From its first patent registration in 1870 to today, sandblasting has continuously been a viable and effective technique to remove corrosion, paint, and other coatings. Advancement in design and materials enable a vast array of equipment protection options for businesses, industries, and the military.

Car frames and parts, industrial drills, cranes, and ships are but a few items that often need sandblasting and reapplying protective coatings to safeguard against harsh operating environments and demands. Pump housings, sheet pilings, trailers, baseplates, and shipping containers are a few examples of costly equipment that are exposed to highly corrosive environments. Replacing them due to corrosion or inadequate coating for the environment is far from cost-effective for any business or industry.

The term sandblasting encompasses using not only sand when possible, applicable, or legal, but also using other materials, such as glass beads or water. High pressure application of any material to remove intrusive or damaged material can be considered sandblasting.

Depending on the equipment in need of sandblasting and their operating conditions, a wide array of protective material could be utilized. Polyurethane, urethane, fluorocarbon, enamels, coal tar and other epoxies, and ceramics compose some of the materials and compounds effective in sandblasting and coating high-stress materials. High operating temperatures need a different compound than that for simple rust and corrosion protection.

Ordinary paint and other coatings may suffice in ordinary situations and environments, but when low coefficient of friction, exemplary corrosion resistance, and high abrasion resistance are required, industrial painting and specialty coatings must be used to protect not only the equipment but also the personnel nearby.

For example, thermal or flame spray uses heat to melt the sprayed material onto the receiving surface, increasing the bonding and ensuring conformity to shapes and contours. Used for high corrosion resistance, thermal spraying also performs well improving abrasion and impact resistance. Some metals used in thermal spraying include aluminum, copper, stainless steel, silver, and zinc, optimizing conductivity when needed via this high-temperature application method.

Powder coatings allow thorough blanketing of metal surfaces from a few millimeters to hundreds of meters in length. Like other coatings, the purpose for the protection determines the compound used.

Sandblasting needs spread outside traditional business and industry parameters. The military requires equipment and asset sandblasting and coating routinely. The US Coast Guard and the US Navy both have dire need of rust and corrosion removal and protection against them. Not only are the exteriors of the ships sandblasted and treated, interior areas are, as well.

Some common items include mess deck chairs, chain covers, vent screens, life boat canisters, water-tight and non-water-tight hatches and doors, life jacket lockers, ammunition lockers, stantons and handrails, and intake louvers. Larger exterior areas include hulls, gunwales, and anchors, to name only a few. Other military equipment might include tanks, jeeps, and Humvees, as well as other sensitive equipment and containers which may weaken or fail if not properly treated with protective coatings and rust and corrosion removal.