Hydra Blast Restorations
I have to emphasize, the Garnet that Quantum Blast has supplied me, is the best i have ever used, and i have used quite a number of different manufacturers.
Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Townsville, Cairns
We stock Garnet across the country
Garnet - Rock & Garnet - Alluvial
Premium sand blasting Garnet available with Chloride levels under 25ppm.
Hardness 7.5-8.0
20/40, 30/60 or 80 mesh
Available in 1T bulker bags or 40x 25kg bags (1T)
Know your Garnet
Quantum Blast stocks quality Almandine & Alluvial Garnet.
Sharp, angular hard rock garnet that offers the fastest cutting speed and best edge quality
Rock Garnet or Almandine rock garnet is found in underground deposits.
The raw garnet rocks are crushed into sharp angular, chunky fragments ideally suited for aggressive blasting.
Almandine Garnet grain’s natural physical and chemical properties offering low dust levels, angular shapes, high specific gravity and hardness make it most suitable for use in the blasting industry.
Versatile, all-purpose abrasive for general blasting
Alluvial garnet is typically found on riverbeds or natural hollows where it has been displaced by running water.
As it is exposed to the constant impact or tumbling from the waves, beach and river garnet tends to be of smaller mesh sizes and rounder in shape compared to the angular faces of rock garnet.
Grain shapes are important factor in blasting efficiency.
Steel Grit
Steel shot
Aluminium Oxide
Crushed Glass
Armex Soda
Glass Beads
Water Jet Cutting
Our 80 mesh Abrasive Garnet is perfect for waterjet cutting.
Don’t take our word for it, read for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Abrasive media refers to granular materials used in sandblasting to clean, smooth, roughen, or shape a surface. It is propelled at high speed by compressed air or water to remove contaminants such as rust, paint, scale, or dirt, and to prepare the surface for further treatment like coating or painting.
- Garnet (almandine and alluvial) – widely used in Australia for general surface prep
- Crushed glass – eco-friendly, angular profile for general cleaning
- Soda-bicarbonate – gentle for delicate substrates like wood and car panels
- Aluminium oxide – aggressive, suitable for hard metals
- Glass beads – spherical media for peening and smooth finishes
- Steel grit and steel shot – used in blast rooms for heavy-duty work and recyclability
- Material type – e.g. steel, brick, timber, aluminium
- Desired finish – rough profile vs. smooth surface
- Dust generation – low-dust media like garnet preferred in confined spaces
- Recyclability – steel grit is ideal for enclosed systems
- Environmental impact – consider inert, non-toxic media like garnet or crushed glass
Angular abrasive media (like crushed glass, garnet, and aluminium oxide) produce a more aggressive cutting action and result in a rougher surface profile. Spherical media (like steel shot or glass beads) are less aggressive and are better suited for peening or smoothing applications.
The Mohs hardness scale helps assess the cutting ability of media. Harder media like aluminium oxide (Mohs 9) or garnet (7.5–8.0) cut faster and deeper but may damage soft surfaces. Softer media like soda (2.5) are less aggressive and safer for delicate applications.
Yes, many abrasive types including garnet, crushed glass, and soda can be used in both dry and wet blasting. However, media like aluminium oxide or steel grit are typically used in dry systems due to contamination risks or moisture sensitivity.
- High Hardness: Garnet has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8.0, making it highly effective in removing coatings and contaminants.
- Low Dust Emission: It produces relatively low dust levels compared to other abrasives, improving operator visibility and safety.
- Recyclability: Garnet can often be reused up to 5 times depending on application and cleanliness.
- Non-toxic & Inert: Garnet is chemically inert and does not contain silica, reducing health risks.
- High Performance: It cuts faster than many other expendable abrasives and leaves a consistent surface profile.
- Alluvial Garnet: Naturally tumbled by water bodies (ocean and rivers), resulting in sub-rounded grains that are less aggressive and ideal for delicate surfaces.
- Almandine Garnet: Mechanically crushed rock garnet producing angular particles suited for tough coatings and rust removal.
- Cost: Alluvial garnet is typically more expensive due to the natural collection process and limited availability.
- 20/40 Mesh: Coarse grade for heavy-duty industrial blasting (thick coatings, rust, scale).
- 30/60 Mesh: Most commonly used general-purpose mesh, suitable for steel, tanks, and structural blasting.
- 80 Mesh: Fine mesh ideal for precision jobs and softer substrates such as stainless steel or aluminium.
- Yes, garnet can be recycled up to 5 times depending on the application, recovery system, and cleanliness of the substrate.
- Proper screening and removal of contaminants is necessary to ensure quality reuse.
- Blast rooms and recovery systems allow more efficient garnet recycling than open-site jobs.
- Crushed glass is considered a safer alternative to silica sand due to its low free silica content (typically less than 1%).
- Unlike silica sand, which contains high levels of crystalline silica that can cause silicosis when inhaled, crushed glass is non-toxic and inert.
- It significantly reduces the risk of airborne respiratory hazards and complies with modern occupational health standards in Australia.
- Crushed glass is ideal for surfaces that require moderate abrasion without surface damage.
- Best suited applications include:
- Graffiti removal from concrete and masonry
- Surface preparation of mild steel or aluminium before painting
- Restoration of bricks, sandstone and other heritage substrates
- Removal of light rust or scale on delicate surfaces
- Finish: Crushed glass offers a clean surface profile but tends to be more aggressive and less uniform than garnet, especially on softer substrates.
- Cost: Crushed glass is generally more cost-effective per kilogram, but its single-use nature increases long-term consumption costs.
- Durability: Unlike garnet, which can be recycled up to 4–5 times, crushed glass typically breaks down after 1–2 uses.
Soda blasting is a non-destructive method of abrasive blasting that uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as the blasting media. It is highly effective for applications that require gentle cleaning or where surface integrity must be preserved.
Key uses include:
- – Automotive engine components
- – Graffiti removal from soft substrates
- – Food processing equipment
– Fire restoration (removing soot and char)
Yes, soda blasting is safe and recommended for delicate substrates. Sodium bicarbonate is a soft, non-destructive media (Mohs hardness ~2.5), making it ideal for use on materials where traditional abrasives may cause damage.
Examples include:
- – Car bodies and chrome
- – Wooden artifacts and antique furniture
- – Glass, plastics, and soft metals
Yes, soda bicarbonate can be used in wet blasting systems, provided the blasting pot and valves are compatible with the finer particle size and lower density of soda.
Considerations when using soda in wet systems:
- – Use lower air pressure settings
- – Ensure media valves are adjusted for lighter flow
- – Avoid excessive moisture in soda storage to prevent clumping
While soda blasting has many advantages, there are several limitations:
- – Soda is not reusable and generates more waste than reusable abrasives
- – It is not suitable for aggressive rust or mill scale removal
- – It can leave a residue that must be rinsed or neutralised post-blasting
- – May not be compatible with some coatings or finishes
- Silica sand is largely phased out of professional sandblasting operations in Australia due to significant health risks.
- The inhalation of crystalline silica dust can lead to silicosis—a debilitating and potentially fatal lung disease.
- Workplace health and safety regulations across Australia strongly discourage or prohibit its use, and safer alternatives such as garnet and crushed glass are preferred.
- Wet abrasive blasting media like garnet and crushed glass (when used with water) produce the least dust.
- Steel grit and shot, being dense and reusable, also generate minimal airborne dust in controlled environments such as blast rooms.
- Soda bicarbonate is relatively low-dust and often used for delicate surfaces, but can still release fine particles in dry blasting applications.
- Choose media that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally inert—such as garnet, crushed glass, or soda bicarbonate.
- Reusable abrasives like steel grit reduce overall waste.
- Media selection should consider containment, disposal methods, local environmental regulations, and the potential for runoff or airborne pollutants, especially in marine and open-site blasting.
- Quantum Blast Australia supplies a full range of blast media including garnet, crushed glass, soda bicarbonate, and aluminium oxide.
- Products are available in 25kg bags or 1-tonne bulker bags for bulk users.
- Shipping can be arranged Australia-wide from our warehouse locations in SA.
- Store media indoors or under cover in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Keep bags sealed until use to prevent moisture absorption and contamination.
- Elevate bulker bags off the ground using pallets and avoid exposure to weather.
- All blast media supplied by Quantum Blast is tested for compatibility with RapidBlast™ wet abrasive blasting systems.
- We only source high-purity media with consistent grading and low chloride content to ensure optimal performance and minimal wear.
- Garnet (30/60 mesh) is the most commonly used media for rust and paint removal from structural steel, offering an excellent balance of cutting power and surface finish.
- Steel grit is preferred in blast rooms for aggressive removal and surface profiling of thick coatings or heavy rust.
- Crushed glass (80 mesh or finer) and soda bicarbonate are ideal for sensitive substrates like brick, sandstone, and concrete.
- These media provide effective cleaning without damaging the substrate, making them suitable for heritage restoration.
- Soda bicarbonate or garnet (fine mesh) in a wet blasting system are ideal for removing antifoul coatings without warping or etching marine vessel hulls.
- The use of wet blasting reduces dust and prevents abrasive embedment in soft gel coats or fiberglass surfaces.
- It depends on the brand of the manufacturer. Ensure that the blast pot is thoroughly cleaned between media changes to avoid contamination.
- RapidBlast™ equipment is designed to handle a wide range of media. Nozzle selection, feed settings, and air pressure may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Yes, many types of abrasive media can be reused depending on the material, operating environment, and application. Media used in enclosed blast cabinets or blast rooms is more likely to be recycled effectively. Wet blasting systems generally result in less media reuse due to moisture and slurry removal.
Typical reuse cycles:
- Garnet: 3–4 cycles (if properly screened and cleaned)
• Steel Grit/Shot: Over 100 cycles (in enclosed systems)
• Aluminium Oxide: Up to 20 cycles
• Crushed Glass: Usually 1cycle (very brittle)
• Soda Bicarbonate: Single-use only
Used abrasive media must be disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations, especially if it has stripped hazardous materials like lead-based paint. Contaminated media may be classified as industrial or hazardous waste. Non-toxic media such as soda bicarbonate may be easier to dispose of but always consult with local waste authorities.
Mixing abrasive media is possible, but should only be done for specific applications within a controlled process. Different media have different densities, hardness levels, and cutting abilities. Mixing can lead to inconsistent results and equipment wear.
Risks of mixing media include:
- Uneven blast profile
• Abrasive feed inconsistencies
• Increased nozzle wear or clogging
• Difficulties in reclamation and reuse
Not all abrasive media are suitable for all blasting equipment. Compatibility should be verified based on the following factors:
- Nozzle wear resistance: Steel grit requires tungsten carbide or boron nozzles
• Valve and hose durability: Soda and soft abrasives can clog valves not designed for fine powders
• Moisture sensitivity: Aluminium oxide and soda should be kept dry
• Reclaim system configuration: Steel grit needs magnetic separators in blast rooms
Quantum Blast’s RapidBlast™ dustless blasting systems are compatible with most major media types including garnet, crushed glass, aluminium oxide, and soda bicarbonate (with appropriate settings). The GritBlast dry blasting equipment is compatible with all abrasive media types popularly used.