How much does sandblasting cost?
How much does sandblasting cost?
$1 – $5 average cost per square foot (includes labor & materials)
$45 – $80 average cost per hour
Average sandblasting cost
Sandblasting costs $1 to $5 per square foot or about $1,500 to $7,500 to sandblast a 1,500-square-foot home exterior. Dustless blasting costs $2 to $3 per square foot for areas with strict environmental regulations. Sandblaster labor costs $45 to $80 per hour on average or up to $300 per hour for complex projects.
| Rate | Average cost* | Most common for: |
|---|---|---|
| Per square foot | $1 – $5 | Large projects like the exterior of a home or building |
| Per hour | $45 – $80+ | Small, precision jobs like car rims, doors, or other components |
| Per project | $1,500 – $7,500+ (1,500 SF project) |
Sore experienced sandblasters quoting a comprehensive price for larger exterior jobs over 1,500 square feet |
*Includes materials and labor
Sandblasting cost per square foot
Sandblasting typically ranges from $1 to $5 per square foot of surface area. This common pricing method allows quick and accurate estimates based on the size of the home or building exterior.
| Square footage | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| 200 | $200 – $1,000 |
| 500 | $500 – $2,500 |
| 1,000 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| 2,000 | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| 3,000 | $3,000 – $15,000 |
*Includes materials and labor
Request a detailed estimate that factors in the surface material, complexity, setup requirements, and sandblasting method to accurately determine the per-square-foot cost.
Sandblasting cost calculator
Sandblasting is a surface prep technique that uses compressed air to propel abrasive materials at high speed to remove contaminants, coatings, or roughened surfaces. When you pay for sandblasting, you are not only paying for the labor and abrasive materials, but other costs like fuel, equipment, and disposal of abrasives.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Labor | $45 – $300 per hour $1 – $5 per SF |
| Materials / abrasive media | $0.10 – $3.00 per pound |
| Diesel fuel | $3.00 per gallon |
| Pickup / delivery / transportation | $50 – $500 (if applicable) |
| Surface preparation | Included in labor cost |
| Job planning / quoting | Included in labor cost |
| Cleanup & disposal | Included in labor cost |
| Additional services | Variable |
Several factors influence the cost of a sandblasting project:
Project size & complexity: Larger areas and projects with curves, tight spots, or intricate details require more time and effort, increasing the cost.
Experience & reputation: Experienced, in-demand sandblasters typically charge more.
Location: Some companies charge travel fees for jobs that are far from their workshop. They also charge more for projects that are difficult to access or require disassembly before sandblasting.
Labor
Labor makes up the majority of the price for sandblasting. Labor rates range from $45 to $80 per hour for basic jobs and up to $300 per hour for complex, specialized projects. Most contractors charge a 1-hour labor minimum.
For larger jobs, sandblasting is often priced from $1 to $5 per square foot instead of using hourly rates.
Materials
Sandblasting material prices range from $0.20 to $3.00 per pound. Despite the name, sand is no longer the most common abrasive material for sandblasting. Contractors are moving towards other safer media types, such as aluminum oxide, glass beads, steel grit, or walnut shells.
Expendable options like coal slag and corn are cheaper up front but discarded after only one use. Reusable materials like aluminum oxide and steel grit cost more per pound but can be used multiple times.
| Media type | Average cost per pound (materials only) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Expendable media | ||
| Corn cobs | $0.80 – $1.00 |
|
| Silica | $1.50 – $1.80 |
|
| Baking soda | $1.50 – $2.50 |
|
| Coal slag | $0.20 – $0.30 |
|
| Reusable media | ||
| Aluminum oxide | $2.00 – $3.00 |
|
| Iron silicate (copper slag) |
$0.20 – $1.00 |
|
| Steel grit | $2.00 – $2.50 |
|
| Glass bead | $0.50 – $2.50 |
|
| Walnut shells | $1.00 – $1.30 |
|
| Plastic media | $3.00 – $6.00 |
|
Additional costs
Most contractors include the time for planning, surface prep, and cleanup in their labor. However, you may see these additional costs listed in a sandblasting quote:
Fuel costs: Diesel fuel for the sandblasting machinery costs $3.00 per gallon on average. However, fuel costs fluctuate from day to day and location to location, so costs will vary.
Pickup / delivery fees: Some contractors include an additional fee to cover the cost of transporting equipment to a job site or picking up an item for sandblasting in the shop. These costs can range from $50 for local jobs to $500+ for complex logistics.
Add-on services & fees: Depending on the process, you may see additional services and fees for rust inhibitors, masking, and disassembly/reassembly.
Cost by method
Dry blasting is the most common and affordable sandblasting method. However, various techniques exist that differ in the type of media they employ, how they deliver it, the specific applications they are suited for, and the associated material, equipment, labor, and disposal costs.
| Method | Cost per square foot* | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Dry sandblasting | $2.00 – $4.50 | Heavy-duty surface preparation of steel, concrete, or masonry before recoating or refinishing |
| Dry ice sandblasting | $3.50 – $5.00 | Delicate materials like electrical equipment, removing paints or coatings without damaging the underlying substrate |
| Dustless (vacuum) sandblasting | $2.00 – $3.00 | Indoor settings or areas with strict environmental regulations for surface preparation and coating removal |
| Hydro blasting | $1.00 – $2.50 | Cleaning industrial equipment, concrete surfaces, or removing tough deposits like mill scale from steel structures |
| Wet sandblasting | $1.30 – $3.50 | Various applications, including graffiti removal, surface etching, and preparing substrates for coatings or linings |
*Includes materials and labor
Dry sandblasting propels abrasive media like sand or metal grit using compressed air to aggressively remove coatings, rust, or texture surfaces.
Dry ice sandblasting uses compressed air to accelerate dry ice pellets that sublimate on impact, effectively cleaning surfaces without abrasive residue.
Dustless sandblasting employs a slurry mixture of abrasive media and water to clean surfaces while suppressing airborne dust particles.
Hydro blasting utilizes extremely high-pressure water jets to remove coatings, contaminants, or prepare surfaces without the use of abrasive media.
Wet sandblasting combines abrasive media with a water spray to clean and prepare surfaces while providing better dust control than dry sandblasting.
Cost by surface material
Sandblasting costs also vary depending on the surface being treated. Softer surfaces require careful media selection and lower-intensity sandblasting to avoid damage. Surfaces in poor condition with major rust buildup, paint layers, or contaminants require more media, higher intensity levels, and longer labor hours–all factors that increase the overall cost.
| Surface material | Average cost per square foot* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | $2.00 – $5.00 |
|
| Brick | $2.50 – $3.75 |
|
| Concrete | $2.50 – $4.25 |
|
| Steel | $3.00 – $8.00 |
|
| Stucco | $1.50 – $3.50 |
|
| Tile | $1.50 – $3.25 |
|
| Wood | $2.00 – $6.00 |
|
| Wrought iron | $4.00 – $8.00 |
|
*Includes materials and labor
Cost by intensity
The intensity level of sandblasting influences the total cost per square foot. Higher intensity levels cost more as they require more abrasive media, higher air pressures, and potentially specialized equipment.
| Intensity | Cost per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Very light brush blast (1/32 inch deep) |
$1 – $3 | Allows for delicate etching, light shading effects and surface preparation without aggressive material removal |
| Light blast (1/16 inch deep) |
$2 – $4 | Suitable for relatively clean surfaces that require gentle cleaning or etching |
| Medium blast (1/4 inch deep) |
$4 – $7 | Strikes a balance between aggressive cleaning and minimizing surface damage |
| Heavy blast (3/8 inch+ deep) |
$7 – $16 | Employs highly abrasive media like steel grit or shot and extremely high pressures |
*Includes materials and labor
Sandblasting FAQs
What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting, uses compressed air to blast abrasive particles onto a surface for cleaning, etching, or texturing purposes. Despite the name, sand is no longer considered a safe choice for sandblasting. Professionals use modern alternatives like steel grit or walnut shells instead.
What is dustless sandblasting?
Dustless sandblasting, also called vapor abrasive blasting or wet abrasive blasting, is a surface preparation technique that combines air, water, and an abrasive media to remove coatings, contaminants, or etch surfaces without creating a plume of dust.
Is sandblasting safe?
Sandblasting with abrasive media containing crystalline silica (like traditional sand) can lead to serious respiratory diseases. Also, the improper use of sandblasting equipment can cause injury and hearing damage. Safer procedures include using alternative abrasive media and proper personal protective equipment like respirators, blast suits, and hearing protection.
Can you sandblast wood?
Yes, sandblasting can be an option for wood, but it requires a delicate touch and may not be suitable for all projects. In some cases, alternative methods like chemical stripping or blasting with a softer media may be a better choice.
Can you rent a sandblaster?
Yes, you can rent a sandblaster from various equipment rental companies and home improvement stores for around $70 to $200 per day, depending on the size of the sandblaster.
Getting estimates from sandblast companies
Choose the right sandblast company for your project by following these suggestions:
Look for a company with a clear plan for your project that will keep you informed throughout the process.
Choose a company with a proven track record in the industry that can handle different materials and project sizes.
Make sure the company has a system for maintaining its equipment and following safety protocols, prioritizing quality work.
Confirm the company provides proper protective gear for their workers.
Hire a local company to avoid any permitting issues specific to your area.
Save the time and hassle of finding multiple contractors by choosing a company that offers sandblasting for various surfaces (metal, wood, concrete) and additional services like painting.
Avoid going the DIY route. Professional services offer the best results and avoid costly mistakes.
Questions to ask a sandblaster
Before trusting your project to a sandblaster, ask these questions to determine their experience and professionalism:
How long has your company been providing sandblasting services?
Are you licensed and insured to perform sandblasting work in my area?
Do you have experience with projects similar to mine? Can you share some examples?
Which blasting media do you recommend for my project, and why?
Do you offer any guarantees or warranties if the results don't meet my expectations?
How will you communicate with me and keep me updated on the project's progress?
What safety precautions and equipment do you use to protect your workers and the surrounding environment?
Do you have any practices in place to minimize the environmental impact of the sandblasting process?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.