Abrasives are substances that are used for turning (grinding) surface. There are various types of abrasives used for sandblasting, it may be natural and synthetic.

Sand is the most common media for sandblasting, but the sand creates harmful dust clouds. Therefore, the use of protective gear and helmets is mandatory. Synthetic abrasives, such as aluminum oxide and silicon carbide are used today as an adequate replacement. Although silicon carbide is more expensive than other abrasive materials, it is used because it has a high level of purity and has been found to be best for the broadest range of smoothing, cleaning and polishing applications on ferrous and non-ferrous alloys as well as many non-metals, such as glass.

They are used more and metal shavings, grit, sawdust charcoal and glass beads. Unlike sand, which quickly dissipate and disappear, metal and synthetic abrasives are often collected and reused in the process of sandblasting.

Sandblasting by grit was less prevalent method of blasting with quartz sand. This is the only method that is used in all Western European shipyards. Blasting by grit has advantage because of his power that in a short time cause the treated surface to a high quality (SA2.5 - SA3). Compared to sand blasting with quartz sand, sandblasting by grit creates much less dust. Blasting by grit is more expensive of blasting with quartz sand.

Sandblasting quartz sand is the best known and most common method of disposing of deep corrosion. This method of removing corrosion in depth has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of quartz sand, is his price, which makes it cheapest of all abrasives used to remove deep corrosion. The lack of quartz sand blasting his inability to short term treatment of the treated surface to a high quality compared to the grit. As another very crucial weakness is a large amount of dust at work.

NOTE: Sandblasting with quartz sand in the Western European countries (The Netherlands), is prohibited by law (Silicosis Law - Sand Blasting Disease).

Sandblasting with soda as a method of surface treatment is used worldwide. As a very soft material, Mohs scale is labeled 3, it is removing only rust from a surface. It is used mainly in the restoration of sensitive materials and the blasting of plastic boats, yachts for removing one by one coat of paint and fine repair parts of a vessel which has affected swelling layers of plastic.

Dry ice blasting is the most modern technologies.

The great advantage of dry ice blasting as a medium is that the work leaves as waste only substrate which was the subject of sand blasting, while he himself, simply evaporate into the atmosphere . Another great advantage of this type is that Blast can be used in all areas, whether open or closed. You need to know that this is completely nonabrasive manner blasting, cleaning.

Dry ice blasting is used to remove surface corrosion, removing grease and baked-on paint in engine rooms, cleaning of electronics, mechanical assemblies, motors, high cabinet, hydraulic and pneumatic lines. It is used for sandblasting and cleaning of all surfaces, those most vulnerable and those of the roughest. Dry ice blasting left behind a fully dry and degreased surface without any additional waste.