Commercial Sandblasting Services

Restore Building Surfaces with Expert Commercial Sandblasting

When years of accumulated grime, old coatings, or environmental buildup have dulled your commercial property's appearance, sandblasting provides the most effective solution for revealing clean, properly prepared surfaces. Bi-State Masonry, Inc. delivers commercial sandblasting services throughout the Des Moines to Chicago corridor, bringing the same precision and expertise we've applied to masonry restoration projects since 1999. Our abrasive blasting capabilities remove paint, corrosion, efflorescence, and surface contaminants from brick, concrete, stone, and metal substrates, preparing them for new protective coatings or simply restoring their original appearance.

What Is Commercial Sandblasting?

Commercial sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting or media blasting, uses compressed air to propel abrasive particles at high velocity against building surfaces. This process efficiently removes unwanted materials including old paint, rust, scale, graffiti, atmospheric staining, efflorescence, and decades of accumulated grime. The result is a clean substrate ready for protective coatings, sealers, or new finishes.

While the term "sandblasting" remains common, modern professional services rarely use actual silica sand due to health concerns related to crystalline silica dust. At Bi-State Masonry, we utilize a variety of engineered abrasive media selected specifically for each project's requirements. The appropriate media choice depends on the substrate material, the contaminants being removed, the desired surface profile, and whether the surface will receive subsequent coatings.

Our commercial sandblasting services integrate with our comprehensive masonry restoration capabilities. When surface preparation reveals underlying masonry damage, tuckpointing needs, or structural concerns, our crews address these issues as part of a coordinated restoration approach. This single-source capability eliminates coordination headaches for property managers and general contractors working on building rehabilitation projects throughout Iowa and Illinois.

Commercial Sandblasting Applications

Commercial and industrial properties throughout the Quad Cities region and across the greater Midwest require sandblasting services for various restoration, maintenance, and construction purposes. Our commercial sandblasting capabilities address projects ranging from targeted graffiti removal to complete building facade restoration.

Building Facade Restoration

Brick, stone, and concrete building exteriors accumulate atmospheric pollutants, biological growth, and mineral deposits over time. These contaminants not only diminish appearance but can also accelerate masonry deterioration. Our sandblasting services restore building facades by removing surface buildup while preserving the underlying masonry. This process is particularly valuable for historic structures where maintaining original architectural character matters.

Paint and Coating Removal

When commercial buildings require repainting or when previous coatings have failed, proper surface preparation determines coating longevity. Sandblasting removes existing paint, failed waterproofing membranes, and deteriorated deck coatings down to sound substrate. This thorough preparation ensures optimal adhesion for new protective systems, extending their service life significantly compared to painting over marginally prepared surfaces.

Concrete Surface Preparation

Concrete surfaces in parking structures, warehouse floors, loading docks, and industrial facilities often require abrasive blasting before applying new coatings or toppings. Our sandblasting services create the proper surface profile for epoxy coatings, urethane membranes, and other protective systems. We also remove failed coatings, oil stains, and surface contamination that would compromise new applications.

Graffiti and Vandalism Removal

Prompt graffiti removal discourages repeat vandalism and maintains property values. Our sandblasting capabilities remove spray paint and other markings from brick, concrete, stone, and CMU surfaces. For properties with recurring graffiti problems, we can apply anti-graffiti coatings after cleaning to simplify future removal.

Structural Steel Preparation

Commercial and industrial facilities often require rust removal and surface preparation on structural steel, equipment supports, and metal components. Our abrasive blasting removes corrosion and mill scale, creating proper anchor patterns for protective coating systems. This preparation is essential for bridges, warehouses, plants, and other steel structures throughout the region.

Blasting Methods and Media Types

Effective commercial sandblasting requires matching the blasting method and abrasive media to each project's specific requirements. Using overly aggressive techniques on delicate historic masonry causes irreversible damage, while insufficiently aggressive methods waste time and money without achieving proper surface preparation. Our experience across thousands of commercial masonry projects enables accurate recommendations for optimal results.

Dry Abrasive Blasting

Traditional dry blasting propels abrasive media using compressed air alone. This method offers high production rates and aggressive material removal capabilities, making it suitable for industrial applications, heavy rust removal, and situations where moisture concerns exist. Proper containment and dust collection measures address environmental and health considerations.

Wet Abrasive Blasting

Introducing water into the abrasive stream substantially reduces airborne dust while providing a more controllable, gentler cleaning action. Wet blasting is particularly valuable for historic masonry, occupied buildings, urban environments, and projects where dust migration would create problems. The water cushions media impact, reducing the risk of substrate damage on softer materials.

Soda Blasting

Soda blasting uses sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as the abrasive media. This gentle method effectively removes paint, graffiti, smoke damage, and biological growth from brick, stone, and other masonry without damaging the underlying surface. Soda blasting is non-toxic, water-soluble, and leaves no secondary waste requiring special disposal. We frequently specify soda blasting for historic preservation projects and delicate architectural elements.

Abrasive Media Selection

Modern commercial sandblasting utilizes various engineered abrasives, each offering specific characteristics:

Media hardness, particle size, and shape determine cutting aggressiveness and the resulting surface profile. Our technicians select appropriate media based on substrate characteristics, contamination type, and subsequent coating requirements.

Surface Types We Blast

Our commercial sandblasting services address the full range of exterior and interior surfaces encountered in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. Each substrate type requires specific techniques to achieve thorough cleaning without causing damage.

Brick and Block

Brick masonry requires careful technique because the fired outer surface is harder than the interior material. Overly aggressive blasting removes this protective layer, accelerating deterioration and changing the brick's appearance permanently. Our technicians adjust pressure, media selection, standoff distance, and dwell time to remove contaminants while preserving the brick's integral fire skin. Concrete masonry units (CMU) and concrete block present similar considerations.

Natural Stone

Limestone, sandstone, granite, and other natural stones vary significantly in hardness and porosity. Softer sedimentary stones require gentle techniques that would be inadequate for dense igneous materials. We evaluate each stone type and adjust our approach accordingly, often performing test patches to confirm appropriate parameters before proceeding with full-scale work.

Concrete

Cast-in-place concrete, precast panels, and architectural concrete elements frequently require sandblasting for coating preparation or aesthetic restoration. The surface profile achieved through blasting directly affects coating adhesion, making proper technique critical for coating system performance. We achieve specified profiles consistently across large concrete areas.

Structural Steel and Metal

Steel beams, columns, equipment, and metal architectural elements require abrasive blasting to remove rust, mill scale, and failed coatings before applying new protective systems. We achieve commercial and industrial coating specifications including SSPC-SP6 (Commercial Blast Cleaning), SSPC-SP10 (Near-White Blast Cleaning), and SSPC-SP5 (White Metal Blast Cleaning) as project requirements dictate.

Architectural Elements

Terra cotta, cast stone, ornamental concrete, and decorative masonry elements demand careful attention during sandblasting. These architectural details often hold significant historic or aesthetic value, requiring conservative approaches that preserve original profiles and textures. Our experience with historic preservation projects throughout the region informs our handling of these sensitive elements.

Why Choose Bi-State Masonry for Commercial Sandblasting

Property managers, facility directors, and general contractors throughout Iowa and Illinois rely on Bi-State Masonry for commercial sandblasting because we deliver consistent results while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations. Our approach combines technical capability with practical project management.

Integrated Masonry Expertise

Unlike standalone sandblasting contractors, we bring over 26 years of masonry restoration experience to every project. When surface preparation reveals underlying conditions requiring attention, we address tuckpointing, brick replacement, concrete repair, and waterproofing without bringing in additional trades. This integrated capability streamlines projects and ensures consistent quality throughout.

Commercial-Scale Capabilities

Our equipment and crews handle projects ranging from targeted spot treatments to complete building facade restoration spanning tens of thousands of square feet. We maintain the compressor capacity, blast pots, containment systems, and personnel needed to meet commercial project schedules without sacrificing quality.

Regional Presence, Competitive Pricing

Operating from East Moline with lower overhead than metropolitan competitors, we provide commercial-quality sandblasting services at competitive rates throughout the Des Moines to Chicago corridor. Our merit-based workforce delivers skilled performance, and our regional presence means responsive service without excessive mobilization charges.

Safety and Environmental Compliance

Commercial sandblasting involves significant safety and environmental considerations. We maintain proper containment, dust control, and waste handling procedures for all projects. Our crews follow current OSHA requirements for respiratory protection and abrasive blasting operations. When working at occupied facilities, we coordinate scheduling and containment to minimize impact on building occupants and neighbors.

Contact Bi-State Masonry today for a free estimate on your commercial sandblasting project. Whether you're planning a building rehabilitation, addressing deferred maintenance, or preparing surfaces for new protective coatings, our team provides practical recommendations and reliable execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sandblasting damage brick or historic masonry?

Yes, improper sandblasting technique can cause permanent damage to brick and historic masonry. The fired outer surface of brick is harder and more weather-resistant than the interior material. Overly aggressive blasting removes this protective layer, exposing softer material that deteriorates more rapidly. However, properly executed sandblasting using appropriate media, pressure settings, and techniques safely removes surface contamination while preserving the masonry. Our experience with historic structures throughout the Quad Cities ensures we apply conservative approaches that achieve cleaning objectives without causing substrate damage.

What is the difference between sandblasting and soda blasting?

Traditional sandblasting uses various abrasive media propelled by compressed air to remove coatings and contaminants through aggressive mechanical action. Soda blasting substitutes sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for harder abrasives. Because baking soda is softer and more friable, it cleans surfaces effectively while presenting minimal risk of substrate damage. Soda blasting works well for paint removal, graffiti, smoke damage, and general cleaning on brick, stone, and other masonry. However, it does not create significant surface profiles needed for certain coating systems, so harder abrasives remain necessary for some applications.

How long does commercial sandblasting take?

Project duration depends on square footage, surface condition, contamination type, access requirements, and the degree of containment needed. A targeted graffiti removal on accessible masonry might require only a few hours. Complete facade restoration on a multi-story building typically spans several days to weeks. During our initial assessment, we provide schedule estimates based on the specific project scope. Our commercial equipment and trained crews achieve production rates appropriate for meeting construction schedules on larger projects.

Do you provide containment for sandblasting work?

Yes, we implement appropriate containment measures for all commercial sandblasting projects. Containment requirements vary based on the blasting method (wet versus dry), surrounding conditions, and environmental factors. Urban locations, occupied buildings, and projects near traffic or pedestrians require more extensive containment than remote industrial sites. We also utilize wet blasting techniques where dust migration would create problems. Our project proposals include containment provisions appropriate to each situation.

Can sandblasting remove paint from concrete floors?

Sandblasting effectively removes paint, epoxy coatings, and other floor finishes from concrete surfaces in warehouses, parking structures, and industrial facilities. The process simultaneously creates surface profile for optimal adhesion of new coating systems. We also address oil staining, chemical contamination, and other surface conditions that would compromise new floor coatings. Our concrete preparation services support flooring contractors, facility managers, and general contractors throughout the region.

What areas do you serve for commercial sandblasting?

Bi-State Masonry provides commercial sandblasting services throughout the Des Moines to greater Chicago area corridor, including all communities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The Quad Cities area, which includes Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, East Moline, and Rock Island, represents our core service territory. We regularly complete projects for universities, municipalities, corporations, and facility owners across this region. For larger projects, we serve commercial clients across the broader Midwest.

Request a Free Commercial Sandblasting Estimate

Whether you're planning a building facade restoration, addressing coating failures, removing graffiti, or preparing surfaces for new protective systems, Bi-State Masonry delivers professional commercial sandblasting services with the expertise and equipment your project demands. Contact us today at (309) 786-8800 or request a free estimate online. Our team will assess your project requirements and provide practical recommendations for achieving your objectives efficiently and affordably.