How to Choose a Sandblasting Company in Dorset
Choosing who to trust with a classic car, a set of old gates or the front of a period house can feel like a gamble. The results of sandblasting last for years, but so do the mistakes. A bad job can warp metal, scar stone or leave a surface that won't hold paint.
Here are six checks I'd make if I were hiring someone, based on more than 30 years of doing this work in Dorset.
1. How long have they been doing it
Sandblasting looks simple from the outside. It's actually a skill that takes years to learn, because every surface reacts differently. Ask how long they've been blasting and what kinds of jobs they've done.
I've been restoring and preserving since the early 1970s, and I still learn something on most jobs. Experience shows in the details, like knowing when to ease off before a thin panel starts to ripple.
2. Do they match the media to the job
A good blaster doesn't use one material for everything. Glass beads and walnut shell suit delicate surfaces like alloy wheels, thin car panels and soft stone. Heavier media suits thick steel and heavy rust.
If a company says they use the same method for every job, that's a warning sign. Ask what they'd use on your item and why.
3. Is the media COSHH approved
COSHH covers the safe handling of materials that can harm health. Approved media protects the people doing the work and keeps you on the right side of the rules. It also tends to mean a cleaner, more consistent finish.
All the media I use is COSHH approved.
4. Can they handle your type of job
Cars, ironwork, brick and wood are four very different jobs. Some companies are set up for industrial steel and aren't used to the care that a classic car or an old stone wall needs.
Ask for examples of work like yours. Photos are ideal. If they've worked on something similar, they'll be happy to show you.
5. What happens after the blasting
Bare steel can start to rust within hours, especially near the south coast where the air is damp and salty. A good company will talk to you about the next step, whether that's primer, a protective coat or getting it to your painter quickly.
It's worth reading my guide on how to prepare metal or stone for painting so you know what a good surface looks like before it goes on.
6. Do they give a straight answer
The best sign is honesty. A good company will tell you if blasting isn't right for your job. They'll explain what's involved and what could go wrong, and they won't push you into more work than you need.
If you get vague answers, a price with no detail or pressure to decide quickly, take your time and ask someone else.
Red flags to watch for
- No questions asked about your item or what you want from it
- A single price quoted without seeing the job or photos
- No mention of media, pressure or protection
- No plan for what happens after cleaning
- Nothing to show for past work
Frequently asked questions
What should I send a sandblaster before they quote?
Photos of the item, a rough idea of its size and what you want at the end. That could be bare metal, ready for paint, or something else. The more you share, the more accurate the answer.
Should I get more than one quote?
It's fair to. Compare what each quote includes, such as the media used and what happens after cleaning, and not just the number at the bottom.
How do I know a sandblaster will look after delicate items?
Ask what media and pressure they'd use on your item. A good answer is specific, like glass beads or walnut shell on thin panels and alloy, and explains how the metal is protected from warping.
Ready to talk
If you'd like a straight conversation about your project, ring me on 01202 526649 or use the contact page. I'm based in Christchurch and work with customers across Dorset.
If you want to know what a job might cost first, I've written about how much sandblasting costs in Dorset.