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Frequently Asked Questions
What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting is the term for the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning a hard surface
by forcing solid particles across the surface at high speeds, similar to using sandpaper but
with a more even finish. The appearance of the finished look is determined greatly by the
type of media used and the experience of the operator. To this end sandblasting is not just
an industrial task but an art. The artisan is creating a pattern on the surface of the blasted material. Much practice and experience is necessary for one to become a truly skilled sandblaster.
What is the media like?
There are different medias and sizes available depending on the job. The media may be slag,
glass beads, sodium bicarbonate, ground walnut shells, etc. We match the right
type to the job at hand. The material has been sieved to a uniform size to ensure an even
look on the finished product. The most commonly used type looks very much like fine dirt.
Is there a big mess after the job is complete?
We clean up the the sand after every job. Some is left on the ground from the more common dirt-like types, leaving a near unnoticeable and natural look. Some clients even request it.
Do I need a permit?
Most residential areas do not require a permit for sandblasting. If one is
necessary we as contractors will obtain it. The homeowner should never be responsible for
obtaining the permit as it is the contractor's role to take on legal responsibility for the
job. We stand by our work. We will work to obtain the contract as required where applicable in residential, commercial and industrial situations
Are you insured?
All of our workers are fully insured.
What does a typical job entail?
The standard job consists of the following:
- Board up windows/doors/crevices/etc
- Perform and evaluate a test blast on a small area
- Blast the remaining surface
- walk through and inspect the job
- Collect excess media
- Remove boards
How long does a typical job last?
This varies on the size of the surface and what is being done to it. Sometimes brick is painted on directly. Other times cement is applied to the brick, and then paint to the cement. We will provide you with as accurate an estimate as possible with our quote. A typical job takes about 3 days for a 4 man team.
What areas do you service?
Kelly & Sons is based out of the greater Chicagoland area but services the 48 contiguous US states. We have gone anywhere from down the street to across the country. Kelly & Sons assisted in the cleanup efforts of Hurricane Katrina as well. We bring everything needed to get the job done anywhere that it is required.
Can I sandblast brick?
Yes. Perhaps another question that should be addressed is What is brick? Brick is artificial stone
formed by clay which is burned in a kiln. It is essentially a baked loaf of mud. The "crust" of this
loaf must be carefully blasted as the brick will ultimately fail if damage is done to reach its core.
Historic brick is delicate, but can be blasted with an experienced blaster. Modern brick can undergo
sandblasting with the right media and a skilled operator. Sandblasted brick will need to be sealed
to prevent the absorption of water. The correct sealer must be chosen to allow moisture as water
vapor to escape from the brick. Kelly & Sons has great experience in working with brick and restoring buildings to their full beauty and potential.
Can I sandblast wood?
Yes. There are various options for removing paint from wood. These options include sandblasting, heat
stripping, and chemical strippers. Heat works well at stripping the paint but also dries out the wood.
This may lead to shrinkage and warping. The danger of creating a fire is very real especially during
warm summers. Chemical strippers involve using very strong acids and bases. Finishes may vary based
on the amount of chemicals used. The balance of moisture in the wood is very important and harsh chemicals
may upset the moisture content of your wood. Sandblasting wood is not something every sandblaster can do.
It takes MUCH experience and more artistic skill than is necessary for other common surfaces as it is a very delicate
operation. Only our most experienced operators are used for working on wood. Sandblasted wood will need
to be sealed or finished and sealed soon after blasting to prevent water damage.
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