APC Premium Powder Coating Get A Quote Call Us Now (941) 253-3465
Sandblasting media guide (garnet)
Explainer

Why We Blast With Garnet (Not Black Slag)

Media choice changes your part's finish, your shop's air, and worker safety. Here's why APC uses garnet only.

Explainer2 min readPrices current as publishedFree estimate on every job

Garnet vs Other Media

Many shops blast with black-slag media that throws dark, dusty grit everywhere. We use garnet: low-dust, low-odor, environmentally friendly and safer for our team — and it leaves a cleaner, more consistent surface profile for better adhesion.

What About Water Blasting?

We've evaluated water blasting; for most powder-coating prep, dry garnet gives the profile and control we want. We'll recommend the right approach for delicate or unusual parts.

Why It Matters to You

  • Cleaner parts and a better-bonded coat
  • Safer, lower-dust process
  • Consistent results job to job
Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What media do you use for sandblasting?

Garnet only — low-dust, low-odor, eco-friendly and safer than black-slag media.

Why not use cheaper media?

Cheaper media is dustier and less consistent; garnet gives a cleaner profile and a better-bonded finish.

Do you offer water blasting?

We've evaluated it; dry garnet is our standard for prep. We'll advise for special cases.

Is garnet safe for my parts?

Yes — we control media and pressure per part, including thin or delicate pieces.

Does media choice affect the coating?

Yes — a clean, consistent profile is what lets the powder coat bond and last.

Keep Reading

Related Guides

All Resources

Powder Coating Color Catalog (RAL)

Browse the RAL range with matte, satin, gloss and texture finishes — and see which are house colors at no charge.

Read Color Catalog (RAL)

Powder Coating Cost Guide

What drives a powder coating quote: part size, prep, color, finish and turnaround — with our published minimums.

Read Cost Guide

Powder Coating Finishes Guide

Matte, satin, gloss, textured, silver vein and copper vein — how each wears and where each belongs.

Read Finishes Guide

Why It Matters to You

Tell us the part, quantity, color and date — we'll quote it. Free estimate, 2-year workmanship warranty.