Best sandblasting pros near Encino, CA

Soda-blasting systems are slightly more expensive than sandblasting systems. To soda blast, you’ll need to spend a few hundred dollars for a blast hose and nozzle, a compressed air supply, a blast generator, a moisture decontamination system, and sodium bicarbonate media, a recurring cost because the powder is not reusable. To start with sandblasting, you will need to spend upwards of $30 for a blast pot, a blast gun, an air compressor, and sandblasting media, many of which are recyclable—further reducing the cost. The total cost for either will depend on the size of the system.

Sandblasting is useful when you need to strip material off a hard surface. Common reasons to sandblast are to remove paint, rust, or get a surface ready for a new material. You aren’t limited to surfaces like walls either—you can sandblast rusted tools, bicycle frames, cement, bricks, and many others. If what you’re sandblasting is still structurally sound, sandblasting can be a fast and inexpensive way to revive the original material. 

Your pro will most likely bill you at an hourly rate of $50 to $80 per hour to sandblast a door due to its small size. This type of job won't take long, so if you have other surfaces that need cleaning, schedule those tasks at the same time to get your money's worth from your pro's visit.

Because these two systems have different applications, there is no definitive answer to which is better. When working with sturdy materials, sandblasting is cheaper and faster, but more delicate projects require soda blasting. Before choosing either option, consider your specific needs, particularly your ultimate goal (cleaning, removing rust, prepping for painting, etc.), the material, and your budget.