Home Garden

How to Figure Blast Nozzles

Figuring out the blast nozzle size you need is a critical part of a sandblasting operation, as the nozzle directs the flow of an abrasive material from a blasting machine. These materials can include plastic or glass bead or sand. Using the correct nozzle size can make your operation much more efficient, and even prevent damage to your work surface. If you are working with a delicate item, you don't want a nozzle that is too large. Likewise, using a small nozzle on a large area can take an extremely long time. Finding the right nozzle size for your application is simple to do.

Things You'll Need

  • Steel rule or tape measure
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the work area that you want to blast. Use a steel rule or tape measure to find the size.

    • 2

      Determine the largest area that you want to blast. Also, take note of any small, delicate areas that may require a smaller blasting stream.

    • 3

      Select a nozzle that works best for your application. Large areas can be blasted with the largest nozzle that you have on hand. Areas that are more delicate or concentrated will require a smaller nozzle.

    • 4

      Use a nozzle size smaller than the actual work area in sections where you want to minimize any over spraying. For example, if you have an area that is 3/8 inch, you may want to choose a 1/4 inch nozzle.

    • 5

      Use multiple nozzle sizes to complete the job. Start the small, delicate sections with a small nozzle and work your way up to the larger areas, using a large nozzle to finish the job and complete large sections of the work piece.