Vapour blasting vs sandblasting
Neither process is best for every part. Vapour / wet blasting is often chosen for aluminium castings and a controlled satin finish. Dry abrasive blasting is often assessed for faster, heavier stripping of paint, rust and scale from a wide range of metals. Send photos and we will recommend the route.
Or call us on 07856 528217
Dry abrasive blasting
Dry abrasive blasting is useful for removing paint, rust, scale and heavier surface contamination from a wide range of metal components.
- Painted or rusty steel brackets and fabrications
- Cast-iron and heavily corroded aluminium parts
- Suspension, chassis, agricultural and engineering components
- Preparation before restoration or further coating
Vapour blasting
Vapour blasting uses water, fine abrasive media and compressed air. It is often selected for aluminium castings and restoration components where a controlled satin finish is wanted.
- Engine cases and gearbox casings
- Carburettors, heads and manifolds
- Classic and motorcycle restoration parts
- Precision-related components assessed individually
The risks still matter
Dry blasting can be too aggressive for some aluminium, magnesium, thin, delicate or precision parts. Threads, bearing seats, sealing faces, machined surfaces and internal passages may mean a component can't be blasted. Please send parts fully stripped and ready to blast, as we don't mask.
Vapour blasting is gentler than many dry processes, but it is not automatically safe for every assembled, delicate or internally complex component.
What we need to recommend a process
- Clear photographs from several angles
- Approximate dimensions and quantity
- Material, if known
- Paint, powder coating, corrosion or scale present
- The finish or next process required
- Sensitive surfaces or internal passages that may affect which process we use; we do not provide masking
Not sure which service to choose? Send photos by WhatsApp or email, describe the finish you need, and ask us to advise.
Common Questions
Is vapour blasting better than dry abrasive blasting?
Neither process is universally better. Vapour blasting is often preferred for aluminium and restoration castings, while dry abrasive blasting is faster for heavy stripping of paint, rust and scale from a wide range of metal parts.
Which process removes paint and rust?
Dry abrasive blasting is generally the first route to assess for heavier paint, rust and scale on a wide range of metal components, including aluminium. Vapour blasting is selected where its controlled wet process and satin finish are more appropriate.
Can you recommend the right process?
Yes. Send clear photos, dimensions, material if known, current coating or corrosion and the result required. We will assess the part before quoting.
Do machined areas need protecting?
Threads, bearing seats, seal faces, machined surfaces and internal passages must be identified before work. We don't mask, so please send parts stripped and ready to blast. Parts must arrive fully stripped and ready to blast, with anything media could affect removed; contamination risks and the process are assessed case by case.
Classic Engine Cases: A Real Example
See our case study of a classic engine vapour blasted as a complete set. Share photos of your own bare parts and we'll recommend the right approach.
Send Us a Few Photos
Send clear photos of the part by WhatsApp or email, with rough sizes and how many there are. We'll reply with a price and the process we'd recommend. Turnaround is usually 2 to 5 days. We reply to photos the same day.
Or call us on 07856 528217, or email sales@vapourmodifiedcomponents.co.uk