A blasting machine for construction can be used to remove paint, graffiti, encrustations, adhering dirt, mortar residues and degraded surface layers from façades, brickwork, stone, cement and other mineral substrates. The choice does not depend only on the available pressure, but also on the strength of the surface, the size of the job, compressor capacity and the need to control dust and abrasive. For small jobs, a compact machine may be sufficient; for more extensive professional work, greater autonomy is required, while on sensitive sites, systems with dampened abrasive or integrated recovery may be preferable.
Where abrasive blasting is used in construction
In the construction sector, abrasive blasting is used during:
- ✓ Building renovation and extraordinary maintenance
- ✓ Façade cleaning and exposed-brick restoration
- ✓ Removal of graffiti, paints and coatings
- ✓ Concrete treatment and natural-stone cleaning
- ✓ Restoration of architectural elements and metal structures
- ✓ Maintenance of equipment and site structures
The main surfaces involved include façades, cement, reinforced concrete, exposed brickwork, stone, travertine and metal elements. Abrasive blasting can offer greater removal capacity than brushes, scrapers and purely manual systems. However, the result depends on correct process adjustment.
Using a machine that is too aggressive can wear away the material that must be preserved. An insufficient configuration can instead increase working time, abrasive consumption and irregularity of the result.
Which materials can be treated
Construction treatment involves substrates with variable physical properties, requiring targeted approaches:
Exposed brickwork
Blasting bricks can be used to remove old paints, atmospheric dirt, mortar residues, surface deposits, graffiti, deteriorated finishes and poorly adhering materials. Brick does not always have uniform strength. Apparently similar bricks can differ in porosity, hardness, firing level, state of conservation, water absorption and previous treatments. Joints must also be checked: mortar may be less resistant than brick and may be eroded by the jet before the coating has been completely removed. A preliminary test must therefore include both the brick and the joint.
Natural stone
Granite, sandstone, travertine, limestone and porphyry react differently to abrasive impact. Before working, it is necessary to assess stone hardness, porosity, the presence of fractures, surface cohesion, existing finish, aesthetic or historical value, contaminant depth and required result. On compact stone, it may be possible to use a relatively incisive process. On soft, degraded or decorated stone, more conservative parameters must be used from the start. When the building has historical or artistic value, blasting must not be chosen as a simple cleaning method, but included in a specialist conservation-cleaning project.
Cement and concrete
Blasting cement can be used to remove paints, eliminate surface residues, remove poorly adhering areas, clean concrete, remove graffiti, treat the substrate before new protective cycles or obtain controlled roughness. It is necessary to distinguish between compact cement, exposed concrete, smoothed surfaces, painted cement, friable surfaces, concrete with exposed reinforcement bars or substrates already subjected to repair. Blasting does not solve structural problems, deep cracks or reinforcement corrosion. In these cases, surface treatment must be included in a broader repair operation.
Plasters
Plasters require particular caution. A jet that is too aggressive can remove the finish, expose the aggregate, highlight colour differences, cause detachment and widen already degraded areas. Before proceeding, composition, adhesion, thickness, cohesion and paint condition must be checked. On fragile plasters, abrasive blasting may not be the appropriate technology.
Metal elements in buildings
Railings, gates, metal structures, parapets, beams and metal frameworks can be blasted to remove rust, oxidation, old paints, mill scale, processing residues and deteriorated coatings. In this case, metal thickness, the presence of welds, geometry, corrosion level, the subsequent protective cycle and the risk of re-oxidation must also be assessed.
What result is required from the treatment
The choice of machine and technical setup changes radically according to the intended operational objective:
- Surface cleaning: Used to remove dirt and deposits without visibly modifying the substrate. It generally requires a low-aggression abrasive, controlled particle size, reduced dosage, limited pressure and progressive passes.
- Removal of paints and coatings: Thick or elastic paint may require more energy than surface dirt. Difficulty increases when the coating consists of several layers, penetrates porosity, has irregular adhesion, is applied on a degraded surface or contains materials that must be managed with specific procedures.
- Graffiti removal: The result depends on paint composition, time elapsed since application, surface porosity, number of layers and the presence of previous protective coatings. On compact concrete, the operation may be simpler. On brick and porous stone, pigment can penetrate deeply.
- Controlled roughening: On concrete, blasting can create a surface profile useful for certain subsequent cycles. Intensity must be consistent with the product to be applied, expected thickness, substrate conditions and technical-cycle instructions. Greater roughness does not automatically produce better adhesion.
Which blasting technology to use in construction
The plant options differ according to the logistical and environmental restrictions of the site:
Open blasting
In open blasting, compressed air carries the abrasive and projects it directly onto the surface. It is suitable when high freedom of movement, good removal capacity, treatment of irregular surfaces, access to joints and recesses and productivity on medium-large surfaces are required. The technology is suitable for façades, cement, brickwork, stone and metal structures, provided the substrate is compatible with jet intensity. The aspects to be managed are abrasive dispersion, dust production, site screening, protection of surrounding areas, residue collection and operator protection. Open blasting is normally easier to use in an isolated area than on a façade near pavements, homes, vehicles or commercial activities.
Blasting with dampened abrasive
The controlled introduction of water into the air-abrasive flow makes it possible to make particles heavier and reduce their lifting. This technology may be suitable for external façades, cement, brickwork, stone, graffiti removal, urban sites and areas where dust is an operational problem. Water does not replace the abrasive action and does not necessarily turn the system into conventional hydroblasting. In WATER BLAST, for example, the abrasive is dampened to reduce dust lifting while maintaining the mechanical action of the jet. Damp residues, water collection, protection of windows and doors and services, possible infiltration, substrate drying, residue disposal and weather conditions must still be managed. The correct formulation is “dust reduction”, not absolute absence of dust in every situation.
Recovery blasting
A recovery blasting machine uses a head kept in contact with the surface. During work, abrasive, dust and residues produced by removal are drawn back into the system. It is suitable for localised operations, fairly regular surfaces, architectural elements, strips or limited portions, work where dispersion must be limited and environments where open blasting would require extensive screening. The main limitation is related to geometry. Deep joints, edges, recesses and very irregular surfaces may prevent the head from maintaining correct adhesion. Recovery must therefore be chosen for targeted work, not as a universal substitute for open blasting.
Compact portable blasting machine
A compact machine is suitable when small repairs, detail treatment, preliminary samples, work on moderately sized elements, frequent movement of equipment and reduced site footprint are required. Portability must not be confused with productivity on large surfaces. A compact machine can be efficient on an architectural element or on a portion of façade, but may require too many refills and excessive time on an entire building.
How to choose the abrasive and calculate performance
The abrasive determines removal capacity, finish, dust quantity, consumption, nozzle wear and the risk of etching the substrate. Generic, damp or undocumented sands must never be used, to avoid clogging, abnormal wear and uncontrolled production of harmful dust. Impact parameters are based on four variables:
- Hardness and shape: A hard, angular abrasive increases cutting action, but can be too aggressive on soft stones or deteriorated bricks.
- Particle size: A large grain transfers more energy and produces a more visible finish, while a fine grain allows greater control on delicate substrates.
- Compressor airflow: The compressor must provide sufficient air continuously. An undersized system causes pressure drops, an intermittent jet and loss of productivity. What matters is the air delivery actually available, not the tank volume.
- Nozzle, distance and angle: Increasing nozzle diameter requires more air but increases productivity. A shorter distance concentrates energy, while a more grazing working angle can help detach certain coatings while reducing direct etching of the substrate.
Dust management and operational safety
Dust does not come only from the abrasive, but contains particles of cement, mortar, brick, stone or old removed paints, which can generate fine respirable dust. Site management requires area delimitation, screening, protection of openings, monitoring of wind conditions and controlled collection of residues. Operator safety requires blasting helmets or hoods, respiratory protection, hearing protection, protective clothing and fall-arrest systems when working at height on scaffolding or mobile platforms.
How to choose a blasting machine: decision table
| Requirement | Indicative technology | Why | Aspects to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small repairs and samples | Compact portable blasting machine | Easy to transport and quick to set up | Total surface, autonomy and compressor |
| Façades and medium-large surfaces | Professional open blasting | Greater autonomy and freedom of movement | Dust, screening and airflow |
| Urban site or sensitive area | Dampened abrasive | Reduces dust lifting | Water, damp residues and drainage |
| Localised removal | Recovery blasting machine | Recovers abrasive and dust during work | Head adhesion and geometry |
| Bricks or delicate stone | Adjustable jet and fine abrasive | Allows progressive treatment | Preliminary test and substrate condition |
| Concrete with resistant paint | Open or dampened blasting | Greater removal capacity | Paint thickness and required result |
| Very irregular surface | Open blasting | Reaches recesses, edges and joints | Abrasive dispersion |
| Limited indoor area | Integrated recovery | Reduces screening and subsequent collection | Ventilation and surface compatibility |
Four FEVI models recommended for construction
1. TROLLY – Compact portable blasting machine
For small jobs and moderate surfaces
TROLLY is a compact open-blasting machine, suitable for localised operations, preliminary samples, architectural elements and limited-size surfaces.
Uses in the construction sector: It can be assessed for small façade portions, stone elements, pillars, cornices, railings, gates, localised repairs, preliminary tests and occasional maintenance.
Strength: The compact structure facilitates transport, handling and use on sites where space is limited.
Limit to assess: It is not the main solution for an extensive façade. Its autonomy must be compared with the total surface, number of refills and required productivity.
Recommended user: Craftsman, maintenance technician, small company, operator carrying out occasional jobs or companies that need to produce samples and limited work.
2. SABIX 28 – Professional portable blasting machine
For medium-scale professional construction work
SABIX 28 is an open-blasting machine with a 28-litre tank, designed to offer greater autonomy than more compact systems. The possibility of using the Acquablast kit allows the jet to be dampened when it is necessary to reduce dust lifting.
Uses in the construction sector: It can be assessed for façades, cement, brickwork, stone, mineral surfaces, removal of old coatings, surface residues and professional work on site.
Strength: It offers an optimal balance between transportability, autonomy, abrasive-flow adjustment, the possibility of working with dampened abrasive and professional field use.
Limit to assess: Productivity depends on the correct combination of nozzle, pressure, abrasive and airflow. The 28-litre tank does not compensate for an undersized compressor.
Recommended user: Construction company, professional blaster, maintenance technician, company that frequently works outdoors or operators who need a transportable machine with greater autonomy.
3. WATER BLAST – Water-assisted blasting machine
For façades and sites where dust must be reduced
WATER BLAST is a blasting machine that uses controlled abrasive dampening to reduce dust lifting while maintaining the mechanical action required for surface treatment.
Uses in the construction sector: It is particularly suitable for external façades, cement, brickwork, stone, mineral surfaces, graffiti removal, old coatings, urban sites and work near sensitive areas.
Strength: Abrasive dampening helps contain particle dispersion compared with completely dry blasting.
Limit to assess: The water used, damp residues, material collection, surface compatibility with humidity, protection of windows and doors, drying times and weather conditions must be carefully managed. It must not be presented as a machine completely free from emissions in every condition.
Recommended user: Professional construction company, companies specialising in façade cleaning, maintenance companies, operators working in urban areas or companies specialising in graffiti removal.
4. PRESSURE BASE – Recovery blasting machine
For localised operations with abrasive recovery
PRESSURE BASE is a recovery blasting machine in which the working head is kept in contact with the surface. During treatment, abrasive, dust and residues are drawn back into the system.
Uses in the construction sector: It can be assessed for localised operations, architectural elements, relatively regular stone surfaces, strips and limited portions, metal products, weld seams, indoor areas or work where open blasting would require extensive screening.
Strength: The system integrates blasting and abrasive recovery, helping limit dispersion and subsequent collection operations on site.
Limit to assess: The head must adhere correctly to the surface. Effectiveness may decrease in the presence of deep joints, highly irregular surfaces, corners, edges, complex decorations or recesses.
Recommended user: Company carrying out localised work, maintenance technicians, companies operating indoors, operators who need to contain abrasive and residues or companies working on architectural or metal elements.
FEVI model comparison table
| Model | Technology | Recommended use | Strength | Limit to assess |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TROLLY | Compact open blasting | Small jobs, details and moderate surfaces | Portability | Autonomy and productivity on large surfaces |
| SABIX 28 | Professional open blasting | Façades and medium-scale construction work | Autonomy and possibility of using Acquablast | Requires correct airflow |
| WATER BLAST | Dampened abrasive | Urban sites and work where dust must be controlled | Reduction of dust lifting | Management of water and damp residues |
| PRESSURE BASE | Recovery blasting | Localised operations and regular surfaces | Recovery of abrasive and dust | Lower adaptability to joints and irregular geometries |
FAQ on blasting machines for construction
Which FEVI blasting machine is most suitable for small construction jobs?
For localised operations, samples and moderate surfaces, TROLLY can be assessed. The machine is compact and oriented towards small-scale work. The choice must still consider the material, contaminant and compressor airflow. When surfaces become larger or use is frequent, SABIX 28 offers greater autonomy. The choice should therefore not be based only on machine size, but on comparing autonomy and productivity with the real job.
Which model should be chosen for a medium-sized façade?
SABIX 28 can represent a balanced solution for small or medium-sized façades. It is transportable, offers greater autonomy than compact models and can use the Acquablast kit to dampen the jet. If the site is in an area particularly sensitive to dust, WATER BLAST may be a more specialist choice. Before making the decision, it is necessary to check the substrate, coating, total surface area, compressor airflow, need for water and residue collection method.
When is WATER BLAST technology the right choice?
WATER BLAST is suitable when dust control is a priority. It can be used on façades, cement, brickwork and stone, especially on urban sites or near areas that must be protected. The abrasive is dampened to reduce particle lifting. The presence of water, however, requires assessment of the surface and work area. Residue collection, protection of windows and doors and drying times must be planned before applying any new coatings.
When is it preferable to choose the PRESSURE BASE model?
PRESSURE BASE is suitable when the work is localised and the surface allows the front brush to remain adherent. It can be useful on architectural elements, fairly regular stone surfaces, metal products and limited areas. The system recovers abrasive and dust during processing, reducing dispersion and subsequent collection. It is not, however, the most practical solution for a highly irregular façade with deep joints, reliefs and many edges. In these cases, open blasting offers greater freedom of movement.
Tell us the requirements of your construction site
The choice between TROLLY, SABIX 28, WATER BLAST and PRESSURE BASE depends on the real job. To assess the configuration correctly, it is useful to tell us the material to be treated, the type of surface, the contaminant or coating to be removed, the size of the job, the state of conservation, frequency of use, required productivity, need to reduce dust, possibility of using water, need to recover abrasive, available compressor and required final result.
FEVI can verify the machine, abrasive, nozzle, airflow and necessary accessories together with the user, avoiding sizing the solution based only on pressure or initial price.
