Grand Rapids Sand Blasting Service

Serving Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo, East Lansing, Muskegon & Beyond

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Sand Blasting Service Overview



VanDerKolk Painting provides both shop sandblasting and mobile sandblasting. You name it, we have probably used one of our rigs on it for sandblast prep. And we can prime it and paint it after blasting. Our shop team can blast pipes, equipment, truck frames, ornamental iron and furniture, and about anything else. Our mobile team can blast deep wells, concrete, steel railings, pits and tanks, steel structures, compromised steel deck ceilings, and many other things. We use a host of different blasting media depending on the surfaces to be improved including walnut shells, Garnett, Glass Bead, Steel, Soda, Coal Slag, and Plastic.

The Benefits Of Sand Blasting

The process of sandblasting can provide many benefits to worn surfaces. Sandblasting can be used to: 


  • Remove mill scale
  • Strip off old paint
  • Remove rust
  • Clean metal tools and instruments
  • Smooth and polish surfaces
  • Correct heat treatment discoloration
  • Prep surfaces for finishing


Sandblasting is very important for surface prep. If the job is not done correctly, the lifespan of the finishing coat will be much shorter. It’s crucial that you work with experienced professionals like the team at VanDerKolk Painting for sandblasting services to ensure that your surfaces are thoroughly restored and cleaned. Refinishing surfaces is an investment and you don’t want your investment to be undermined by poor prep work.

Work With Commercial & Industrial Sand Blasting Experts

VanDerKolk Painting has a team specifically trained for commercial and industrial sandblasting jobs. No job is too big or too small for us. We can sandblast just about any piece of office or factory equipment you may need to be sandblasted. 


Sandblasting is often used to prep any ferrous or non-ferrous metal surface for a powder coat or wet paint finish. Sandblasting isn’t confined to just metal - it can also be used for glass, stone, wood, and plastic surfaces. Common commercial and industrial objects we’ve sandblasted include: 


  • Pipes
  • Auto bodies and frames
  • Trailers
  • Furniture
  • Refuse trucks
  • Tractor parts
  • Boom lifts
  • Scissor lifts
  • Industrial equipment
  • Marine parts


In some cases, sandblasting may not be the best method for surface prep. Our experienced team can evaluate your job and budget to advise on the best surface prep method for long-lasting results when you request a free quote.

Why Choose VanDerKolk Painting For Grand Rapids Sand Blasting Services? 

VanDerKolk Painting has been restoring surfaces across West Michigan with sandblasting since 1991. We’ve emerged as one of the leading sandblasting service providers in the state because of our focus on finding and retaining the top talent in the industry. We don’t subcontract out any work. We hire and train full-time sandblasting specialists who work meticulously to provide exceptional services. 


When you work with VanDerKolk Painting you’ll be working with professionals who prioritize planning and communication. We’ll map out your project and work closely with your time to plan our services in a way that avoids downtime or disruptions for you. We’ll keep you updated at every step in the process and we’ll always be available to answer any questions you may have.

Sand Blasting Services Near You

VanDerKolk Painting is a local Michigan painting company. Our shop is located in Grand Rapids, MI, but we provide sandblasting services throughout West and Central Michigan. Cities we service include Ada, Byron Center, Cascade, East Grand Rapids, East Lansing, Fruitport, Grandville, Holland, Hudsonville, Grand Haven, Jamestown, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Rockford, Spring, Lake, and Zeeland.

Our Work

We know that you expect quality work performed in a timely manner and we make sure that is exactly what you get when you choose VanDerKolk Painting. You can see some of our recent sandblasting work below. We sandblasted and painted a series of boom lifts and scissor lifts as part of our boom and scissor lift painting services.

Sand Blasting 1
Sand Blasting 2

Sand Blasting FAQs

Have questions about our sandblasting services? We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive below. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you don’t see the answer to your question below.

  • What Is Sand Blasting?

    Sandblasting (sometimes referred to as abrasive blasting) is the process of using a sandblasting machine with an air compressor to shoot a stream of abrasive particles at a surface. The high-pressure blast of abrasive particles strikes the surface and wears away material to create a smoother surface. Removing an outer layer of material can also reveal a fresh surface free of rust and imperfections. 


    The name sandblasting is similar to the term “sandpaper”. Both imply the use of sand, which was originally used as an abrasive. There are now stronger materials that are used in place of sand for both sandpaper and sandblasting, but sand has remained in the name. Sand is primarily no longer used for sandblasting because it contains silica, which can cause a debilitating lung disease after it breaks down into dust and enters the lungs. Most sandblasting service providers now use aluminum oxide as the abrasive blasting agent because it is much safer. 


  • What Is The Difference Between Sand Blasting & Specialty Blasting?

    VanDerkolk Painting offers both sandblasting and specialty blasting services. Specialty blasting is a newer and increasingly popular choice for abrasive blasting. There are several different blasting methods that fall under the specialty category. VanDerKolk Painting primarily performs dry-ice blasting and wet sandblasting. 


    These methods are preferred for projects where dust containment or environmental protection is a priority because they produce fewer dust contaminants. Our team can assess your project and your needs to help you determine whether sandblasting or specialty blasting would be the best option. 


  • Can Sand Blasting Damage Surfaces?

    Blasting a stream of abrasive particles at a surface probably sounds like it could do some damage and it could if performed by an untrained individual. A properly trained blast technician knows which abrasive blasting agents and blasting techniques to use for which surfaces. When you work with a trained professional like the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting, you won’t have to worry about any surface damage. 

  • Can I Do My Own Sand Blasting?

    We do not recommend trying to do your own sandblasting under any circumstances. Not only will you have to drain money investing in equipment for the job, but there are also safety and work quality concerns that arise with DIY sandblasting jobs. 


    Sandblasting machines shoot abrasive particles at very high speeds. They can sand material off of metal - just imagine the damage they could do to soft skin. You don’t want to risk accidentally injuring yourself or others with exposure to an abrasive blast. Sandblasting also requires knowledge and experience to know what PSI and which blasting agent to use for the material you’re sandblasting. Using the wrong PSI or blasting agent can damage the surface you’re blasting which could result in a more expensive fix. 


    As far as professional services go, sandblasting is relatively inexpensive. It’s better to work with a trained professional to make sure the job is done correctly as opposed to trying to sandblast on your own.