G-18\u2013G-40 (wheel-blast) \u00b7 Aluminum oxide F20\u2013F36 (pressure-blast) \u00b7 Garnet 16\u201330 (low-dust field work)<\/div>\r\n<p>Carbon steel is the most common blasting substrate worldwide and the one for which the widest range of media options exists. The selection decision is driven primarily by equipment type and production volume. For automated wheel-blast facilities \u2014 shipyards, structural fabricators, rail car manufacturers \u2014 steel grit in the G-25 to G-40 range is the near-universal standard. It delivers profiles of 2.5\u20134.0 mils to meet SSPC-SP 10 specifications, recycles 100\u2013300+ times in closed-loop systems, and generates minimal dust inside enclosed blast rooms.<\/p>\r\n<p>For field blasting \u2014 bridges, pipelines, storage tanks \u2014 pressure blast with aluminum oxide F20\u2013F36 or garnet 16\u201330 is standard. The choice between them depends on dust tolerance at the site: AO blasts faster and costs less per ton; garnet generates significantly less dust and is preferred in populated areas, over waterways, or where containment of blast debris is difficult.<\/p>\r\n<p>The surface profile required for carbon steel is determined by the coating system. Confirm requirements from the coating TDS before selecting grit size. For detailed profile-to-media mapping, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blasting-surface-profile-chart-anchor-pattern-depth-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">surface profile chart and anchor pattern guide<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- STAINLESS STEEL -->\r\n<div id=\"stainless-steel\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>2. Stainless Steel<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Glass beads 80\u2013120 mesh (clean finish) \u00b7 Garnet F30\u2013F60 (profile for coating) \u00b7 White aluminum oxide F36\u2013F60 (aggressive profile, zero Fe)<\/div>\r\n<p>The defining constraint for stainless steel blasting is iron contamination. Any media that contains metallic iron \u2014 steel shot, steel grit, recycled blended media, or even contaminated mineral abrasives previously used on carbon steel \u2014 will embed iron particles in the stainless surface. These embedded particles will rust and bleed through any subsequent coating, destroying the aesthetic appearance and potentially compromising the corrosion performance of the stainless substrate.<\/p>\r\n<p>Glass beads are the standard for stainless steel applications requiring a clean, bright satin finish \u2014 pharmaceutical equipment, food processing vessels, architectural panels, and decorative fittings. They create a uniform peened finish without a high anchor profile and carry no iron contamination risk. For stainless that requires a surface profile for coating adhesion \u2014 such as stainless pipe being painted in a chemical plant \u2014 garnet (very low iron mineral) or white fused aluminum oxide (99.5%+ Al\u2082O\u2083, zero iron) are the correct choices. Never use brown fused aluminum oxide, which contains trace iron oxide that can contaminate stainless surfaces.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- ALUMINUM -->\r\n<div id=\"aluminum\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>3. Aluminum and Non-Ferrous Metals<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Plastic grit melamine\/urea 12\u201340 mesh (coating removal) \u00b7 Walnut shell 20\u201340 mesh (gentle clean) \u00b7 Glass beads 80\u2013120 (brightening\/peening)<\/div>\r\n<p>Aluminum presents two critical constraints that eliminate most media types used on steel: first, its relatively low hardness (Brinell 15\u2013100 depending on alloy and temper) means that hard angular mineral media will erode the aluminum surface, changing dimensions and potentially initiating stress cracks in fatigue-sensitive components. Second, contamination with iron particles from steel-derived media will cause galvanic corrosion under any subsequent coating.<\/p>\r\n<p>Plastic abrasive grit \u2014 in melamine (Mohs ~4), urea (Mohs ~3.5), or polyester formulations \u2014 is the solution for stripping coatings from aluminum without these problems. Its hardness is below aluminum at most tempers, making it physically incapable of eroding the base metal while still being hard enough to strip organic coatings efficiently. For aerospace applications involving fatigue-critical aluminum components, the specific plastic grit type, grit size, blast pressure, and exposure time must be validated against the relevant aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) and process specification (Boeing BAC 5748, Airbus AITM 4.0016, etc.). Media must be virgin \u2014 never recycled or previously used on steel \u2014 to prevent cross-contamination.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- CAST IRON -->\r\n<div id=\"cast-iron\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>4. Cast Iron and Foundry Parts<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Steel shot S-230\u2013S-460 (wheel-blast, high volume) \u00b7 Steel grit G-40\u2013G-50 (profile for painting) \u00b7 Aluminum oxide F36\u2013F60 (cabinet\/pressure)<\/div>\r\n<p>Cast iron foundry work represents one of the highest-volume blasting applications globally. Freshly poured castings carry foundry sand, oxide scale, and metallurgical surface irregularities that must be removed before inspection, machining, or coating. Wheel-blast systems using steel shot in the S-230\u2013S-460 range are the industry standard for this application \u2014 they clean castings at very high throughput rates, peen the cast surface to improve its fatigue characteristics, and achieve 100\u2013300+ reuse cycles in automated equipment.<\/p>\r\n<p>When cast iron parts require painting or coating, steel grit G-40\u2013G-50 provides the angular anchor profile needed for coating adhesion while maintaining the high recyclability advantage of metallic media. For smaller runs in cabinet systems, aluminum oxide F36\u2013F60 is effective. Cast iron&#8217;s graphite microstructure makes it more brittle than steel and more susceptible to chipping under very aggressive blast conditions \u2014 use the coarser end of the recommended range only when the casting geometry and wall thickness support it.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- CONCRETE -->\r\n<div id=\"concrete\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>5. Concrete and Masonry<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Aluminum oxide F16\u2013F24 (pressure blast \/ scarifier) \u00b7 Steel shot S-280\u2013S-390 (floor shot-blast machine) \u00b7 Garnet 16\u201324 (low-dust environments)<\/div>\r\n<p>Concrete surface preparation for industrial coatings \u2014 epoxy floors, polyurethane overlays, cementitious waterproofing \u2014 requires achieving a specific Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) as defined by ICRI Guideline 310.2. Most heavy-duty coating systems specify CSP 3\u20135, which corresponds to a moderately to aggressively textured surface with visible pores open and laitance removed. CSP 3 is achievable with F24 aluminum oxide at moderate pressure; CSP 4\u20135 requires F16\u2013F20 or, for high-throughput floor areas, a dedicated floor shot-blast machine using steel shot S-330\u2013S-390.<\/p>\r\n<p>Floor shot-blast machines are the most efficient option for large horizontal concrete surfaces \u2014 they are self-contained, contain all blast debris internally, and can prepare 300\u2013600 m\u00b2 per hour at production settings. Garnet 16\u201324 is used when the environment is occupied or near food production areas where mineral dust must be minimized, trading some speed for lower airborne particle levels.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- WOOD -->\r\n<div id=\"wood\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>6. Wood and Timber<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Walnut shell 12\u201320 mesh \u00b7 Corn cob grit 12\u201320 mesh<\/div>\r\n<p>Abrasive blasting of wood is a specialist application that requires organic, biodegradable media soft enough to remove coatings and surface contamination without damaging the underlying wood fiber structure. Walnut shell grit (Mohs 4.5\u20135) and corn cob grit (Mohs 4\u20134.5) are the established choices. Both are available in a range of mesh sizes \u2014 coarser grades for faster coating removal, finer grades for delicate or decorative timber where surface quality is paramount.<\/p>\r\n<p>Blast pressure is the most critical variable when blasting wood. Standard mineral media pressures (80\u2013100 psi) will fray, furrow, and permanently damage wood grain even with the softest media. Effective wood blasting uses pressures of 35\u201360 psi with walnut shell or corn cob. At these pressures, old paint and weathered wood fiber are removed while sound wood below remains intact. This technique is used widely in historic building preservation, log home restoration, and removal of lead-based paint from wooden architectural elements. Both media generate biodegradable waste that can typically be composted or disposed of without hazardous waste classification.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- GLASS \/ STONE -->\r\n<div id=\"glass-stone\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>7. Glass and Natural Stone<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Silicon carbide F60\u2013F120 (precision etching and stone engraving) \u00b7 Aluminum oxide F80\u2013F150 (glass frosting, economical stone work)<\/div>\r\n<p>Glass and natural stone (granite, marble, limestone, sandstone) are among the hardest materials blasted in non-industrial applications. Both require media harder than the substrate itself to produce a controlled cutting action. Silicon carbide at Mohs 9\u20139.5 is the only commercially available blast media hard enough to cut glass cleanly and engrave granite efficiently. Its extremely sharp cutting edges produce crisp, well-defined edges on etched patterns \u2014 critical for monument lettering, architectural signage, and artistic glasswork.<\/p>\r\n<p>Aluminum oxide F80\u2013F120 provides a more economical alternative for applications where etching precision is less critical \u2014 large-area glass frosting, texture work on softer stones (limestone, sandstone), and volume production of frosted glass panels. AO produces slightly less crisp edge definition than silicon carbide on glass but costs significantly less per ton. Blast cabinet systems with precision pressure regulators and stencil-compatible blast guns are the standard equipment for both glass and stone etching work. Dedicated ventilation systems and full respiratory protection are essential \u2014 fine glass and stone dust is a serious respiratory hazard.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- COMPOSITES -->\r\n<div id=\"composites\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>8. CFRP Composites and Aerospace Materials<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Plastic grit (urea grade) 16\u201330 mesh \u00b7 Plastic grit (polyester grade) for sensitive laminates \u00b7 Walnut shell 20\u201340 mesh for GRP<\/div>\r\n<p>Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite panels used in aerospace, automotive motorsport, and defense applications present the most demanding media selection challenge in industrial blasting. The carbon fiber reinforcement within the composite laminate is structurally critical and cannot be touched by the blasting process. Even minor erosion of the surface resin layer can expose fiber, alter fiber orientation, or initiate delamination \u2014 all of which constitute structural damage requiring panel replacement or complex repair.<\/p>\r\n<p>Plastic abrasive grit \u2014 specifically urea formaldehyde (Mohs ~3.5) or polyester types \u2014 is the only media capable of removing aircraft topcoat and primer without eroding the underlying CFRP. At the relatively low blast pressures used (40\u201370 psi), plastic grit fragments progressively on impact, transferring its energy to the coating above the composite surface while generating insufficient force to disturb the harder, denser carbon fiber below. The specific validated media type, size, blast pressure, nozzle distance, and pass count for any given aircraft type must be drawn from the aircraft manufacturer&#8217;s Structural Repair Manual (SRM) or the appropriate MRO process specification \u2014 never selected generically. For glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), walnut shell is also effective and offers a lower-cost alternative where the fiber preservation tolerance is less tight.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- GALVANIZED -->\r\n<div id=\"galvanized\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>9. Galvanized and Pre-Coated Steel<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Glass beads 80\u2013120 mesh \u00b7 Plastic grit melamine 20\u201340 mesh<\/div>\r\n<p>Hot-dip galvanized steel presents a specific challenge: the zinc coating that provides its corrosion protection is itself relatively soft (Mohs 2.5) and will be rapidly removed by any media harder and more aggressive than glass beads or plastic grit. The goal in most galvanized steel blasting scenarios is to lightly activate or clean the zinc surface \u2014 removing white rust (zinc carbonate), contamination, or excessive zinc spangle \u2014 while retaining the galvanic protection the zinc layer provides.<\/p>\r\n<p>Glass beads at 80\u2013120 mesh applied at reduced pressure (50\u201370 psi) achieve this by peening the zinc surface gently, removing superficial contamination and improving coating adhesion without significant zinc removal. When the galvanized steel is being completely repainted and the residual zinc will be supplemented by a zinc-rich primer in the new coating system, a light scuff with plastic grit at 20\u201340 mesh provides an adequate adhesion surface without compromising the remaining zinc thickness. Hard mineral media or any form of steel abrasive will strip zinc entirely and must not be used when zinc preservation is required.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- MARINE -->\r\n<div id=\"marine\" class=\"hlh-sel-sub-card\">\r\n<h3>10. Marine and Offshore Steel<\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-recommend\"><strong>Primary Media<\/strong> Garnet 16\u201330 grit \u00b7 Steel grit G-18\u2013G-25 (enclosed yard blasting) \u00b7 Aluminum oxide F20\u2013F36 (alternative)<\/div>\r\n<p>Marine and offshore blasting imposes a specific combination of requirements that makes media selection more constrained than most industrial applications. Hulls and offshore structure sections must be prepared to Sa 2.5 (SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Metal) or better for anti-corrosion coating systems designed for seawater immersion service \u2014 demanding profiles of 2.5\u20134.0 mils and complete removal of all rust, mill scale, and old coating. At the same time, the near-water location creates strict requirements on media dust levels, heavy metal leachability in residue, and waste classification.<\/p>\r\n<p>Garnet has become the predominant choice for marine pressure-blast work outside enclosed facilities precisely because it meets both requirements simultaneously: its sub-angular geometry achieves profiles of 2.5\u20133.5 mils on structural steel, its very low free silica content minimizes health risk, and its low leachable heavy metal levels (typically below detection limits for arsenic, lead, beryllium) make spent media disposal straightforward in most port jurisdictions. Steel grit G-18\u2013G-25 remains the preferred media inside enclosed shipyard blast halls with full media recovery systems, where the cost advantage of metallic media&#8217;s recyclability outweighs the logistical simplicity of garnet in open settings.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- end .hlh-sel-sub-grid --><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 SECTION 4: EQUIPMENT \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<h2 id=\"equipment\">Equipment Type Considerations<\/h2>\r\n<p>The blasting equipment type is not a free variable in media selection \u2014 each equipment category has physical and operational compatibility requirements that eliminate certain media outright and favor others. The table below summarizes the key equipment-media compatibility constraints.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-table-wrap\" style=\"box-shadow: none;\">\r\n<table class=\"hlh-sel-eq-table\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Equipment Type<\/th>\r\n<th>Compatible Media<\/th>\r\n<th>Incompatible Media<\/th>\r\n<th>Key Selection Notes<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Wheel-blast (centrifugal turbine)<\/td>\r\n<td>Steel shot, steel grit<\/td>\r\n<td>Organic media (walnut, corn cob), plastic grit, soft mineral media<\/td>\r\n<td>Designed for dense metallic media; soft media disintegrates in impeller; mineral media causes rapid impeller wear at high speeds<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pressure blast (pot and nozzle)<\/td>\r\n<td>All media types \u2014 widest compatibility<\/td>\r\n<td>Very fine micro-grit (&gt;F180) practical limitations only<\/td>\r\n<td>Most flexible system; media must be dry; dense media (steel) requires heavy-duty hose and nozzle; very fine media creates excessive dust<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Suction (siphon) blast cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, glass beads, garnet, plastic grit, walnut shell<\/td>\r\n<td>Dense steel media (poor pickup in suction systems), very coarse media (&gt; F24)<\/td>\r\n<td>Suction systems work poorly with heavy media; optimal for fine to medium mineral abrasives and light organic media; closed-loop recycling viable<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Pressure blast cabinet<\/td>\r\n<td>All mineral media, plastic grit, walnut shell, corn cob, glass beads<\/td>\r\n<td>None (media-specific cabinets can handle almost anything)<\/td>\r\n<td>Purpose-built cabinets for organic or plastic media have dedicated recovery systems; mixing media types in one cabinet causes cross-contamination<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Wet \/ vapor blast<\/td>\r\n<td>Aluminum oxide, garnet, glass beads, silicon carbide<\/td>\r\n<td>Steel shot\/grit (corrosion in wet system), organic media (swells and clogs)<\/td>\r\n<td>Water suspension eliminates dust; reduces profile depth vs dry blast at same pressure; media must be chemically stable in water; corrosion inhibitor required in recirculating systems<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Floor shot-blast machine<\/td>\r\n<td>Steel shot, steel grit<\/td>\r\n<td>Mineral media, organic media<\/td>\r\n<td>Self-contained, self-recovering; designed for metallic media; the standard for large concrete and steel floor preparation<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-tip\">\r\n<p><strong>Cross-contamination warning:<\/strong> Never mix media types in a shared recovery system without thorough cleaning between media changes. Steel media residue in a cabinet subsequently used for stainless steel work will contaminate the stainless surface with iron. Mineral media fines in a steel grit wheel-blast system accelerate impeller wear. Organic media (walnut shell) swells in wet blast systems and clogs recovery lines. Dedicated systems per media type are the operational standard in professional blasting facilities.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 SECTION 5: ENVIRONMENT \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<h2 id=\"environment\">Environmental and Site Constraints<\/h2>\r\n<p>Several media types that are technically suitable for a substrate and objective are operationally excluded by the environmental conditions at the blasting site. Identifying these constraints before specifying media prevents costly changes mid-project.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Near-Water and Ecologically Sensitive Sites<\/h3>\r\n<p>Blasting over or adjacent to navigable waterways, harbors, wetlands, or groundwater-sensitive areas imposes strict limits on the leachable heavy metal content of both media and blast residue. Copper slag \u2014 which may contain trace arsenic, lead, and chromium \u2014 is effectively excluded from these sites in most jurisdictions without extensive containment and monitoring. Coal slag is similarly restricted. Garnet (almandine grade) and crushed glass are the preferred alternatives: garnet has very low leachable metal content; crushed glass contains no heavy metals and generates only inert silicate residue. Before specifying any media for near-water work, request a full elemental leachate analysis from the supplier and verify compliance with local environmental regulations and permit conditions.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Enclosed and Confined Spaces<\/h3>\r\n<p>Blasting in enclosed spaces \u2014 ship ballast tanks, pressure vessels, tunnels, enclosed bridges \u2014 requires media with low dust generation to maintain operator visibility and reduce the respiratory burden even with supplied-air equipment. Garnet and steel media both generate significantly less respirable dust than crushed glass, copper slag, or aluminum oxide under the same blasting conditions. Where enclosed-space blasting is anticipated at the project design stage, media selection should weight dust generation as heavily as profile depth capability.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Silica Sand Restrictions<\/h3>\r\n<p>Silica sand remains banned or effectively prohibited for abrasive blasting in an increasing number of countries. Where local regulations restrict silica sand, all media types in the selection matrix above are legally compliant alternatives \u2014 none contain free crystalline silica in the quantities that trigger silicosis risk. For a full country-by-country regulatory summary and safe alternatives comparison, see our dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/silica-sand-in-abrasive-blasting-health-risks-osha-rules-safe-alternatives-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">guide to silica sand restrictions and safe alternatives<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Occupied Buildings and Public Areas<\/h3>\r\n<p>Blasting near occupied buildings or in public areas where media drift or dust exposure to bystanders is possible requires the lowest-dust options available. Garnet, glass beads, and steel media all outperform mineral slag and crushed glass in this respect. Full containment structures with negative-pressure air filtration are a mandatory engineering control in most jurisdictions for blasting in proximity to the public, regardless of media type.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-link-box\">\r\n<p><strong>Media Types in Detail<\/strong> For full technical profiles of all ten media types covered in this selection chart \u2014 including hardness, recyclability, cost analysis, and specialty applications \u2014 see: <a href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/10-types-of-abrasive-blasting-media-full-guide-with-properties-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10 Types of Abrasive Blasting Media \u2014 Full Guide with Properties Chart<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<hr class=\"hlh-sel-divider\" \/><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 FAQ \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<h2 id=\"faq\">\u3088\u304f\u3042\u308b\u8cea\u554f<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-item\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-q\">Can I use the same blast media on steel and aluminum?<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-a\">\r\n<p>Only under very specific conditions. Soft organic media \u2014 walnut shell, corn cob, and plastic abrasive grit \u2014 can be used on both steel and aluminum because they are too soft to erode either substrate meaningfully. However, the hard angular media used routinely on carbon steel \u2014 aluminum oxide, steel grit, garnet \u2014 will erode aluminum surfaces, alter critical dimensions, and can initiate stress cracking in thin-walled or fatigue-loaded aluminum parts. For aluminum, plastic grit (melamine or urea formulation) is the standard choice for coating removal. Additionally, never use recycled media previously used on steel to blast aluminum \u2014 metallic iron contamination embedded in the recycled media will transfer to the aluminum surface and initiate galvanic corrosion under subsequent coatings.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-item\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-q\">What blast media is best for stainless steel without causing contamination?<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-a\">\r\n<p>Glass beads are the standard choice for stainless steel that needs a clean, bright satin finish with no iron contamination risk. They contain no iron and produce a uniform peened surface without aggressive profiling. For stainless steel requiring a surface profile for coating adhesion, garnet (low-iron mineral) or white fused aluminum oxide (99.5%+ purity, negligible iron content) are the correct options. Steel shot, steel grit, brown fused aluminum oxide, and any recycled blended media are all excluded from stainless steel work because even trace ferrous contamination embedded in the surface will produce rust staining and undermine the stainless steel&#8217;s corrosion performance.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-item\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-q\">How do I choose blast media for paint and coating stripping?<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-a\">\r\n<p>Media selection for paint stripping depends primarily on the substrate material beneath the coating, not on the coating itself. For carbon steel being repainted: aluminum oxide, steel grit, or garnet strip the paint while simultaneously creating a fresh anchor profile for the new coating \u2014 one operation achieves both surface cleaning and profile generation. For aluminum, CFRP composites, and any substrate that must not be dimensionally altered: plastic abrasive grit (melamine or urea type) strips the coating without measurable substrate erosion. For wood: walnut shell or corn cob removes paint without damaging wood fiber. For galvanized steel where zinc preservation is required: glass beads or light plastic grit at reduced pressure cleans the surface without stripping the zinc layer. The coating type itself (thickness, adhesion, chemistry) affects blasting time but rarely changes the media type selection.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-item\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-q\">What is the best blast media for concrete surface preparation?<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-a\">\r\n<p>Brown fused aluminum oxide in the F16\u2013F24 grit range is the most effective media for preparing concrete floors and walls for epoxy or polyurethane coatings. At Mohs 9, it is hard enough to open concrete surface pores, remove laitance and carbonation, and achieve a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 3\u20135 \u2014 the range required by most high-build epoxy flooring systems per ICRI 310.2 guidelines. For large industrial floor areas, a dedicated floor shot-blast machine using steel shot S-280\u2013S-390 achieves the same CSP level at significantly higher throughput rates \u2014 300\u2013600 m\u00b2 per hour versus 50\u2013100 m\u00b2 per hour for handheld pressure-blast equipment. Garnet 16\u201324 is used in occupied or food-grade buildings where reduced dust is needed.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-item\">\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-q\">Can abrasive blasting be used on wood without damaging it?<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-faq-a\">\r\n<p>Yes \u2014 with the correct media and pressure settings. Walnut shell grit (Mohs 4.5\u20135) and corn cob grit (Mohs 4\u20134.5) are designed for exactly this purpose. At hardness levels below most wood species, they remove old paint, stain, and weathered wood fiber without cutting into sound wood grain. The critical variable is blast pressure: standard mineral abrasive pressures of 80\u2013100 psi will damage even hardwood surfaces with soft media. Effective wood blasting uses 35\u201360 psi with walnut shell or corn cob. This technique is used for historical building restoration, log home cleaning, furniture stripping, and lead paint removal from wooden architectural elements. Both media produce biodegradable waste that can typically be disposed of without hazardous waste classification, subject to local regulations on the paint or coating residue content.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- end .hlh-sel-faq --><hr class=\"hlh-sel-divider\" \/><!-- \u2550\u2550\u2550 CTA \u2550\u2550\u2550 -->\r\n<div class=\"hlh-sel-cta\">\r\n<h3>Source Abrasive Blast Media Direct from Manufacturer<\/h3>\r\n<p>Jiangsu Henglihong Technology Co., Ltd. supplies aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, glass beads, steel shot, and steel grit directly from our Jiangsu facilities \u2014 in all grit sizes and grades required for the applications covered in this selection guide. Competitive FOB pricing, SGS-certified quality, and technical support from our blasting specialists.<\/p>\r\n<a class=\"hlh-sel-cta-btn primary\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Request a Quote<\/a> <a class=\"hlh-sel-cta-btn secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/resource\/blog\/abrasive-blast-media-chart-the-complete-comparison-and-selection-reference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2190 Complete Media Comparison Chart<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!-- end .hlh-sel -->\r\n<p><script>\r\n(function(){\r\n  var items = document.querySelectorAll('.hlh-sel-faq-item');\r\n  items.forEach(function(item){\r\n    var q = item.querySelector('.hlh-sel-faq-q');\r\n    q.addEventListener('click', function(){\r\n      var isOpen = item.classList.contains('open');\r\n      items.forEach(function(i){ i.classList.remove('open'); });\r\n      if(!isOpen){ item.classList.add('open'); }\r\n    });\r\n  });\r\n})();\r\n<\/script><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Abrasive Blast Media Selection Chart by Material and Application The  [&#8230;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13536,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,175,138],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-industry","category-resource"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13523","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13523"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13541,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13523\/revisions\/13541"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hlh-js.com\/ja\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}