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Abrasive Blasting
Vapor abrasive blasting (also known as wet abrasive blasting) removes coatings, contaminants, corrosion and residues from hard surfaces. It's similar to dry blasting, except that the blast media is moistened prior to impacting the surface, reducing dust significantly and also reducing the amount of water used when compared to traditional wet blasting.
How Does Wet Abrasive Blasting Work?
Water and abrasive are combined in a pot under water pressure and then precisely metered into the airflow. When wet abrasive impacts a surface, the additional water weighs the particles down and creates a “dustless” effect.
Since EcoQuip 2 uses less water than slurry or other water-based technologies, pools of water aren't left behind so there is less need to worry about toxic runoff.
Understanding "Dust-free" or "Dustless" Blasting
True Dustless Blasting is Impossible
Some might claim that their products are "dustless" or "dust-free," but the reality is there is no such thing.
Sure, using a wet abrasive blasting machine will cut down on the plume of dust you get from dry blasting, but you're also left with a puddle of water. Make sure you understand the facts around dustless blasting.
With Graco's EcoQuip 2 Vapor Abrasive blast equipment, you will see up to 92% dust suppression over dry blasting without the wet, slurry mess you get from traditional wet abrasive blasters.
Video: Comparing Blasting Technologies
Abrasive Blasting Articles
What is Wet / Vapor Abrasive Blasting
Learn about wet / vapor abrasive blasting and how it's different than other methods, such as dry blasting and wet blasting.
Surface Prep Standards Explained - SSPC/NACE & ISO 8501
Understanding the ISO 8501 and SSPC/NACE blast cleaning surface prep standards.
How to Choose the Right Blast Nozzle for Wet Abrasive Blasting
What you need to know to choose the right nozzle for your abrasive blasting application
How to Choose the Right Blasting Abrasive
What to consider when selecting abrasive media for wet or dry blasting
How to Bid on a Blasting Project – and Profit
A guide to calculating a bid that is designed to meet your target profit margin
Concrete Surface Prep Part 3: Grades of Roughness
How much surface profile is sufficient for various types of concrete coatings and overlays?
Concrete Surface Prep Part 1: Unsound Concrete
How does the blaster know when he’s achieved the specified surface profile on concrete?
Abrasive Blasting with ARMEX Soda
Soda blasting has been successfully used for a variety of abrasive blasting applications since the 1980's
PPE & Respirator Requirements For Safe Abrasive Blasting
Everything you need to know about blasting PPE for dry, wet, and vapor abrasive blasting.
Corrosion Protection Part 2: CleanWirx and EcoQuip
Together, vapor abrasive blast cleaning and CleanWirx provide a particularly strong combination in surface preparation
True Dustless Blasting is a Myth
Know the facts: there is no such thing as dustless or dust-free blasting in surface prep
EcoQuip Successfully Tested in Hazardous Locations
Norway-based Gexcon AS performed various tests to determine whether the EcoQuip equipment blasting process would create a potential ignition in explosive atmospheres
Silica Comparison Wet vs. Dry Blasting
Third-party Industrial Hygiene Survey in order to evaluate potential exposures to respirable airborne dust and respirable silica
Corrosion Protection Part 1: Intro to CleanWirx
A thoroughly cleaned surface virtually free from surface contaminants leads to improved coating adhesion and reduced likelihood of corrosion
Curb Masters Nicollet Mall Sidewalk Stencil
Curb Masters uses Graco’s EcoQuip to add stencil design to Nicollet Mall sidewalks in downtown Minneapolis
Blast Cleaning for Municipalities
Public works departments are utilizing wet blasting / vapor abrasive blasting to clean graffiti, restore weathered monuments, and even remove tough lane markings
Silica Dust and Wet Abrasive Blasting
Innovation in abrasive blasting technology being driven by the need to control silica dust
What Sets EcoQuip 2 Apart from the Competition
Alternate to dry blasting, wet abrasive blasting has been developed in recent years to address health, safety, and environmental issues.
Concrete Surface Prep Part 2: Oil, Grease and Dirt
Concrete Surface Prep Part 2: Oil, Grease and Dirt
Detecting & Identifying Defects in Steel During Surface Preparation
Finding and reporting defects is not only important, but is a good way to distinguish yourself from the competition
How HoldTight Inhibits Rust
Learn how HoldTight improves efficiency by allowing you to blast longer, without stopping to apply paint
Blasting Equipment Distribution: Don Gonneville Interview
Don Gonneville interview: The business of abrasive blasting equipment distribution
Containing a Site for Vapor Abrasive Blasting
Proper containment in surface preparation operations protects the environment and your bottom line
How to Prevent Flash Rust When Wet Blasting
As wet cleaning methods have increased, so has the prevalence of flash rust and the need to prevent it - here are a few tips.
Abrasive Blasting and the Future of Shipyard Surface Prep
Fairhaven Shipyard, the 800-foot pier owned and operated by Puglia Engineering, Inc. faces many surface preparation and cleaning challenges.
Steps for Improving Your Blasting Business Web Presence
Understand how Google ranks web pages and learn specific actions you can take to improve your website
Abrasive Blaster's Guide to Rust Prevention
Different types of rust and how to avoid them - a comprehensive guide for abrasive blasters
Directory of Coatings Manufacturers
How to Blast Softer Substrates
Safely clean and restore wood, concrete, brick, stone and even soft surfaces without damage
List of Abrasive Manufacturers and Their Products
List of abrasive manufacturers and their products
Promoting Your Blasting Business Online with Google Adwords
How to launch a pay-per-click campaign that drives profits for your blasting business
Cleaning Polyurethane Foam On Concrete
Polyurethane foam is difficult to scrape, sand, or chemically remove from concrete - vapor abrasive blasting does this easily, and require no harsh chemicals
OSHA's Silica Standard
Learn about OSHA's new standard for crystalline silica exposure
