Get matched with top sandblasting pros in Gloucester, VA

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.

If you’re DIYing the project, it could take up to a week if you aren’t able to dedicate full-time hours. If you hire a professional and they arrive with a team, expect your stairs to be sanded in as little as 2 hours (for simple projects). Finishing the stairs takes a while longer as there are drying and sealing times to consider, but the actual work will take much less time than the sanding portion.

There are two ways sandblasting could be dangerous: improper use of the equipment so that the stream touches your skin, and air particles created during the sandblasting process. While the first is easier to avoid and fairly obvious, the second has the potential to be more serious and is much more difficult to understand. This is why you should always hire a pro to sandblast, as they understand the dangers associated with the process. If proper safety measures are taken, then sandblasting is rarely dangerous.

The cost of sandblasting depends on the scope of the project, the surface type, labor, and equipment required. Services typically cost between $50 and $80 per hour, though most professionals charge by surface area at a rate of $1.50 to $7 per square foot. Total project costs can range from $700 to $12,500, with an average homeowner spending around $3,200 to sandblast a 1,000-square-foot surface.