What Is Shot Blasting?

Shot blasting is a resurfacing process used to remove debris and irregularities from concrete, metal, and other industrial surfaces. While similar to the sand blasting process, shot blasting is different in both execution and effectiveness.

The shot blasting process utilizes a centrifugal blast wheel that shoots media, like steel shot, onto a surface at high velocity. This knocks the surface free of debris and other material. The shot media, which varies from steel shot to cut wire to nut shells, loads into a hopper that feeds the blast wheel. The media can “blast” off almost anything, from rust to epoxy.  

This photo illustrates just how effective shot blasting can be. On the left and right, you see a damaged and dirty painted floor. In the middle, a strip of freshly shot blasted surface that looks almost new.

While shot blasting is done to clean surfaces, it’s also used to prepare them. Shot blasting a floor or other surface before painting it or coating it is an effective and efficient way to literally smooth out those processes.

BW Manufacturing offers a range of shot blasting equipment, designed for ease of use and maintenance, with an industry-exclusive modular head system. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about shot blasting equipment and the shot blasting process.

To see the impact shot blasting can make on surface prep, take a minute to watch one of BW Manufacturing’s shot blasters in action: