Glass Media FAQs

• Q: Can I use glass media in California?

  A: YES. Glass is approved by the California Air Resources Board. In addition, it’s so environmentally friendly, it has been listed on the EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for blasting grit.

• Q: Can I use glass media in my blasting equipment?

  A: Glass media can be used with virtually all standard blasting pots and equipment, however, it is always safest to check with the equipment manufacturer. It will work in Sashco’s Kernel with the standard round nozzle.

• Q: Can I use glass media in the Kernel?

  A: YES. Glass media can be run through the Kernel. Glass media may wear hoses more quickly than corn cob media, depending on use. Also be aware that glass media is more sensitive to moisture. If the glass media gets wet at all, it may not run through the Kernel correctly. So keep the media as dry as possible and be prepared to clean out the moisture trap more often.

• Q: Do I need to mask my windows and other fixtures when blasting?

  A: Yes, it is recommended. Corn cob media is not as hard as glass media, and is not as prone to etching glass. However, with any media, even small contaminants or the occasional maverick piece that is larger than normal can etch windows and other fixtures, so it is recommended that you mask off everything that needs to be protected (glass, light fixtures, etc.) prior to blasting with any media.

  One plus to masking before blasting is that, once in place, it provides the necessary protection of windows and other fixtures for applying PeneTreat and stain (both of which should be done within 2 weeks after blasting). This will help avoid unnecessary cleaning.

• Q: Is there a big price difference between corn cob & glass media?

  A: In general, glass media is less expensive than corn cob media; however, that isn’t always the case so it is best to shop around.

• Q: What is the best way to get my stain off?

  A: Although there are several methods of stain removal, (power washing, chemical stripping, just to name a couple), we believe that, based on testing both in the lab and out in the field, media blasting with either crushed glass or corn cob media is the best overall method. It is effective, non-toxic, quick, less destructive to the wood than power washing or chemicals, and you don’t have to worry about interior water damage from power washing. If media blasting is not an option, the next best method would be power washing, followed by approriate secondary prep to remove any fuzzing. Sometimes chemicals have to be used but they should be a last result.

• Q: What’s so great about glass blasting?

  A:Glass media is very effective and fast at taking off old, stubborn coatings and leaves less “felting” (wood fuzzing) than other media such as corn cob or traditional sand blasting , which translates into labor savings. Glass is also environmentally friendly because the media itself is made from recycled glass that is diverted directly from landfills. It won’t hurt surrounding vegetation, and does not contain crystalline silica like sand (which can cause silicosis). Of course, breathing any kind of dust can be harmful, so be sure to use proper air filtering equipment when doing any dry log surface prep.

• Q: What’s the difference between corncob and glass media? When should I use one instead of the other?

  A: Corn cob media is crushed up corn cobs. Corn cob media is effective for use on new homes that haven’t been previously coated, as well as older homes where most of the coating has eroded off. When you use the larger 20/40 grit and screen the material, it can often times be run through the Kernel again, helping save money on the amount of media needed. As long as it’s not left to sit in large amounts, it is very gentle on surrounding vegetation. If any is left to sit on plants and soil, simply be sure to thoroughly water those areas, as the cob media can soak up the moisture meant for the vegetation.

  Glass media is reclycled glass that has been crushed. Glass is effective for use in most situations but is particularly good at removing older, more stubborn coatings that are still mostly intact. Glass leaves less “felting” on the wood, which translates into labor savings. If you are particularly sensitive to mold and mildew or have upper respiratory problems (such as asthma), glass media may be the better choice, when you consider the following benefits: it is non-toxic and inert, eliminating the potential for mold and/or mildew growth, and it does not emit any crystalline silica dust like sandblasting does.