Cleaning Bricks: Everything You Need to Know about the Sandblasting Technique

Sandblasting is a technique used to etch or clean a surface using an abrasive material such as sand and beads. The technique relies on blasting a shot at a high velocity against the surface that you would like to clean. When it comes to brick, sand blasting is a preferred cleaning method, especially for bricks that you have just laid in place. Sandblasting does not rely on hazardous or corrosive chemicals such as wet acids. If you have just set up a brick wall or floor, here is everything you need to know about sandblasting:

What Equipment Do You Need to Buy?

Just like any other serious task, quality cleaning with the sandblasting techniques begins with you getting the right equipment for the job. You will have to buy a blasting nozzle, blasting tank, portable air compressor and personal protective equipment for protection in the course. Basic protective equipment includes gloves, sunglasses, footwear, a helmet and dust mask to keep you from breathing contaminated, dusty air.

How is the Cleaning Carried Out?

Each of the equipment has a unique function in the process of sandblasting. The portable compressor delivers air pressure to the blasting tank at an approximate forty to one hundred pounds per square inch. The blasting tank holds the specific blasting material. It uses the pressure from the compressor to propel the mixture through the hose and nozzle. From the nozzle, the material strikes right onto the surface.

What Basic Precautions Should You Take When Sandblasting?

To mitigate the risk of an injury, avoid any direct contact between the nozzle and the skin whenever the machine is running. Don't blow the pressurised materials towards a person or pet. Additionally, you should only sandblast brickwork that has adequate time to cure. Give the brickwork anything between seven to fourteen days before carrying out the cleaning. Coated, lightly sanded, sandbox bricks and slurry should not be cleaned using sandblasting due to the possible, permanent damage to the surface. Note that reclaimed brick that has already been used for many years can also be damaged by this cleaning procedure. Sandblasting is only ideal for non-glazed, hard burned and smooth brickwork.

What Affects the Quality of the Job?

Even with top-notch equipment, you can still do a bad job if you don't pay attention to certain basics. First, make sure that the cleaning material in the tank is free of any dust and dirt that could be left behind when cleaning. Secondly, make sure that qualified personnel properly grade the sand before introducing it into the tank.