Abrasive Media Guide: Choosing the Right Media for Your Blasting Job
Choosing the right abrasive media can make or break the success of your blasting project. The type and mesh size you select will determine how fast you cut, what kind of surface profile you achieve, and how much cleanup or reclaim you’ll deal with.
At Sandblast Solutions Inc., we stock only professional-grade abrasives from leading brands like Black Beauty®, Bellemare®, and GMA Garnet™. Our experts help you match the right media to your specific surface prep job — from tanks and marine steel to delicate concrete and aluminum.
Garnet (GMA Garnet™)
Types Offered:
- GMA GX1 SpeedBlast™ – High speed for productivity
- GMA GX2 ToughBlast™ – Tough surface jobs, heavy coating
- GMA GX3 ExtremeBlast™ – Aggressive cutting for fast removal
- GMA 3040 – Standard profile for most steel prep
- GMA ClassicCut 80 – Fine mesh for smooth finishes
Best For: Steel surface prep, coating removal, tank lining, marine
Reusability: Yes – up to 5 cycles
Profile Range: ~2.0–4.0 mils
Notes: Low dust, recyclable, ideal for reclaim systems and indoor blasting.
Coal Slag (Black Beauty® by Reed Minerals)
Types Offered:
- X-Fine (#30/60)
- Fine (#20/40)
- Medium (#12/40)
- With Blastox® (15% or 20% lead stabilization blend)
Best For: Structural steel, rust and paint removal, outdoor work
Reusability: Single-use
Profile Range: 1.0–4.8 mils
Notes: Cost-effective, aggressive cutting, great for general blasting, bridge work, and sites needing lead compliance.
Crushed Glass (Bellemare® ECO-Grit & Black Beauty® Glass)
Bellemare ECO-Grit Meshes: #10/20, #20/30, #30/60, #40/70, #60/140
Black Beauty® Glass Meshes: Medium (#12/30), Medium Fine (#20/40), Fine (#30/70)
Best For: Coating removal on steel, concrete, wood, aluminum
Reusability: Single-use
Profile Range: 0.5–5.0 mils
Notes: Eco-friendly, silica-free, and safe for sensitive substrates.
Aluminum Oxide (Bellemare®)
Best For: Etching, non-ferrous metals, blasting cabinets
Reusability: Very high – ideal for reclaim systems
Profile Range: 2.0–5.0+ mils (varies by grit)
Notes: One of the hardest abrasives — sharp, fast-cutting, and great for fine control.
Iron Silicate (Black Beauty® Iron & Bellemare® PRO-Grit)
Bellemare Mesh Sizes: #12/40, #20/40, #30/60, #35/70
Black Beauty® Iron Meshes: Medium (#12/40), Fine (#20/40), Extra Fine (#30/60)
Best For: Rust removal, heavy coatings, steel surface prep
Reusability: Single-use
Profile Range: 1.5–5.5 mils
Notes: A copper slag-based abrasive for high-performance blasting with variable profiles.
Nickel Slag (Black Beauty® Sure/Cut Edge)
Mesh Sizes Offered: X-Fine, Fine, Medium
Best For: Structural steel, concrete, lead-safe jobs
Reusability: Single-use
Profile Range: 2.0–5.5 mils
Notes: High-efficiency cutting with lower dust and reduced environmental impact — excellent where silica exposure must be avoided.
Which Should You Choose?
| Abrasive | Profile (mils) | Reusability | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet | 2.0–4.0 | 2–5x | Steel, marine, tanks |
| Coal Slag | 1.0–4.8 | No | Heavy coating, bridge work |
| Crushed Glass | 0.5–5.0 | No | Concrete, wood, softer metals |
| Aluminum Oxide | 2.0–5.0+ | Yes | Cabinets, etching, aluminum |
| Iron Silicate | 1.5–5.5 | No | Heavy rust/coatings |
| Nickel Slag | 2.0–5.5 | No | Structural steel, reduced dust |
Need Help Choosing the Right Abrasive?
Our experienced team will walk you through abrasive selection based on your substrate, surface profile requirements, coating removal needs, and whether you’ll be reclaiming or disposing of the media.
Contact Sandblast Solutions Inc. today for a quote or a tailored abrasive recommendation. We’re here to make sure your next blasting project starts with the right foundation.