Abrasive Blasting
& Protective Coatings
Professional sandblasting and full-range protective coating services for steel structures and components. Classes 1, 2.5 and 3 to AS 1627-4. Epoxy, zinc, polyurethane, intumescent and specialist systems. Sydney & Newcastle, NSW.
What is Abrasive
Blasting?
Abrasive blasting (commonly called sandblasting) is a fast, cost-effective method of surface preparation for steel. Small particles of abrasive medium are directed under high pressure at the steel surface — removing mill scale, rust, paint and other contaminants, and creating a roughened surface profile that maximises adhesion for protective coatings.
With paint coatings in particular, almost all premature failures are caused by poor surface preparation. The most expensive coating system will fail if the surface pretreatment is incorrect or incomplete. There are no shortcuts to good surface preparation.
Both wet and dry abrasive blast cleaning is carried out strictly in accordance with specified standards. A variety of abrasive media can be used to achieve the specified class of blast required for your individual project.
Abrasive Media Available
Important: Once blasting is complete, exposed raw steel is highly susceptible to immediate rust — even in transit. As a general rule, protective coating must be applied within 4 hours of blasting. Having both processes completed at the same facility eliminates this risk.
Classes of Abrasive Blasting
Different degrees of abrasive blasting are available to suit a variety of project requirements, from light maintenance through to maximum corrosion protection.
Lightest form — removes loose scale, rust and paint. Suitable for maintenance work where full blast is not required.
Used when steel is to be galvanised following blasting. Typically uses garnet as the abrasive medium.
Used when zinc or other protective metal coatings are to be applied following the blasting process.
Highest protection — used for underwater situations, inside tanks and chemical plants where maximum steel protection is required.
Protective Coating Range
A full range of architectural, industrial and marine coatings applied strictly in accordance with specifications, standards and data sheets. Extensive application equipment including airless spray, conventional spray and hand application.
Zinc & Primer Systems
- Organic zinc rich primers
- Zinc silicates — inorganic, water borne
- High build zinc phosphate primers
- Etch primers and single pack
Epoxy Systems
- Epoxy primers
- High Build Epoxy
- Ultra High Build Epoxy
- High-density triple coat epoxy (chemical plants)
Topcoat Systems
- Polyurethanes
- Polysiloxane
- Polyaspartic coatings
- Fluoropolymer
- Alkyd enamels
- MIO coatings (Micaceous Iron Oxide)
Specialist Coatings
- Intumescent coatings (fire protection)
- Non-slip, wear & abrasion resistant
- Heat-resistant coatings (ovens, exhaust)
- Marine triple coat systems (coastal)
Surface Preparation is
Everything
The quality of surface preparation is the single most important factor in determining whether a coating will perform for its expected design life. Longer maintenance-free performance is being demanded of protective coatings, and the specification and quality assurance of surface preparation require as much attention as the priming and topcoat systems.
Any type of steel structure, product, component or part can undergo abrasive blasting — from large industrial steel structures to domestic items like car chassis, box trailers, boats and horse floats.
- Increases longevity of the steel structure
- Rejuvenates old structures — makes them look as new
- Can be re-done unlimited times for added durability
- Reduces long-term maintenance costs significantly
- Prevents premature coating failure
On-Site Capability
In addition to in-workshop services, experienced site applicators are available to carry out abrasive blasting and protective coatings in the field and on your project — including vacuum head blasting for hard-to-access areas.
Workshop Location
Located on the NSW Central Coast — less than 45 minutes from both Sydney and Newcastle metro areas. Material can be transported to the facility using our fleet of trucks and prime movers.
Standards & Accreditations
| Parameter | Typical Specification | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Surface cleanliness (pre-coat) | Sa 2.5 (near-white metal) | ISO 8501-1 |
| Surface profile (anchor pattern) | 40–70 µm Rz | ISO 8503-2 |
| Dry film thickness (DFT) | 75–300 µm (system dependent) | AS 3894.3 |
| Epoxy primer DFT | 75–100 µm | AS/NZS 3750 |
| Polyurethane topcoat DFT | 50–75 µm | AS/NZS 3750 |
| Salt spray resistance | ≥ 1,000 hrs (C3); ≥ 2,000 hrs (C5) | ISO 9227 |
| Corrosivity category | C1–C5 / Im1–Im3 | AS/NZS ISO 12944-2 |
| Coating application temp | 5–40 °C; substrate ≥ 3 °C above dew point | AS/NZS ISO 12944-7 |
Ready to Protect Your Steel?
Send us your specifications and we'll prepare a quote. Our team can advise on the right blasting class and coating system for your project requirements and environment.