Best Pressure Washer Sandblasting Kits

How Pressure Washer Sandblasting Kits Help You Clean Better

Sandblasting kits come to your rescue when your pressure washer alone can’t get the job done. Say the job you want to accomplish involves removing stubborn rust from an iron surface. These sorts of jobs are not fit for most pressure washers.

But how can a sandblasting kit help you out here? Your typical pressure washer shoots a jet of water at high pressure, to remove dirt and grime from the surface that needs to be cleaned. However, sandblasting uses a different method.

These kits shoot an abrasive substance (often called the media) like silica sand, baking soda, or washed and dried river sand that can clean better than just water alone. You should always check which abrasive works best with the kit option you are considering.

Benefits of Pressure Washer Sandblasting Kits

Pressure washer sandblasting kits are a very handy attachment to have at your disposal. They’re easy to set up and use and allow you to perform all your tasks in a fraction of the time it would otherwise take you, with less effort.

1) Remove things that pressure washers can’t

While regular pressure washers can be very powerful and clean many surfaces, sandblasting kits are an instant upgrade to your pressure washers’ capabilities.

Sandblasting kits are great for removing rust, graffiti, paint, baked-on grease, and other stubborn dirt. This is made possible by the use of an abrasive material that mixes with the water jet to create an abrasive spray. This spray is capable of washing away the most complex coatings.

2) Generally very affordable

You can typically purchase a good sandblasting kit for under $50. Additionally, the abrasives used as media for these kits, are either free of cost or extremely low cost. Sandblasters basically pay for themselves with how much time you’ll save by using them.

3) Easy to use

The setup process and using sandblasters are both very simple. All you have to do is collect the abrasive in a bucket or some other container. Next, attach the water input to your spray gun and insert the media input into the bucket with the abrasive. Now ensure the hose clamps are tightly secured. Once the check is complete, your sandblasting kit is good to go!

4) Less dust than dry sandblasting kits

Dry sandblasting is a very efficient technique for cleaning and preparing surfaces. A dry sandblasting kit pulls sand and disperses it with the help of a compressor. The abrasive is sucked in by a vacuum created by the machine and then the high pressure of the compressed air is used to create the force behind the dry blast.

However, this method does lead to a lot of dust particles around the cleaning area and can even lead to health hazards. On the other hand, a wet sandblasting kit mixes the sand with water, ensuring there is nothing floating in the air for you to inhale.

5) No air compressor needed

Because dry sandblasting kits work with a compressed air-based design, this makes a compressor necessary. Wet sandblasting kits function in a completely different way and this means that a compressor is not required. With a wet sandblasting kit, you can rid yourself of all hassles related to air compressors by using your pressure washer.

6) Simultaneous cleaning and rinsing

As the jet that comes out of wet sandblasting kits has both water and an abrasive, you save time. You do not have to wash the surface again with water to remove any sort of media that might still be attached to it. This is not the case in a dry blasting kit.

Wet vs. Dry Sandblasting

Both wet and dry sandblasting are good methods for deep cleaning. However, they each have their benefits and use cases. Wet sandblasting is generally preferred on plastic surfaces as such services might heat up through the friction caused by dry sandblasting.

On the other hand, dry sandblasting does not mix the media with water and therefore is often a better option for wood and other surfaces you don’t want to get wet.

The primary difference between the two comes from the technology being used for the job. Let’s take a look at what this means for you as a user.

What powers the sand

Wet sandblasters are attached to the pressure washer and use a suction-fed injection system to mix the media with the water. This process then creates an abrasive spray that is capable of cleaning out tough, rugged spots.

On the other hand, a dry sandblasting kit uses an air compressor to generate streams of high pressure. This air mixes with the media being used to create an abrasive spray, capable of cleaning a lot of surfaces.

What each is best for

Wet sandblasting kits come with the friction of the abrasive material and the pressure of water jets. When compared to a dry sandblasting kit, the frictional heat generated by wet sandblasting is lower and that is the reason why it is suitable for surfaces like plastics. Metal surfaces, or others, that need to be prepared are also often cleaned with wet sandblasting to ensure that dust is not stuck to the surface.

Dry sandblasting kits create frictional heat on the surface and should therefore be lept away from them. However, the lack of the water component in this kit means that you can clean surfaces like wood that may be spoiled due to moisture. Dry sandblasting is also a great option to clean metallic surfaces.

Costs

The cost of a wet sandblasting kit is generally a bit more than a dry sandblasting kit. But, the cost factor also depends on if you already have a pressure washer or air compressor.

For example, if you do happen to have a pressure washer at home, it would make perfect sense to get a wet sandblasting kit and use it with the existing setup instated of buying both a dry kit and an air compressor.

Even if you do not have a pressure washer, it might make more sense to get a pressure washer and a wet kit as you could get the benefit of being able to clean around the home. On the contrary, if you do have an air compressor, a dry sandblasting kit is a great option too.

What to Consider When Buying a Pressure Washer Sandblaster

1) Compatibility with your pressure washer

Once you decide to purchase a wet sandblasting kit, the first thing to narrow down your search is by looking for kits that meet the PSI (pressure) and GPM (water flow rate) ranges of your pressure washer.

The higher these values, the more powerful the pressure washer you have at your disposal. Wet sandblasting kits come with PSI and GPM ratings within which they function best. Sticking within this range will significantly narrow down your research.

If your machine is rated at a lower GPM range than the sandblasting kit, the abrasive spray is likely to be denser and contain more sand. This is not ideal for cleaning. A higher GPM would mean too much water and less sand which is also not ideal.

Similarly, a lower PSI will result in a water flow that is not strong enough to clean the surface. A higher PSI, on the other hand, could result in a force that is too strong and may cause damage to the surface.

Along with the PSI and GPM range, also be sure to check the compatibility. Usually, these kits come with a ¼ inch quick connector but ensure that you check it before making the purchase.

2) Nozzle material

Nozzles are the opening that direct the abrasive into the water to allow for it to mix with the jet. They come in various materials that vary in terms of durability and performance. Let’s take a look at each of the nozzle types in detail.

Carbide

Carbide nozzles are the most durable option out of the three. They are made of compounds of carbon and metal, which give this material its toughness and rigidity. What this means is that you do not have to worry about abrasives damaging the nozzle or corrosion to its surface. It is resistant to both and delivers under all conditions.

What you do have to consider with this tip, though, is the cost that you have to pay for it upfront. If you use your sandblasting kit often and are looking for a durable solution regardless of the price, carbide nozzles are the right choice for you!

Ceramic

Ceramic nozzles are the most common amongst the three nozzle options and for good reason. These nozzles provide great value for money. They come at an affordable price and are made of durable materials.

These tips are easy to fit into the sandblasting kit are abrasive-resistant and perform well. If you are looking for a quick, easy, and affordable nozzle and are not particular about the durability provided by carbide nozzles, the ceramic nozzle is the perfect option.

Steel

Steel nozzles have a solid exterior that makes them tough. But when it comes to their usage with regards to the sandblasting kit, this nozzle has to brave abrasives and high-pressure water regularly. There is a high chance of corrosion of the surface and the wear and tear also increase with continuous exposure to sand.

Due to these reasons, a steel nozzle tip might not be your ideal pick. But keep in mind that other parts of the sandblasting kits do become better performers and more durable when made with stainless steel.

3) Quality of Materials

The quality of the parts that make up the sandblaster will determine the performance as well the durability of the kit. Typically, you will find that most kits on the cheaper end of the price spectrum have parts made out of plastic. On the other hand, more expensive kits use better and more durable materials like stainless steel.

Let’s take a look at some common sandblasting kit parts and what they are made of:

• Sand hose: The sand hose is the part of the sandblasting kit that carries the abrasive from the bucket to the point of confluence with the water. This hose is usually made of either plastic or rubber and, in some rare cases, of metal.
• Sand intake wand: The sand intake wand is the part of the sand hose that is directly in contact with the media in use for the cleaning job. This wand is either made of plastic or stainless steel. The stainless steel build is more durable and can handle wear and tear.
• Nozzle: The nozzle provides the opening through which the abrasive spray passes through the spray wand and onto the surface in question. This nozzle is made of either carbide, or ceramic, and in some cases, of steel.

4) Cost

There is a wide availability of wet sandblasting kits in the market. This range includes models at various prices and opposite ends of the cost spectrum. Factors that influence the prices of these models include the build quality and the PSI and GPM compatibility.

The more expensive the wet sandblasting kit you buy, it becomes likely that the kit will have parts made out of metals like stainless steel and brass. These tend to last longer and give you a stable performance over time.

The PSI and GPM capabilities also decide the effort and time required to clean a surface and are therefore important to consider. If you are looking for longer and better performance and are likely to use the kit often, you might want to go with the more expensive models.

5) Customer reviews

No one can give you a more authentic review about a product than someone using it. It is important to get an opinion on the actual performance, rather than digest the advertised performance.

You can typically find many customer reviews of the product online. Through these reviews and experiences, you can make the right choice or improve your approach by learning from somebody else’s experience.

An example is that during your research, you might find out that the wet sandblasting kit you intend to purchase works best with river sand. Or that it clogs up too often. Now you can modify the decision as you see fit.

How to Use Your Pressure Washer Sandblasting Ki

1) Gather everything you need

Let’s take a look at a list of things to get your sandblasting kit ready for use:

• Media: Media is the abrasive component of the sandblasting kit. It combines with the water jet to give you an abrasive spray. Some examples of media are dry silica, sand, and baking soda.
• Pressure washer: Wet sandblasting kits are powered by pressure washers. You have to attach your sandblasting kit to the trigger gun and squeeze the trigger. The pressure washer generates a pressurized jet spray and this jet mixes with the suction-fed media to create a strong spray, capable of cleaning the surface.
• Sandblasting kit: A sandblasting kit is an apparatus that is attached to the pressure washer. It includes a water input, a sand intake, a sand hose, hose clamps, and nozzles. You have to set up and ensure that all the connections are secure, before using the kit.
• Eyeglasses/Goggles: All the activities of the sandblasting kit happen under pressure. The water is released at high-pressure levels to generate enough force. The jet of a sandblasting kit also includes abrasives. This makes it important to wear protective gear like goggles.
• Protective clothing: With abrasives and high-pressure water flying about during use, it is extremely necessary to ensure that you wear protective clothing before cleaning.
• Mask: A face mask will help you avoid the dust that may fly around when you use your sandblasting kit. Even though wet sandblasting releases much lesser dust into the air than dry kits, it’s best to take precautions.
• Sand collection (optional): Even though it is not necessary, you may want to use a large tarp or something similar to save the media you use and to make cleaning up easier.

2) Prepare the surface to be cleaned

Sandblasting should always be done with adequate preparation. Be sure to set the surface to be cleaned near an area with drainage so that the abrasive spray can drain off. Or, you could do it in an open area with a surface that can absorb water and the abrasive.

In case you want to reuse the abrasive, you should keep a large tarp or something similar that can trap the abrasive.

3) Attach the sandblaster to your pressure washer

Setting up a sandblasting kit is very easy and can be done with minimal effort. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step breakdown of the setup process.

1. You should start by setting up your pressure washer as you normally would.
2. Next, take the water input (which usually comes with a ¼ inch quick connector) and insert it into the trigger gun/wand of the pressure water. Secure the connection.
3. Now take the sand input wand and immerse it into the bucket or other container with the media. Make sure that the top of the input wand is not devoid of air. Be sure to check that the media is completely dry.
4. Now your sandblasting kit is set up and you can begin cleaning the surface with an abrasive spray.

4) Start sandblasting safely

Sandblasting is generally safe and easy. However, it is extremely important to wear protective clothing and hearing protection to prevent any possible accident. You need to look out for things like dust/abrasives flying about, high noise levels, and protecting the surface and yourself from excessive water.

Let’s look at how to tackle these issues and keep safe during sandblasting.

• Dust/abrasive flying about: While sandblasting, always ensure that you are wearing a protective mask to avoid any media flying about to get into your nose or mouth. These abrasives are pollutants and can be uncomfortable if inhaled.
• High noise levels: Hearing aids come in handy to avoid any discomfort or hearing issues due to the noise levels of the sandblasting kit. It might not seem too loud when you just start, but continuous exposure to the relatively loud noise can be damaging. Be sure to plug your ears so you can carry on the job unhindered.
• Damage to surface or yourself: Two things to look out for to avoid this situation are to check the power and keep it off until it the kit is ready for use and to check the water pressure from a distance on the surface before actual usage. You can modify the pressure and distance once it is clear by the trial and error approach.
• Water collection around you: A good amount of water and the media are used in sandblasting kits. This makes it important to wear boots that will keep you from slipping and hurting yourself. It is also best to keep the surface in an area with good drainage.

Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner FAQs

Is dry or wet sandblasting better?

Dry and wet sandblasting both have their own purposes and can be extremely effective. Whether one is better than the other will depend on a bunch of factors, but primary among them is the surface to be cleaned.

If you are cleaning wood, or any other surface that can not handle water very well, dry blasting is the better choice. Similarly, if you are cleaning a surface that can overheat like plastic, wet sandblasting is the better option because it generates much lower frictional heat.

Apart from this, wet sandblasting kits do not generate free dust particles and the use of water ensures that the surface is washed during the cleaning.

Are pressure washer sandblasters safe?

Pressure washer sandblasting kits are generally safe but should be used only after adequate care is taken to ensure protection. Protective equipment like goggles, hearing plugs, and waterproof clothing, should always be worn before the sandblasting kit is put to use.

Additionally, enough care should be taken to maintain the right distance from the surface being cleaned. The best way to go about this is with a trial and error approach. Start from a good distance and see if the performance is adequate and adjust accordingly.

Always be sure to check the clamps and all attachments in the setup to ensure that there is no leakage. Keep the wand pointing away from you and those around you. Press the trigger on the trigger gun, only after taking these precautions.

What is the minimum PSI needed for pressure washer sandblasting kits?

To create an abrasive spray strong enough to dislodge the rust or dust from the surface to be cleaned, you will need a decently powerful pressure washer. There should also be enough power to ensure that the spray is into a thick, muddy jet.

The minimum PSI advised for optimum performance of your sandblasting kit is around 1,500 PSI. However, here again, it’s best to adopt a trial and error approach. Try with less pressure and keep increasing in case it is not enough.

How can I tell if a sandblaster is compatible with my pressure washer?

It is necessary to ensure that your sandblasting kit is compatible with your pressure washer. To confirm this, you should check a few things.

Start by checking the PSI and GPM range of the pressure washer and compared it with the sandblasting kit. Any discrepancy here will either result in damage to the kit or the surface, or result in an underwhelming performance.

Apart from this, it is necessary to ensure that the fitting of the sandblasting kit matches your pressure washer. Most sandblasting kits have a ¼ inch quick connector and work well with most pressure washers. However, if this is not the case, you may have to purchase a connector to ensure compatibility.

What kind of sand do I need for a pressure washer sandblaster?

Choosing the right media (abrasive) for the job is extremely important to ensure that you get the performance you desire. Most sandblasting kits work well with dried river sand, dry silica, or baking soda.

You should ideally look at the surface that needs to be cleaned and make a decision. For softer surfaces, use finer media. Whereas, tough and rigid surfaces can be cleaned using coarser particles.

If you are not sure about what works best, it is better to adopt a trial-and-error approach. Always start with a finer abrasive, test its performance on the surface that needs to be cleaned, and make a decision. If it works well, you can go ahead with finer particles like baking soda and dry silica. If the performance is not as per expectation, switch to a coarser media.

What do I do if water gets into the sand hose?

Getting water into your sand hose could spoil the job at hand. To avoid such a situation, try placing your sand hose in a way that the hose is above the level of your wand. This will ensure that there is no water pushback into the media and the media stays dry.

In a scenario where the water does manage to creep into your sand hose, immediately detach it from the assembly and let it air dry. Once the hose is clear of any water, you can continue using the sandblasting kit.

How much do pressure washer sandblasting kits usually cost?

Wet sandblasting kits usually cost between $25 and $40 mark. For a model that is on the lower end of this spectrum, you might find that the PSI and GPM compatibility range is lower and the build quality of the materials is not as good (generally plastic).

More expensive kits usually come with higher compatibility and performance ranges. Their components are made of more durable materials like stainless steel and they might come with better customer service as well.

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