How Much Does Sandblasting or Dustless Blasting Cost?

Sandblasting Costs by Square Foot

Contractors typically charge $1 to $5 per square foot for this service. As a result, the total project cost of sandblasting will heavily depend on how large of an area you want sandblasted. A small, 100-square-foot area may only cost a few hundred dollars, but if you're going to sandblast 2,000 square feet or more of your home’s exterior, expect to pay upwards of $10,000.

Sandblasting Costs per Hour

While a job is usually priced by area, some contractors choose to charge by the hour. This is common for jobs where the area is small, but requires careful, precision work that may take many hours. Typical hourly costs for sandblasting fall between $45 and $75 per hour, but can cost as much as $300 per hour. 

Included in this cost are surface preparation, job planning, the sandblasting itself, finishing, and the cleanup prices.

Sandblasting Costs by Method

Ranging from $1 to $5 per square foot, the price of sandblasting varies significantly based on the method you choose. A contractor can advise you of the best option for your particular project. For example, sandblasting a wheel rim requires a different type of sandblasting than the exterior of your home. And the interior needs a different method, too. Take a look at the most common sandblasting methods and how much they cost per square foot.

Hydro Blasting

Hydro blasting costs between $1 and $2.50 per square foot. This is the most affordable option because it doesn't use sand or other abrasives. Instead, it's the power of the clean water that cleans the surface it hits. 

While hydro blasting isn't suitable for the toughest jobs, it's perfect for the more delicate ones. The lack of abrasives means that the water stream is comparatively gentle, making it a good choice for surfaces prone to impact damage.

Wet Sandblasting

For wet sandblasting, expect to pay between $1.30 and $3.50 per square foot. Wet sandblasting uses wet sand to clean and rub the surface that needs attention. Mixing the sand with water prevents the sand from becoming airborne and speeds up the cleaning time, reducing how much you have to pay in labor costs. But unless a rust inhibitor is used, wet sandblasting isn't the best option for corrosive surfaces, as the water can accelerate corrosion.

Dustless Blasting

Dustless blasting prices range between $2 and $3 per square foot. This method combines water with a variety of abrasives to effectively clean a surface without huge amounts of dust getting in the air. This is a common choice for vehicle parts, with a wheel typically costing $40 and a standard car exterior costing around $1,000.

Dry Sandblasting

You'll pay between $2 and $4.50 for dry sandblasting. The higher cost compared to wet sandblasting is because dry sandblasting takes longer. Additionally, because more dust particles float around with this type of blasting, there's a greater risk factor to the workers, and they need more PPE to keep themselves safe. 

As the name implies, dry sandblasting doesn't involve water. Instead, the abrasives are forced out of the nozzle onto the surface. Because there's no liquid, this type of sandblasting is suitable for corrosive surfaces.

Dry Ice Blasting

For dry ice blasting, expect to pay between $3.50 and $5 per square foot. Solid CO2, or dry ice, is forced through the nozzle under pressure and sprayed onto the target surface. The pellets dislodge any contaminants as they make contact, releasing extreme heat to clean the surface as they dissipate. Dry ice should not be used inside of a room without adequate ventilation, as it can cause CO2 poisoning, which can be deadly.

Sandblasting Cost Factors

Aside from the sandblasting method, the two biggest factors that influence the price of the job are the media or the abrasive you're using and the surface you're sandblasting. 

Media

The surface you're cleaning will limit your choice of media, as some surfaces require a lighter, more delicate touch, while others can withstand a tougher barrage of abrasives to dislodge more stubborn contaminants. Some delicate abrasives, such as corn cobs and silica, are readily available and cost under $2 per pound. At the other end of the price range are less common abrasives, including copper slag and silicone carbine, which cost up to $5 per pound.

Surface

The type of surface you’d like to clean dictates what kind of abrasive you should use. Some surfaces, like stucco or wood, are soft and easily damaged, requiring a lower pressure and a more delicate abrasive. 

On the other hand, wrought iron and concrete are tough and can withstand more abuse. However, wrought iron is the most costly surface to clean because it's the most time-consuming, thanks to all the fine detail and intricate shapes that make blasting more of a challenge.

DIY vs. Hire a Sandblasting Pro

You could save thousands of dollars by doing the job yourself, paying only for the sandblaster itself and the medium. However, there are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a professional.

• A sandblasting contractor will get the job done right since sandblasting is a difficult project

• You want someone with the proper know-how and equipment 

• A pro will know what sandblasting material is best and be more efficient with the materials so that there's minimal waste

• Sandblasting material is highly abrasive and can harm not only the lungs but the skin and sensitive areas like the eyes and nose; professionals have special protective equipment like full masks with respirators and bodysuits to protect themselves.

If you're thinking of doing the project on your own, contact a sandblasting service near you to at least get a consultation and a quote. Then, you'll be able to make an informed decision on whether this process is something you want to do on your own or leave to the professionals.