FES Global Group | Professional dry abrasive blasting for surface preparation
Dry abrasive blasting
High-performance surface preparation technology for the removal of corrosion, coatings, contamination and residues from metal, civil and industrial surfaces. FES Global Group delivers professional dry abrasive blasting services across Europe and international markets.
What is dry abrasive blasting and how does it work?
Dry abrasive blasting is a surface preparation and cleaning technique based on the controlled erosion generated by projecting abrasive media at high pressure against the substrate.
The impact of the abrasive particles mechanically removes corrosion, deteriorated coatings, rust, mill scale and other contaminants, restoring the surface or preparing it for subsequent protective treatments.
The process is highly versatile and can be applied to a wide range of materials, including steel, metal alloys, stone, concrete and wood. It is widely used across industrial facilities, infrastructure projects, architectural restoration works and complex access operations at height.
Dry abrasive blasting remains the most widely adopted surface preparation method in the industrial and infrastructure sectors because it enables the achievement of surface cleanliness grades Sa 2, Sa 2½ and Sa 3 in accordance with ISO 8501-1/2. These preparation standards are essential for the successful application of high-performance anticorrosion systems and protective coatings.
Primary Objective
Removal of contaminated, oxidised or deteriorated surface layers and preparation of the substrate for the application of industrial coatings, corrosion protection systems and other protective treatments.
Applications of dry abrasive blasting
Dry abrasive blasting is used across a broad range of industrial, infrastructure and civil engineering projects. FES Global Group adapts each intervention to the characteristics of the substrate, the required preparation grade and the objectives of the project.
Surface preparation for protective coatings and corrosion protection systems
Structural steel, steelwork, tanks and pipelines intended for corrosion protection systems compliant with ISO 12944. Dry abrasive blasting creates the surface profile and cleanliness grade required by project specifications, ensuring long-term coating adhesion and durability.
Infrastructure and civil engineering projects
Bridges, viaducts, tunnels and structures exposed to environmental degradation and atmospheric corrosion. Projects are executed in accordance with client specifications and engineering requirements, often involving rope access systems, aerial work platforms or scaffolding, supported by complete technical documentation.
Industrial and energy facilities
Manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, petrochemical installations and energy infrastructure. FES can operate within active production environments, scheduling blasting activities during planned shutdowns or available maintenance windows to minimise disruption to operational continuity.
Surface preparation for passive fire protection systems
Steel structures intended for intumescent coatings or hydrocarbon fireproofing systems require surface cleanliness grades such as Sa 2½ or Sa 3. Dry abrasive blasting is the recognised preparation method for these applications and plays a critical role in ensuring the adhesion and long-term performance of passive fire protection systems.
Building restoration and heritage conservation
Building façades, concrete surfaces, architectural elements and protected heritage assets. Abrasive media and operating parameters are selected according to substrate sensitivity, with micro blasting and soft clean techniques available for delicate materials and projects subject to heritage preservation requirements.
We are available for site inspections and free quotations
Contact our commercial team for site inspections, technical consultations and tailored quotations, developed in line with the specific requirements of each project.
Abrasive media used in dry abrasive blasting
The selection of the abrasive media is critical to achieving the required result.
FES Global Group selects abrasive materials according to the substrate type, the required preparation grade and site operating conditions. Using an inappropriate abrasive may damage the substrate or fail to achieve the cleanliness level required for subsequent treatments.
| Abrasive media | Characteristics | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| Olivine sand | Natural abrasive with variable grain size and moderate hardness | Stone, masonry and concrete surfaces |
| Quartz | High hardness and aggressive cutting action | Structural steel and heavy corrosion removal |
| Australian garnet | High-purity angular abrasive with low dust generation | High-specification corrosion protection systems and controlled environments |
| Glass beads | Rounded abrasive that preserves substrate integrity | Stainless steel, delicate surfaces and cosmetic finishing |
| Sodium bicarbonate | Water-soluble abrasive producing minimal secondary waste | Restoration projects and coating removal from sensitive substrates |
| Corn cob media | Biodegradable organic abrasive with very low hardness | Heritage assets, wood and highly sensitive surfaces |
Dry abrasive blasting variations
Alongside conventional dry abrasive blasting, FES Global Group offers specialised variants designed for projects requiring greater control and reduced surface impact.
Micro Blasting
Micro blasting uses extremely fine abrasive media projected at controlled pressure levels, enabling cleaning and surface profiling without aggressive abrasion.
It is a precision treatment suitable for metals, wood, glass, stone and concrete and is particularly effective for:
- Removal of coatings, rust and oxidation from delicate surfaces
- Removal of limescale deposits and environmental contaminants
- Surface preparation for decorative or protective treatments requiring controlled roughness
- Cleaning of small components and complex geometries
The combination of fine abrasive media and carefully calibrated pressure delivers excellent cleaning performance while preserving substrate integrity.
Soft Clean Blasting
Soft clean blasting uses even finer abrasive media and lower operating pressures than traditional micro blasting systems.
The objective is to remove contaminants and deposits without causing measurable abrasion to the substrate.
This technique is particularly suitable for sensitive surfaces, historic buildings, cultural heritage assets and projects where strict control of surface impact is required.
Operations can be carried out directly on site or, when required, at the FES Global Group facility in Lonato del Garda.
Quality, safety and operational control
Every dry abrasive blasting project performed by FES Global Group follows a structured process designed to ensure compliance with project specifications and international quality standards.
Before work begins, environmental conditions including temperature, relative humidity and dew point are measured to verify suitability for surface preparation activities and to prevent condensation-related issues that could affect coating performance.
The selection of abrasive media, particle size and operating pressure is determined according to substrate characteristics and the required preparation grade.
During execution, qualified inspectors verify the achievement of the specified Sa cleanliness grade and measure surface profile values to ensure suitability for subsequent coating applications.
Upon completion, technical documentation is produced to record operating conditions, inspection results and achieved performance.
FES Global Group operates in full compliance with applicable health, safety and environmental regulations, with particular attention given to dust control and waste management.
Frequently asked questions about dry abrasive blasting
What is the difference between dry abrasive blasting and wet abrasive blasting?
Dry abrasive blasting uses solid abrasive media projected at high pressure without water. It is the most effective method for removing heavy corrosion and achieving high surface cleanliness grades such as Sa 2½ and Sa 3.
Wet abrasive blasting combines water and abrasive media, significantly reducing airborne dust and making it suitable for urban environments and environmentally sensitive locations. However, drying times must be considered before subsequent treatments can be applied.
Can dry abrasive blasting damage the surface?
When performed using the correct abrasive media and operating pressure, dry abrasive blasting does not damage the substrate. Damage typically occurs only when excessively aggressive abrasives or inappropriate pressure settings are used on sensitive materials. For delicate substrates, FES employs micro blasting and soft clean techniques specifically designed to minimise surface impact.
How long does a dry abrasive blasting project take?
Project duration depends on the size of the surface, the required cleanliness grade, the initial condition of the substrate and site operating conditions. FES Global Group provides accurate project schedules during the survey phase and plans operations to minimise disruption to ongoing activities.
Can dry abrasive blasting be performed at height or on complex structures?
Yes. FES Global Group operates on elevated and complex structures using specialised access equipment and work-at-height solutions. Many projects involve bridges, viaducts, industrial façades and infrastructure assets requiring aerial work platforms, scaffolding or specialised access systems.
What treatments can be applied after dry abrasive blasting?
Dry abrasive blasting prepares surfaces for a wide range of protective treatments, including industrial coatings, corrosion protection systems, intumescent coatings, polyurea waterproofing systems and passive fire protection applications. The most suitable system depends on the exposure environment, corrosivity category and design life requirements of the project.
Explore other blasting technologies
Combination of water and abrasive media for effective surface preparation with reduced dust generation, ideal for large surfaces and environmentally sensitive environments.
Controlled abrasive cleaning systems designed to minimise environmental impact and comply with specific emission requirements.
Non-abrasive dry ice cleaning technology for the removal of residues and contaminants without generating secondary waste, ideal for machinery, equipment and sensitive operating environments.
Contact us for further information
FES Global Group delivers professional surface preparation, treatment and protection services for industrial and infrastructure projects across Europe and international markets.