Compressors for blasting – The Complete Guide

Table of Contents

• Which Compressor Do I Need for My Blasting System?
• Compare Blasting Compressors
• Which CFM or PSI is Needed for an Air Compressor for Blasting?
• Sandblasting Specifications by Category
  • Metalwork Table
  • Wood Projects Table
  • Glass & Ceramics Table
  • Construction & Masonry Table
  • Household & Miscellaneous Table
  • Industrial & Commercial Table
  • Artistic & Decorative Table
• Blasting Compressor Air Tank Size
• Which Compressor Features Should You Look For?
• Do Compressor and Blaster Connections Need to Match?
• Popular Air Compressor Hoses
• Is a Petrol or Electric Compressor Better for Blasting?
• Summary

Sandblasting, shot blasting, and grit blasting are powerful methods for cleaning, smoothing, or shaping surfaces in construction, DIY, and agricultural settings.

Whether you’re restoring metal tools, prepping a surface for painting, or tackling large-scale construction projects, the right compressors for sandblasting, shot blasting, or grit blasting can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to look for in a compressor and how to optimise your blasting setup for the best results.

See also: A Comprehensive Air Compressor Guide

Which Compressor Do I Need for My Blasting System?

Matching a compressor to your sandblaster, shot blaster, or grit blaster is simpler than you think. Here’s a quick guide:

• Check your blaster’s specifications: Look at the recommended PSI and CFM in the user manual or product details.
• Choose a compressor that meets or exceeds those numbers: A bit more capacity than required will help your system run smoothly.
• Think about tank size: A larger tank maintains steady pressure for longer periods. For smaller projects, a 75-136 litre tank works well. For industrial or continuous use, look for 227 litres or more.

Getting this match right ensures consistent performance and reduces wear on your equipment.

Compare Blasting Compressors

Which CFM or PSI is Needed for an Air Compressor for Blasting?

If you’re new to compressors, you might wonder, what exactly are CFM and PSI, and why do they matter? Let’s break it down.

PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) measures air pressure. For blasting, you’ll need a compressor that delivers at least 90 PSI. Tougher jobs may require up to 125 PSI.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures air volume. This is the “fuel” your blaster needs to keep working. Smaller projects may require 5-10 CFM, but larger industrial tasks need 15-20 CFM or more.

Using a compressor with insufficient CFM or PSI will lead to problems. You might experience inconsistent blasting, clogs, or even equipment damage.

On the other hand, having a compressor with higher CFM or PSI than required is usually a good thing. It ensures your compressor doesn’t struggle to keep up and runs more efficiently.

Sandblasting Specifications by Category

Metalwork Table

This section provides sandblasting recommendations for various metalwork tasks such as car restoration, engine parts cleaning, and wheel refinishing. It specifies that for car restoration and metal furniture, medium grit is recommended to avoid warping thin panels, while finer grit is ideal for smaller, delicate parts like engine components. Recommended tank sizes range from 20-30L for smaller parts, up to 95-113L for larger items like wheels and rims.

Subcategory	Recommended CFM	Tank Size	Notes
Car Restoration	10-15 CFM	75-113 L	Medium grit recommended; avoid warping thin panels.
Engine Parts	8-10 CFM	75 L	Use fine grit for precision cleaning without damage.
Wheels & Rims	10-15 CFM	95-113 L	Ideal for rust removal and paint prep.
Metal Furniture	10-15 CFM	75-113 L	Use medium grit for even surface prep.
Tools & Hardware	8-10 CFM	57-75 L	Fine grit for detailed work on small components.

Wood Projects Table

For wood projects like restoring old beams, furniture, and wooden signs, this section highlights the importance of low-pressure sandblasting to prevent wood damage. Fine grit is recommended for delicate tasks such as furniture restoration to preserve the grain, while medium grit can be used for larger jobs like decking and fencing. Tank sizes are generally smaller, ranging from 10L to 25L, ensuring precise, gentle work on wooden surfaces.

Subcategory	Recommended CFM	Tank Size	Notes
Old Beams & Barn Wood	5-8 CFM	38-57 L	Low pressure to avoid wood damage.
Furniture Restoration	5-10 CFM	38-75 L	Fine grit to preserve wood grain.
Wooden Signs	5-10 CFM	38-57 L	Ideal for creating carved textures.
Decking & Fencing	8-10 CFM	75 L	Medium grit for paint removal and smoothing.
Log Cabins	8-12 CFM	75-95 L	Walnut shell media to avoid surface damage.

Glass & Ceramics Table

This section targets sandblasting for delicate glass and ceramic items, such as custom glassware, shower doors, and ceramic tiles. Low-pressure, fine grit is ideal for etching and frosted effects on glass, while slightly more aggressive grits (fine to medium) are suitable for ceramic tiles. Tank sizes are smaller (10L to 75L), making them ideal for smaller, detailed work on glass and ceramics.

Subcategory	Recommended CFM	Tank Size	Notes
Glassware Customization	5-8 CFM	38 L	Very fine grit or baking soda for delicate etching.
Shower Doors	5-8 CFM	38 L	Low pressure, fine grit for frosted effects.
Ceramic Tiles	8-10 CFM	57-75 L	Fine to medium grit for detailed patterns.
Mirrors	5-8 CFM	38 L	Gentle media to avoid scratching glass.

Construction & Masonry Table

For construction and masonry applications like cleaning brick buildings, stone walls, and preparing concrete floors, this section focuses on heavy-duty tasks that require high CFM and larger tank sizes. Coarse grit is recommended for rough surfaces like stone walls, while medium grit is ideal for preparing large areas like driveways and patios. Tank sizes vary from 50L to 227L to accommodate these larger-scale tasks.

Subcategory	Recommended CFM	Tank Size	Notes
Brick Buildings	15-20 CFM	189 L	High CFM for large surface areas, medium grit recommended.
Stone Walls	15-20 CFM	189 L	Use coarse grit for effective cleaning.
Concrete Floors	15-25 CFM	189-227 L	Prepping for coatings or finishes, high CFM needed.
Driveways & Patios	15-25 CFM	189-227 L	Effective for stain removal and cleaning.
Pavers	10-15 CFM	113-189 L	Prepares surface for resealing.

Household & Miscellaneous Table

This section provides sandblasting recommendations for household items such as fireplace mantels, barbecue grills, and garden ornaments. Medium grit is suggested for restoring metal items like garden sculptures and barbecue grills, while fine grit is used for more delicate tasks, such as cleaning appliances. Tank sizes range from 15L to 113L, suitable for cleaning and prepping various household items.

Subcategory	Recommended CFM	Tank Size	Notes
Fireplace Mantels	10-15 CFM	75-113 L	Great for brick or stone mantels.
Barbecue Grills	8-10 CFM	57-75 L	Ideal for cleaning metal grates.
Garden Ornaments	8-10 CFM	57-75 L	Use fine to medium grit for detailed restoration.
Appliances	10-15 CFM	75-113 L	Preps metal surfaces for repainting.
Bicycles & Motorcycles	8-15 CFM	75-113 L	Suitable for frames and metal parts.

Industrial & Commercial Table

For industrial and commercial applications, this section specifies sandblasting for larger-scale tasks such as cleaning storage tanks, pipelines, and heavy machinery. High CFM (20-25) and larger tank sizes (up to 227L) are necessary to handle tough jobs like rust removal on marine vessels and heavy-duty machinery. Coarse grit is often recommended for these tasks to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning.

Subcategory	Recommended CFM	Tank Size	Notes
Storage Tanks	20-25 CFM	227 L	High pressure for heavy-duty cleaning.
Pipelines	15-20 CFM	189 L	Prepares metal surfaces for coatings.
Heavy Machinery	20-25 CFM	227 L	Suitable for large surfaces, rust removal.
Marine Vessels	20-25 CFM	227 L	Removes marine growth, preps for painting.
Railings & Fencing	10-15 CFM	113-189 L	Clears and preps metal for refinishing.

Artistic & Decorative Table

In the artistic and decorative section, the focus is on precision sandblasting for items like trophies, decorative stones, and art installations. Fine grit is used for delicate etching and detailed work, with recommended tank sizes ranging from 10L to 75L. This section highlights how sandblasting can create intricate textures and designs on small surfaces like trophies or stone artwork, perfect for custom artistic finishes.

These specific summaries should align more closely with the details provided in the tables and give readers a clearer understanding of each application’s requirements! Let me know if you need any further modifications.

Subcategory	Recommended CFM	Tank Size	Notes
Trophies & Awards	5-8 CFM	38 L	Fine grit for precise etching.
Decorative Stones	8-10 CFM	57-75 L	Creates custom designs on stone surfaces.
Art Installations	8-12 CFM	75 L	Suitable for adding textures to sculptures.
Home Decor	5-8 CFM	38-57 L	Ideal for small glass or metal items.

Blasting Compressor Air Tank Size

The size of your compressor’s air tank directly affects its performance. A larger tank acts as a reservoir, providing a steady air supply during blasting.

For smaller projects or intermittent use, a 75-litre tank should suffice. For more demanding or continuous tasks, opt for 227 litres or larger.

A larger tank reduces the need for frequent stops to refill, saving you time and keeping your workflow smooth.

Which Compressor Features Should You Look For?

Not all compressors are created equal, and the right features can make a big difference. Here’s what to prioritise:

• Durability: Look for models built to withstand heavy use in sandblasting, grit blasting, or shot blasting operations.
• Moisture Traps: These help keep your blasting setup dry, which is essential for preventing clogs.
• Adjustable Regulators: These allow you to fine-tune PSI for better control of your blasting pressure.
• Ease of Maintenance: Choose a compressor with accessible parts and a reputation for reliability in demanding blasting environments.

Do Compressor and Blaster Connections Need to Match?

When setting up your blasting system, the connections between the compressor, hoses, and blaster are just as important as the specifications like CFM and PSI. While some fittings are standardised, there are a few things you’ll need to check:

• Hose Diameter and Compatibility: Ensure that the compressor’s outlet size matches the hose diameter. A mismatch can lead to leaks, pressure drops, or even the need for additional adapters.
• Fitting Types: The most common fittings for sandblasting, shot blasting, and grit blasting systems are quick-connect couplers and threaded fittings. Check that the fittings on your compressor and blaster match or can be adapted with connectors.
• Material and Durability: Since blasting creates high pressure and abrasive wear, it’s essential to use hoses and fittings made from durable materials like reinforced rubber or steel.
• Accessories and Filters: If your blaster setup includes moisture traps or pressure regulators, ensure they’re compatible with your compressor and hoses.

While some connections might seem standard, they are not universally compatible. Variations in thread size, type, and fitting style can cause issues. Adapters are available to bridge compatibility gaps, but they may reduce efficiency or introduce leaks if not installed properly.

Quick Tip: When purchasing a compressor or blaster, look for a specification sheet or manual that lists the exact connection types and sizes. If possible, buy both components from the same supplier or manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues.

Popular Air Compressor Hoses

Is a Petrol or Electric Compressor Better for Blasting?

The choice between petrol and electric compressors depends on your specific needs.

Petrol Compressors are ideal for outdoor or mobile blasting projects where you don’t have access to electricity. They’re powerful and versatile but tend to be noisier and require more maintenance.

Electric Compressors are better for indoor projects or places with easy access to power. They’re quieter, more energy-efficient, and require less upkeep. However, they may not provide enough power for heavy-duty jobs like large-scale sandblasting or grit blasting.

Consider where and how you’ll be using your compressor to decide which type is right for you.

Summary

Choosing the right compressor for sandblasting, shot blasting, or grit blasting is crucial for achieving professional results. Consider the size, CFM, and PSI requirements of your projects, and invest in high-quality accessories to optimise performance.

If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help with expert advice and a wide range of products to suit every need. Ready to take your blasting projects to the next level? Explore our range of compressors and accessories today!