Blasting Media | McMaster-Carr

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Abrasive Blasting Material

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

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Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

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DFARS Specialty Metals

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205 Products

Abrasive Blasting Media

Remove paint, coatings, and rust or add texture to surfaces. This media is suitable for use on a wide variety of surface materials.

Our abrasive blasting materials are sorted from least to most aggressive. The more aggressive the media, the more material it removes from your surface.

Both particle mesh size and grit measure the size of the abrasive particles. The higher the number, the finer the particles are.

Glass Bead

Image of Product. Front orientation. Abrasive Blasting Media.

The most widely used abrasive blasting bead, glass bead cleans away rust and surface residue from any material to leave a smooth, bright finish. It has a round shape to peen soft materials such as plastic and aluminum, though it’s not hard enough to peen steel and stainless steel.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

MIL-PRF-9954—This media meets strict standards for particle size, shape, and material quality. It's certified to remove enough scale, rust, and paint to prep metal surfaces.

					10 lb.		15 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability	Mil. Spec.		Each		Each		Each
20-30	36	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	000000	———	0	———	0
30-40	46	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	00000	———	0	———	0
40-60	70	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
60-120	120	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	00000
70-100	100	20 to 60	Low	MIL-PRF-9954	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000
70-140	150	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	00000
80-120	120	20 to 60	Low	MIL-PRF-9954	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000
100-170	180	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	00000
100-170	180	20 to 60	Low	MIL-PRF-9954	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000
170-325	280	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	00000
200	220	20 to 60	Low	—	———	0	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
270-1000	1200	20 to 60	Low	—	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	00000

Steel Shot

The most common abrasive for heavy duty cleaning and peening jobs. Rounded like glass but harder and denser, this shot blasts away heat-treated scale, heavy forgings, and other stubborn irregularities while leaving a uniformly peened finish. It also lasts for 500 times more cycles than glass, so it’s perfect for abrasive blasting cabinets and other systems that let you reuse your media.

High Reusability—Effective for hundreds of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		25 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each		Each
12-20	20	60 to 100	High	0000000	000000	0000000	000000	0000000	0000000
14-25	24	60 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
16-30	30	60 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
18-35	36	60 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
20-45	46	60 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
30-80	70	60 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
40-120	90	60 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000

Stainless Steel Shot

Just as aggressive as steel shot but with better corrosion resistance and durability. Unlike steel, this shot cleans and peens stainless steel, brass, and other nonferrous metals without contaminating them with iron. It also stays effective for twice as many cycles as steel shot. This high-impact shot isn’t recommended for removing paint from aluminum and plastic.

Very High Reusability—Effective for thousands of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		25 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
20-40	30	60 to 120	Very High	00000000	0000000	00000000	0000000
25-50	36	60 to 120	Very High	00000000	000000	00000000	000000
35-70	46	60 to 120	Very High	00000000	000000	00000000	000000
50-140	80	60 to 120	Very High	00000000	000000	00000000	000000

Steel Cut Wire Shot

A tougher alternative to steel shot. Cut from cold-drawn solid steel wire for extreme durability, this media stays effective for twice as many cycles as steel shot. The cutting process forms both rounded and sharp sides, so it will peen and etch your surface at the same time. It also creates highly consistent pieces for a uniform finish.

Very High Reusability—Effective for thousands of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		25 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
14-25	24	60 to 100	Very High	0000000	0000000	0000000	0000000
16-30	30	60 to 100	Very High	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
18-40	36	60 to 100	Very High	0000000	000000	0000000	000000

Ground Glass

A more aggressive alternative to glass bead, this angular abrasive blasts harder and leaves a rougher finish. It’s most often used to clean bricks, cement, and other masonry that’s already rough. While moderately aggressive, it’s still gentle enough to etch aluminum, plastic, and other soft materials without gouging them.

Not Reusable—Typically only effective the first time it's used.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
12-20	16	15 to 120	None	00000000	000000	00000000	000000
25-40	30	15 to 120	None	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
40-80	60	15 to 120	None	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
60-140	80	15 to 120	None	00000000	00000	00000000	00000

Glass/Aluminum Oxide Grit

A mixture of glass bead and aluminum oxide grit, this media is less aggressive than pure aluminum oxide grit. It’s tough enough to clear away corrosion but gentle enough to etch aluminum and plastic without gouging them.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
50-80	80	40 to 100	Low	00000000	000000	00000000	000000
60-120	150	40 to 100	Low	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
70-170	220	40 to 100	Low	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
120-170	240	40 to 100	Low	00000000	00000	00000000	000000
170-230	280	40 to 100	Low	00000000	00000	00000000	000000

Coal Slag Grit

Also known as black diamond, this media is the most widely used grit-style abrasive. Known for its use in sandblasting, its sharp, angular shape etches a wide range of surfaces. It won’t leave behind contaminants. A lower-cost alternative to Black Beauty grit, it produces a less uniform finish. It’s not recommended for removing paint from aluminum and plastic.

Not Reusable—Typically only effective the first time it's used.

MIL-A-22262B—This grit meets strict standards for particle size, material quality, and hazardous waste. It’s certified to remove enough scale, rust, and paint to prep metal surfaces and doesn’t contain more than 1% free silica.

					10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability	Mil. Spec.		Each		Each
12-40	24	40 to 100	None	MIL-A-22262B	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
20-40	36	40 to 100	None	MIL-A-22262B	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
30-60	46	40 to 100	None	MIL-A-22262B	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
40-80	70	40 to 100	None	MIL-A-22262B	0000000	00000	0000000	00000

Black Beauty Grit

A step up in finish quality from coal slag grit. Every lot is tested and certified to exceed the standards of MIL-A-22262B, so it produces a uniform finish and contains less than 0.1% free silica. Sharp, angular edges etch a wide range of materials—everything from aluminum to stainless steel to wood. This grit produces less dust than coal slag grit due to its strict processing. Any dust it does leave behind won’t contaminate surfaces. It’s not recommended for removing paint from aluminum and plastic.

Not Reusable—Typically only effective the first time it's used.

					10 lb.		50 lb.		80 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability	Mil. Spec.		Each		Each		Each
12-40	24	100	None	MIL-A-22262B	00000000	000000	00000000	000000	00000000	000000
20-40	36	100	None	MIL-A-22262B	00000000	00000	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
30-60	46	100	None	MIL-A-22262B	00000000	00000	00000000	00000	00000000	00000

Steel Grit

A more aggressive alternative to steel shot, steel grit blasts harder and leaves a rougher finish thanks to its sharp, angular edges. It digs below the surface to remove material, which is why it’s commonly used to strip paint, remove rust and scale, and prep surfaces for coatings to bond to. However, you should only use it on steel and iron surfaces because it will leave iron behind that could contaminate other materials.

Medium Reusability—Effective for dozens of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		25 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each		Each
25-40	24	100	Medium	0000000	000000	0000000	000000	0000000	0000000
40-50	40	100	Medium	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
50-80	50	100	Medium	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
80-120	80	100	Medium	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
120-200	120	100	Medium	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000

Garnet Grit

An economical choice for grit-style abrasive. It’s not as reusable or abrasive as aluminum oxide grit, so it’s commonly used to clean masonry where it would be difficult to reclaim your media.

80-140 Particle Mesh Size—Garnet grit with a particle mesh size of 80-140 is commonly used for waterjet cutting metal because it won’t clog the jet nozzles.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
14-25	16	60 to 100	Low	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
20-40	36	60 to 100	Low	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
30-60	54	60 to 100	Low	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
50-100	80	60 to 100	Low	0000000	00000	0000000	00000
80-140	120	60 to 100	Low	0000000	00000	0000000	00000

Aluminum Oxide Grit

The grit you think of for sanding, grinding, and polishing. As abrasive blasting media, aluminum oxide grit does it all—from blasting away paint to frosting glass to deburring and etching metal. It’s hard and has sharp, angular edges for fast cutting. It won’t leave behind contaminants like steel grit, so it can be used on a wider variety of materials.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

MIL-A-59316—This grit meets strict standards for particle size, shape, and material quality. It’s certified to remove enough scale, rust, and paint that a metal surface is ready for processing.

					6 oz.		5 lb.		10 lb.		15 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability	Mil. Spec.		Each		Each		Each		Each		Each
18-50	36	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	000000	———	0	0000000	0000000
20-40	36	40 to 80	Low	MIL-A-59316	———	0	———	0	———	0	———	0	0000000	000000
25-70	46	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
35-100	60	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
45-140	80	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
70-270	120	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
80-325	150	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
100-140	100	40 to 80	Low	MIL-A-59316	———	0	———	0	———	0	———	0	0000000	000000
100-400	180	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
120-450	220	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
170-270	180	40 to 80	Low	MIL-A-59316	———	0	———	0	———	0	———	0	0000000	000000
200-325	240	40 to 80	Low	MIL-A-59316	———	0	———	0	———	0	———	0	0000000	000000
230-325	280	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
270-400	320	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
325-400	360	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	0000000	000000	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0
325-500	400	60 to 100	Low	—	———	0	———	0	0000000	00000	———	0	0000000	000000
—	240	20 to 65	Low	—	0000000	00000	0000000	00000	———	0	———	0	———	0

Superoxalloy Grit

A safer, tougher alternative to aluminum oxide grit. Made from mineral wool, this grit produces less dust than aluminum oxide grit because it resists fracturing from impact better. The small amount of dust it does create is safely dissolved in human lungs, so it’s not classified as a carcinogen according to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Thanks to its rounded edges, this grit won’t embed into surfaces as frequently as other grit for a clean surface that’s ready for your next process.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

MIL-PRF-22262C—This grit meets strict standards for particle size, material quality, and cleaning efficiency. It’s certified to remove enough scale, rust, and paint to prep metal surfaces.

					50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability	Mil. Spec.		Each
14-100	16-20	100	Low	MIL-PRF-22262C	0000000	000000
20-70	24-36	100	Low	MIL-PRF-22262C	0000000	00000
40-70	46-54	100	Low	MIL-PRF-22262C	0000000	00000
40-100	60-70	100	Low	MIL-PRF-22262C	0000000	00000
70-100	80-100	100	Low	MIL-PRF-22262C	0000000	00000

Silicon Carbide Grit

Quickly cleans granite, ceramics, silicon, quartz, cemented carbides, and other tough materials. However, it is more brittle than aluminum oxide grit, so it sheds more dust.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
60	60	20 to 120	Low	0000000	000000	0000000	0000000
80-230	100-120	20 to 120	Low	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
140-450	180-220	20 to 120	Low	0000000	00000	0000000	000000
140-500	280	20 to 120	Low	0000000	00000	0000000	000000

Bauxite Grit

Just as hard and sharp as aluminum oxide but reusable. Bauxite grit stays effective for 100 times more cycles than aluminum oxide grit but isn’t as long-lasting as ceramic grit. It’s a good middle ground, cost-wise, between those two. It also sheds less dust than aluminum oxide grit.

High Reusability—Effective for hundreds of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
20-40	36	50 to 100	High	0000000	000000	0000000	0000000
30-70	46-54	50 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	000000

Bauxite Bead

A step up in hardness and durability from glass bead. This round abrasive lightly peens metals that are too hard for glass bead, such as steel and stainless steel. It's also a good middle-ground, cost-wise, between glass and ceramic bead—it’s more expensive than glass bead because it stays effective for 200 times more cycles, but it’s not as expensive as long-lasting ceramic.

High Reusability—Effective for hundreds of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
30-50	46	40 to 100	High	0000000	000000	0000000	0000000
40-80	60	40 to 100	High	0000000	00000	0000000	000000

Ceramic Bead

The hardest, longest-lasting bead abrasive we offer. This round abrasive stays effective for 500 times more cycles than glass bead while delivering the same smooth finish. Since it’s harder than glass and bauxite bead, it easily peens steel, stainless steel, and other hard metals. It’s also virtually dust-free, so you'll find it used in medical, aerospace, and other dust-sensitive environments.

High Reusability—Effective for hundreds of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		55 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
40-60	46	60 to 80	High	0000000	0000000	0000000	0000000
60-120	80	60 to 80	High	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
120-230	120	60 to 80	High	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
230	240	60 to 80	High	0000000	000000	0000000	000000

Ceramic Grit

Your pick for long lasting, dust-free grit. It lasts for 500 times more cycles than aluminum oxide while leaving a similar finish. It’s also virtually dust-free, so you'll find it used in dust-sensitive environments such as medical and aerospace spaces.

High Reusability—Effective for hundreds of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
30-60	46	60 to 100	High	0000000	0000000	0000000	0000000

Abrasive Blasting Media for Delicate Materials

Remove paint, coatings, and rust from delicate materials. Softer than other abrasive blasting media, this media cleans away contaminants without scratching or marring the underlying surface. It is a good choice for finishing soft metals, plastics, wood, or sensitive equipment.

Our abrasive blasting materials are sorted from least to most aggressive. The more aggressive the media, the more material it removes from your surface.

Both particle mesh size and grit measure the size of the abrasive particles. The higher the number, the finer the particles are.

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

Image of Product. Front orientation. Abrasive Blasting Media. Abrasive Blasting Media for Delicate Materials.

The least aggressive blasting media, baking soda scours almost any material without scratching or marring it. It’s also the best choice for cleaning and removing paint from wood. Wash it away using only water.

Not Reusable—Typically only effective the first time it's used.

				10 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
40	54-60	20 to 120	None	0000000	000000	0000000	000000
60	80-90	20 to 120	None	0000000	00000	0000000	00000

Corn Cob

Clean without abrasion—corn cob is gentle enough to clean wood, fiberglass, plastic, and masonry without causing damage. It won't frost glass, pit aluminum, or raise grain on wood.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				10 lb.		40 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
10-14	16	20 to 80	Low	00000000	000000	00000000	000000
14-20	20-30	20 to 80	Low	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
20-40	36-54	20 to 80	Low	00000000	00000	00000000	00000
40-80	60	20 to 80	Low	00000000	00000	00000000	00000

Walnut Shell

Gentle abrasion without damage. Not only will walnut shells clean, but they also polish and debur thanks to their slight abrasion.

Low Reusability—Effective for a handful of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				15 lb.		50 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each		Each
6-10	6	20 to 90	Low	0000000	000000	000000	000000
8-12	14	20 to 90	Low	0000000	00000	000000	00000
12-20	16-24	20 to 90	Low	0000000	00000	000000	00000
20-30	36	20 to 90	Low	0000000	00000	000000	00000
30	30	20 to 90	Low	0000000	00000	000000	00000

Plastic Grit

Slightly more aggressive than walnut shells and corn cob, plastic grit removes tougher coatings and buildup without marring and warping. It also stays effective for twice as many cycles as corn cob and walnut shells.

Medium Reusability—Effective for dozens of cycles under normal blasting conditions.

				25 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each
12-16	16	40 to 60	Medium	0000000	000000
16-20	20	40 to 60	Medium	0000000	00000
20-30	24	40 to 60	Medium	0000000	00000
30-40	30-36	40 to 60	Medium	0000000	00000

Dolomite

Delicately clean hard materials such as brick, stone, and concrete. Originally used to restore the surfaces of fossils and historic monuments, dolomite is hard enough to clear grime and years of weather from masonry yet delicate enough not to gouge it. It’s not recommended for soft metals and plastics.

Not Reusable—Typically only effective the first time it's used.

				20 lb.
Particle Mesh Size	Grit	Recommended Blast Pressure, psi	Reusability		Each
200-400	220-400	30 to 80	None	0000000	000000