If you’re looking to refinish a concrete floor, clean the soot off your fireplace, or just want to remove layers of paint from a hard surface, you’re probably wondering if it’s time to call in a professional. While there are several smaller projects—removing oil spots from a driveway, for example—that don’t require a professional, the projects listed above and others will often require more sandblasting experience. Anytime you have a large surface area or are dealing with potentially hazardous materials, at the very least, you’ll want to consult with a professional for information.

Is sandblasting the best material for the project?

Sandblasting is great for a wide variety of projects but it’s not always the only media used. Often times, we’ll use sand, soda, and dry ice, all on the same project. Very rarely are you dealing with one type of surface and that’s when it’s good to have a professional on the job. It takes an experienced media blaster to know when sand is going to be too strong or when dry ice just won’t cut it.

Is it important to use a license, bonded and insured contractor?

Short answer: Yes!

A properly licensed and insured contractor will always be the safest choice. That way, if something does go wrong, you’re not paying out of pocket for the damages. Sometimes you’ll find uninsured contractors that charge much less – but don’t be fooled by the quote. Repairing a failed project can end up costing way more than you saved initially.

Always confirm with your contractor whether their liability insurance covers your investment in the case of a catastrophic accident. Plus, you should always go online and confirm that the license and L&I are current.

Because L&I costs are so high, some contractors will get around this by hiring their workers as sub-contractors. If the company you’re hiring does use sub-contractors, you’ll want to confirm that ALL of their sub-contractors are licensed and bonded. Most often, they are not.

What if I just have questions about my project?

We’re here to help! If you’re thinking about a project or have questions about the process please feel free to contact us. If we aren’t a good match for your project we have a list of vendors, contractors or industry experts that we can recommend to help you determine the best process for acheiving your desired results.

We also have some information about DIY sandblasting as well as blasting small parts and surfaces.

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