Sandblasting vs. glass bead blasting: what’s the difference?

Abrasive blasting is a widely used process in industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing. Two popular methods—sandblasting and glass bead blasting—offer distinct advantages depending on the application. But what sets them apart? Let’s break it down.

What is sandblasting?

Sandblasting is a type of abrasive blasting that involves propelling silica sand at high pressure against a workpiece to develop a surface profile, or to clean it. Sandblasting is also used as a catch-all term for abrasive blasting; however, blasting with silica sand is illegal in the UK.

Why is sandblasting illegal in the UK?

Sandblasting, historically a popular abrasive blasting method, involved using compressed air to blast fine particles, such as sand, onto a surface. While effective, this process raised significant health and safety concerns, particularly due to the use of silica sand. The generation of silica dust during blasting posed severe health risks, including silicosis and lung cancer.

In the UK, sandblasting using silica sand is now illegal due to these hazards. Instead, safer alternatives like glass beads, steel grit, and other non-harmful abrasives are used to achieve similar results without compromising worker safety. These alternatives are often applied for tasks like paint and rust removal or surface cleaning, but strict adherence to health and safety guidelines remains paramount. You can find more guidance on these guidelines on the HSE Government website here.

Key features of sandblasting:

• Highly abrasive: Suitable for tough cleaning and surface preparation.
• Removes rust and paint: Ideal for restoring metal surfaces.
• Creates a rough finish: Useful for preparing surfaces for coatings or paint adhesion.

Common abrasive media used as an alternative to sandblasting include:

• Garnet: A sharp, fast-cutting abrasive.
• Aluminium oxide: Long-lasting and effective for tough surfaces.
• Steel grit: Suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications.

What is glass bead blasting?

Glass bead blasting is a more refined form of abrasive blasting that uses spherical glass beads instead of sharp, angular abrasives. Glass bead blasting is commonly used for cleaning, peening, surface finishing, and decontamination, providing a smooth finish without creating a rough texture. This method is gentler on surfaces while still providing effective cleaning and finishing, and can be used as an alternative to sandblasting.

Key features of glass bead blasting:

• Gentle abrasive: Won’t damage base material.
• Creates a smooth finish: Ideal for polishing metal surfaces.
• Eco-friendly & reusable: Glass beads can be recycled multiple times.

View our glass bead abrasive media here.

Key differences between sandblasting and glass bead blasting

Which one should you choose?

• Use modern sandblasting (with non-silica abrasives) if you need to strip tough coatings, remove rust, or prepare a surface for painting.
• Use glass bead blasting if you need a smooth, polished finish without damaging the underlying material.

You can view our full range of abrasive media here.

Conclusion

Both sandblasting and glass bead blasting are effective methods and have their place in abrasive blasting, but the right choice depends on your project’s needs. If you require aggressive material removal for industrial applications, modern sandblasting (without silica) is the best option. However, if you’re looking for a gentler approach that preserves surface integrity, glass bead blasting is the ideal solution.

By using the correct abrasive media and following UK safety regulations, businesses can ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly blasting practices.

If you need advice on the best abrasive blasting method for your application, get in touch with our experts today!