What is sandblasting?
Abrasive blasting or Sandblasting is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface, or remove surface contaminants. Typically, pressurized air pushes the blasting material (often called the media).
This technique has a long history. Benjamin Chew Tilghman patented the first abrasive blasting process on 18 October 1870.
What is sandblasting?
Abrasive blasting is a carving or cleaning method for removing paint, rust, and residue from oxidation. We use this fabrication method to create sandblasted signs using a stencil mask. Read further to learn more about this creative technique.
Sandblasted Signs – Cedar, HDU, Granite!
We are experts at making dimensional signs for businesses and communities. First, we’ll assist you with choosing the appropriate material. Cedar and SignFoam (HDU) are popular substrates for making dimensional signs. We can even sandblast lettering into stone, such as granite, marble, or concrete. Next, we create your custom logo or layout and use this to make our sandblast mask. A Sandblast mask is a thick pliable rubber sheet with strong adhesive on the back. We run the masking through or XY cutter and then apply it to the surface of your sign.
The rubber protects the sign while the blast media carves away the negative space, leaving a nicely textured recessed background and raised flat letters. Often we’ll finish the letters and trim with 24 karat gold leaf.
Sandblasting Letters into Stone or Concrete
We reverse the process when we blast letters into stone or concrete. The masking covers the negative space , and the letters are exposed. Revealing parts of the sign face allows for the sandblast to carve the letters into the sign. Often we’ll finish the sandblasted letters with black fill or 23 karats gold leaf.
Our team enjoys Sandblasting in Washington, DC.
