Term: abrasive blast cleaning

Abrasive blast cleaning is a surface preparation technique that involves forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material (such as sand, steel grit, or glass beads) against a surface under high pressure. The purpose is to remove contaminants like rust, old paint, scale, or dirt, and to create a clean, profiled surface that promotes better adhesion for coatings or paints.

In the painting and coatings industry—especially in Australia where standards like AS 1627.4 apply—abrasive blast cleaning is commonly used on metal surfaces before applying protective coatings, particularly in industrial, marine, and structural applications. The process can vary in intensity, from light cleaning to achieve a specific surface profile, to full removal of all existing coatings and corrosion.

Types of abrasive blast cleaning include:

• Dry blasting – using dry abrasive media.
• Wet blasting – combining water with abrasive to reduce dust.
• Vacuum blasting – containing the abrasive and debris for minimal environmental impact.

Proper safety measures and environmental controls are essential due to the high-pressure equipment and potential for airborne contaminants.