Sand Blasting Careers

A simple process with a ton of applications, sandblasting is involved in a variety of careers. These range from those in which sandblasting is a mere component of the overall job, such as cleaning or manufacturing, to careers in which sandblasting is the main part of the job, such as removing hazardous materials or even creating artworks.

Cleaning and Polishing

The most common sandblasting career involves cleaning and polishing different surfaces ranging from exterior building walls to manufacturing equipment. According to landscape architect Bill Tonnesen, sandblasting contractors can use differently powered equipment with different types of granulated materials (cork, sand, walnut shells) to clean a variety of surfaces, such as cinder blocks and hardwood. Though there is no required training or certification, contractors can receive a specialized abrasive blasting certification from the Society for Protective Coatings, or SPC, that gives them basic training in profiling, preparing, cleaning and blasting different surfaces.

Hazardous Material Abatement

In addition to general cleaning purposes, specialized sandblasting techniques -- specifically wet abrasive blasting -- can be used to clean or remove hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint or even radioactive materials. Wet abrasive blasting is similar to standard sandblasting, but the blaster also sprays water on the surface, which cuts down on the amount of particulates released into the air. Sandblasters who will remove such materials may require an SPC certification. They will also require training and certification to become a licensed abatement contractor. In Michigan, abatement contractors must pass training courses which inform individuals of the hazards of asbestos, as well as the proper way to remove it.

Monument and Signage Engraving

Stonemasons can sandblast to engrave monuments or signs such as headstones for cemetery plots. According to Ron and Sallie Clamp of Memorial Design, sandblasting can be used to create fine engravings in stone monuments or to add polish or finish to larger engravings that were done with a chisel. Because this is a relatively new application of sandblasting, there are no specific training or certification programs. Instead, monument sandblasting can be a part of banker masonry certification, which includes training in carving, etching, chiseling and polishing stones.

Art and Design

Some sandblasting techniques -- specifically micro-abrasive blasting -- can be used for detailed design and art projects. Some artists can use small-nozzled blasters to carve intricate designs in delicate surfaces like ceramics, delicate crystals or even eggshells. Because this is a highly specialized application of sandblasting, there is no licensing or training designed for it. Artists must simply fine-tune their skills through extensive trial and error. Automated blasters can be used in other design applications, such as glass etching or frosting or adding a worn look to a pair of jeans. These techniques also require no training or certification, as the material that is to be treated with the automated sandblaster is merely loaded into a blaster and then removed.