FAQs: Surface preparation & finishing

We have over 60 years’ experience in the manufacture of abrasive blast equipment. So we not only have the technical expertise to carry out maintenance and repairs to the highest standards, but we will also advise on the appropriate servicing programme for your needs. Our technical experts take into account equipment type, abrasive selection, application, and duty cycle. Check out our different service packages or speak to one of our experts for advice.

Our engineers carry the relevant calibrated equipment to ensure a professional comprehensive test is carried out, meeting all industry and HSE guidelines. This can include:

• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
• Pressure testing (external and in-house)
• Written scheme of examination (WSE)

Get in touch with our team to book a blasting equipment check.


Our team of engineers can provide and install several features to ensure the health and safety of your blaster and those working around it. As well as ensuring regulations are met for a variety of industries and applications. Safety features for blasters include:

• LED lighting
• Emergency lighting
• Air flow monitor
• Viewing windows
• Anti-tamper guard
• Man-down alarm

Read our After Market Services brochure for more detail of upgrades and safety features.

Hodge Clemco training courses cover all aspect of surface finishing from blast cleaning and painting to inspection techniques and blast equipment maintenance.

• Health & Safety
• Best practices & techniques
• Fault finding & maintenance
• Efficiency & costs
• Maximising process potential

Get in touch with our team to find out more.

Need to purchase blasting equipment but don’t know what you need? Our Blasting Equipment Selection Guide will guide you through the process.

Start with whether you want to blast on site or in-house, through portability requirements, production and dust levels, blasting frequency, component size and dust levels. With links through to individual blasting product pages on our website for further information.

Go to our Blasting Equipment Selection Guide or contact us to find out more.

Yes. We have refurbished blasting equipment for sale, including shot blasting cabinets and shot blasting machines. As the original equipment manufacturer, all our blasting equipment is refurbished to high standards and supplied with a warranty. Contact us for more information on machines we have in stock or if you have blasting equipment that needs refurbishing.

Shot blasting works by propelling a stream of abrasive material at a surface under high pressure. The required result will help you decide which blasting equipment to select, for example a shot blasting cabinet or shot blasting machine, and which abrasive product to use.

Shot blasting is an effective way of:

• Smoothing a surface by removing irregularities.
• Cleaning a surface by removing debris.
• Strengthening (peening) a surface by changing its composition.
• Changing the smoothness or coarseness of a surface to prepare it for finishing (powder coating or painting).

Sand blasting is still a widely used term. However, sand blasting is illegal in the UK and is banned in many other countries due to the health risks. Historically, abrasive silica sand was used in sand blasting. When used in sand blasting, silica sand creates a very fine dust which has been linked to health problems including silicosis and lung cancer. Now, when people refer to sand blasting, they are often referring to other forms of blasting such as shot blasting or shot blasting grit.

Shot peening is a type of abrasive blasting. Just like shot blasting, peening propels an abrasive material at a surface. However, with peening the purpose is to strengthen the surface rather than clean, smooth or coarsen it. When an abrasive hits a surface during peening the surface stretches, reducing tensile stress (how much a surface is able to resist a force). The result is a surface with a longer lifespan that is less likely to crack, corrode or get damaged.

Our abrasive selection guide will help you choose the right abrasive product to get the results you want. Filter by abrasive type, abrasive shape, abrasive application, and friability. Find out about the recyclability and dust levels of our different abrasive materials.

If you need help, contact our technical team here at Hodge Clemco who will recommend the best abrasive for you.

Many factors determine the effectiveness of any abrasive application:

• Hardness – the harder the particle the deeper the profile it will make in the surface.
• Density – dense particles impact with more energy over a smaller surface area, resulting in a deeper profile.
• Particle size – the bigger the particle, the deeper the indentation it will make.
• Recyclability – expendable abrasives are mostly used in open environments and recyclable abrasives in contained environments.
• Dust levels – important when considering the environment where the blasting takes place.
• Media shape – an angular abrasive will have more of an impact on a surface than a round / spherical abrasive.

Go to frequently asked questions for more information and things to consider.

To maximise uptime and productivity, you want the abrasive materials you need to arrive on time. Our manufacturing and warehousing facilities are in Sheffield, UK, and we have an enormous range of abrasive products in stock. This means we can deliver quickly.

Our technical team aren’t just there to advise before you buy abrasive products. We are proud of the after sales service we offer. If you need advice after you have made a purchase from us, we’re here to help.

Yes. At Hodge Clemco we offer collection, reprocessing and disposal of your used abrasive materials.

As licensed brokers and carriers of waste, we work with a range of recycling plants and are able to find a variety of uses for your used abrasive products. We collect and dispose of waste abrasives, including fused aluminas, bauxite, glass materials, polymers and plastics.

Visit the media reprocessing and disposal page of our website for more information.

An abrasive is a product that is used in the processing of another material. The hardness, density and size of particles in an abrasive will determine its use. For example, abrasive cleaners, abrasive finishing systems, metal finishing systems, and coated abrasives for smoothing and polishing.

Abrasives are used in many industries, including aerospace, medical, offshore oil and gas, energy, rail, defence and infrastructure. As well as large organisations, we supply small and medium sized businesses with abrasive products.

See our abrasives brochure for more about different abrasives and their uses.

A lot of the high-quality blasting and finishing equipment we sell is also available for hire. This includes dry blast pots, wet blast units, abrasive recovery and extraction units, compressors, generators, paint spray equipment, and more.

If you’re not sure what you need, our Blasting Equipment Selection Guide will guide you through the process. If you have further questions, please get in touch. Our technical team will be happy to help you hire the right equipment to suit your needs. We also offer site visits to advise on your full package requirements, including abrasive recovery and extraction equipment.

The first question we always ask is, what is it that you need to blast or paint? Whether it’s a shot blasting machine or a blast pot, the most important thing is to hire the right equipment for the job. And the type of equipment you need to hire, and how much it costs, will depend on the specific requirements of your project.

To find out up to date prices for equipment hire, including any special offers, please get in touch. Delivery and collection is available throughout the UK.

The fine dust created from the silica sand used in sand blasting has been connected to serious health problems. So even though sand blasting is still a widely used term, it has been illegal in the UK for decades. For these reasons, Hodge Clemco does not provide sand blasting machines or sandblasters for hire.

However, there are wide variety of safe alternatives to sand blasting. For example, we offer shot blasting and grit blasting machines for hire. Contact our technical team to find out the best sand blasting alternative for your project.

Regular servicing is essential to keep your blasting equipment safe, reliable, efficient and profitable.

We carry out planned preventative maintenance nationwide in line with our Total Care service packages. We offer Gold, Silver or Bronze service packages, depending on your needs. Your choice will depend on the level of cover required to ensure your equipment meets production targets. As well as the effect any machine downtime will have on your business.

An alternative to a service package is a machine MOT Health Check. This option is suited for companies where blasting equipment is not as critical and usage is less frequent.

Find more about our service packages or contact our technical team for guidance.

Regulations and guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of anyone working in a blasting environment. Within our service department, we have skilled engineers who will attend your site to carry out the relevant tests and checks to your blasting equipment to ensure you comply with these regulations.

Our engineers carry the relevant calibrated equipment to ensure a professional comprehensive test is carried out to meet all industry and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. This includes Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) tests, Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) for pressure systems, pressure testing, and breathing air testing.

Contact our technical team to discuss your compliance testing needs.

Technology and working methods are constantly evolving in the surface preparation and finishing industry. Training your team is essential to keep up with new developments and comply with health and safety regulations.

Meet these demands with confidence while getting the best from your blasting equipment. Our standard courses include:

• Abrasive blasting – Site operations
• Abrasive blasting – Blast room installations
• Abrasive blasting – Cabinet operations
• Airless spray painting
• Combined abrasive blasting & airless spray painting
• Plastic media dry stripping
• Equipment specific specialist modules

Get in touch for details of our training courses, in-house or at customer premises, for beginners or experienced team members.

Powder coating applies a dry powder to a surface, rather than a liquid paint. The powder is held onto the surface with an electrostatic charge. The particles in the powder are given a positive charge in the powder coating gun or machine so they are attracted to the negative charge in the metal. The powder is then baked or cured onto the metal surface using heat.

It depends. Some advantages of powder coating are that it creates a harder and thicker surface than a single coat of paint. A powder coated surface is durable and resistant to scratches or corrosion, so it won’t need much maintenance. Powder coating is efficient with no toxic fumes and coatings can be recycled, making it an environmentally friendly option. There are some disadvantages to powder coating. Specialist equipment is needed, as well as the additional step of baking after application. If a powder coated surface is damaged, the whole surface needs re-coating. Powder coating is not suitable for all materials, and thickness and range of colours is less flexible. Still not sure if powder coating or painting is best for your project? Contact our technical team.

Different types of coating equipment are right for different jobs:

• Pneumatic airless sprayers are the most powerful machines for protective coatings. Designed to handle harsh environmental conditions and tough protective coatings.
• Gas / petrol airless sprayers offer jobsite portability and high production rates. Ideal for heavy, thicker coatings.
• Electric airless sprayers deliver a high flow rate to complete jobs more quickly. Can handle all texture finishes and a wide range of primers and paint.
• Conventional sprayers are ergonomically designed for better handling. Soft controls and adjustable spray patterns.
• Paint spray booths can be tailored to suit the application. Either open fronted or enclosed.

As well as paint spray equipment, we stock a wide variety of parts and spares. This includes replacement spray tips, spray hoses, spray gun filters, fluid manifold filters, and inlet strainers.

We also stock Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for coating applications. This includes respirator (breathing) kits, protective visors, disposable overalls, and disposable hoods.

Find out more about our paint spraying accessories and PPE.

The amount of compressed air you need to get the best result does not relate to the size of your blast machine. It is based on the nozzle size you are using.

Work out your blast machine nozzle’s smallest internal bore with a Hodge Clemco orifice gauge or insert a standard drill bit to match the internal bore size. This will help you work out what size air compressor you need and choose the correct air compressor for your blast machine.

Go to our Air Consumption Chart to find out compressed air and abrasive consumption for your blast machine, based on nozzle size and air pressure. For advice about the pressure you should blast at, contact our technical team.

No air or abrasive passing through the nozzle?

• Double check your compressor is turned on.
• Check the rubber insert on the Deadman handle and replace if necessary.
• If you have a pressure regulator, check the settings.
• Check the water separator and clean if blocked.

No abrasive passing through the nozzle?

• Check abrasive metering valve is open and slide valve is in on position (if there is one).
• Check for restrictions at base of cone or above metering valve.
• If there is a blockage, quickly close and open the choke valve, remove the inspection door assembly, and clean out.
• Check for leaks on control lines.

Excessive or intermittent abrasive from the nozzle?

• Check the choke valve, the setting on the abrasive metering valve, and the abrasive metering valve sleeve.
• Clean or replace parts as necessary.

Pop-up valve won’t drop after depressurisation?

• Replace the valve and sealing ring if they are worn.
• Check if abrasive is trapped in the vertical pipe work, remove inspection door, and clean.

Blast machine won’t depressurise after use?

• Check for blockages in the Deadman handle and remote-control hose, remove and clean out.
• Remove and repair the remote-control valve if faulty.

Air won’t stop coming out of nozzle?

• If the machine only switches off after compressed air is turned off, or pressurises as soon as air is turned on, your inlet piston may be stuck or has fallen out. Strip down the RMS remote control valve and fit a service kit.

Your insurance company will advise if you need a pressure relief valve. Send your machine in to our service department and we will fit the valve for you, or we will supply a kit to fit it yourself. We just need to know the pressure you want the valve set to.

Insurance companies also require blast machines to be tested at specific intervals. At Hodge Clemco, our advice is to test blast machines every 12 months. We offer an in-house Total Care service for all your testing and servicing needs.

There is no set time that a nozzle should last. It will depend on the type of abrasive used, the blasting pressure, and how much blasting you do. To maximise the life of your nozzle, take care not to drop it on the floor and regularly check the nozzle gasket for wear.

The lifespan of a blast hose is also variable. Keep the hose as straight as possible to help maximise its life, as any bends / kinks will increase wear at these points. Your blast hose should be inspected regularly for wear and tear, to ensure it is in safe working order and replaced if necessary.

Abrasives (often referred to as abrasive blasting media) are substances used to smooth, roughen, shape, polish or clean another material. The type of abrasive you need will depend on the surface you are blasting and the finish you want to achieve.

Examples of abrasive media include:

• Metallic (aluminium oxide, steel grit, steel shot).
• Plastics (Avialite amino or acrylic plastic).
• Glass (glass beads or crushed glass).
• Sponge (EnviraSponge).
• Specialist (bauxite, emery or sinter ball).

Discover more on the products page of our website.

Abrasive materials can have very different properties. That’s why it’s important to select the right abrasive for the job.

Here’s a quick guide to the properties of common abrasive products:

• Metallic abrasives are very hard and have low friability (they don’t break down easily). They are low dust and often recyclable.
• Plastic abrasives usually have medium friability and lower hardness, depending on exact type. They are low dust and often recyclable.
• Glass abrasives have high or medium friability, depending on whether they are grit or bead. Dust and recyclability also vary.

Selecting the correct abrasive is important. Using an abrasive cleaner to remove heavy rust from a metal surface won’t achieve the finish you want. Equally, steel grit is an angular abrasive material and too harsh for some surfaces.

Friability (hardness), dust levels, recyclability, shape, and application are all important when selecting an abrasive. Use our abrasive selection guide to filter by different properties and find what you need.

If you’re still not sure, our technical experts are on hand to give you advice. We want you to make the right decision for your project, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

As a licensed waste abrasives broker and carrier, we work with recycling plants and customers to find uses for spent abrasive products.

We organise the collection, recycling or disposal of most waste abrasives. Used material can be collected once a week, once a month, or on an ad hoc basis – from as little as one pallet to full truck loads.

We take the time to understand your process, the material generated, and potential applications for its reuse. This gives you the most cost-effective solution. We also offer tailor-made recycled materials across a wide range of industries.

Visit the media reprocessing and disposal page of our website for more information.

Abrasive blasting, often known as sand blasting, is the forcible propulsion of a stream of abrasive material against a surface, under high pressure. This can smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, or shape a surface.

Despite common use of the term sand blasting, it is illegal in the UK to use most common forms of sand for abrasive blasting. Safer and more modern forms of sand blasting include shot blasting and grit blasting.

Abrasive blast cleaning uses the same techniques as abrasive blasting to clean surfaces. Abrasive cleaners are propelled against a surface under high pressure to remove dirt, rust, paint and other residue.

There are several questions you need to answer before purchasing blast equipment. Do you want to blast on site or in-house? Do you need blasting equipment to be portable? Do you need equipment that’s capable of high production? Or is the equipment for light-duty occasional blasting?

The answer to these questions will guide whether you need a blast machine, shot blasting cabinet, or blast room. You may also need dust extraction, abrasive recovery systems, tools, spares, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

We’re here for all your blasting needs. Our blasting equipment guide will help you select the right equipment. Or contact our technical team for more advice.

At Hodge Clemco we refurbish blasting equipment. This is a service we offer to our customers, to extend the lifetime of their blasting equipment and maximise their investment. If you have an old machine that requires refurbishing, please contact us.

We also have refurbished machines available for sale. The machines we have are constantly changing depending on stock. Please take a look on the refurbished equipment page of our website or contact our team for more information and to find out current stock.

What is the difference between shot blasting and sand blasting?

• Shot blasting and sand blasting are two types of abrasive blasting. The difference is largely in the type of abrasive material used and how it is propelled.
• Shot blasting uses small metal balls or beads to remove a layer from the surface of a material, such as rust or residue. With shot blasting, a high-speed rotator is used to propel the abrasive material under high-pressure using centrifugal force.
• Sand blasting uses grains of sand to clean or prepare a surface. The sand is propelled through a hose using compressed air. Sand blasting was previously used for cleaning and preparing surfaces. However, sand blasting is now illegal in the UK and many other countries as the fine dust created can cause health problems such as silicosis and lung cancer.

Are you trying to operate your blast cabinet but nothing happens when you press the green on button? Here are a few things you can try to get your blast cabinet up and running:

• Check the isolate switch for your blast cabinet is on.
• Check the power supply from the fuse board to your blast cabinet’s control panel.
• The overload in your blast cabinet’s control panel may have tripped. Reset the overload in the control panel.

If the problem with your blast cabinet persists, contact our technical team to arrange an engineer visit.

If abrasive isn’t clearing from the floor of your blast room, there are a number of potential causes. Don’t worry, we have the solutions:

• Blockage in the bottom of the floor hopper – remove blockage and excess abrasive in the outer pipe.
• Recovery hose or internal pipe blocked – check hose and remove any blockages.
• Auto pulse cleaning system not working – check compressed air and power to the vacuum unit.
• Dust cartridge blocked with dust – replace the dust carriage in the vacuum unit.

If the problem with your blast room persists, contact our technical team to arrange an engineer visit.