Blasting Media Finder
Which blasting media is right for my job?
Blasting media trades off aggressiveness, finish, and what surfaces it's safe for. Answer a few questions and we'll match you to a media, or browse the table below.
| Result | Best for |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Oxide | For aggressive, reusable stripping of heavy rust and old coatings |
| Glass Bead | For a smooth, satin finish without aggressive material removal |
| Crushed Walnut Shell | For gentle cleaning on delicate surfaces |
How this quiz works
The Blasting Media Finder asks what you are blasting and what the goal is. It scores your answers and points you to aluminum oxide, glass bead or crushed walnut shell.
Why these questions
Blasting media differ in hardness and in what they leave behind. Aluminum oxide is aggressive and reusable, so it strips heavy rust and coatings and leaves a rougher profile that paint grips well. Glass bead is gentler and leaves a smooth satin finish. Walnut shell is soft enough to clean delicate parts without removing the base material. The material and the goal choose between them.
What the quiz cannot see
It cannot see the thickness of your metal, the condition of the surface or the equipment you have. Thin panels can warp under aggressive media, and the right nozzle size, pressure and air supply matter. Use the Sandblaster Compressor CFM Calculator to check that your compressor can keep up.
Before you decide
Test on a scrap piece or a hidden area first. Plan dust control, eye and hearing protection and a respirator rated for the dust, and check the safety data sheet for your media. Think about how you will collect and reuse the media, and what finishing step, such as primer or coating, should follow soon after to prevent flash rust.
Read the guide
For the background behind this tool, read Choosing Blasting Media and Preparing Metal for Coating.