What is sandblasting?

I get asked this a lot. Sandblasting is an artistic process that permanently carves a design onto a durable item. We sandblast onto glass, glazed ceramics, and stainless steel, but sandblasting can also be done on other hard materials (like stone).

I create digital art, which I print onto transparency film, and then use to create a self-adhesive photo-emulsion sandblasting stencil. Each item has a single-use stencil applied to its surface with a burnisher, then it’s carefully masked. The final etching step is a trip into our professional blasting cabinet, where high-pressure silicon carbide grit carves the permanent design.

[Watch videos about our process on YouTube.]

There doesn't seem to be a lot of information about sandblasting online. This isn't because it's a heavily guarded secret--more that it's a classic production method, and it isn't in super high demand now that laser engraving and screen printing are so accessible.

But there are still many people who recognize the benefits of sandblasting over other etching techniques:

1. Crisp lines
2. Fine details
3. Deep carving
4. Permanent designs

Sandblasting is one of the most durable image transfer method out there! Since the sandblasting process removes the top layer of whatever you're blasting (glass, metal, or ceramic glaze) by carving into it, the only way to remove the design would be to melt it down in a kiln. 

There are a lot of decals and screen printing out there on dishware that looks like etching, but they wear off with time. Our process will never do that! Sandblasting also has a smooth, even finish, unlike laser-etching (which shows a matrix pattern on its etched surface) and acid cream etching which can be splotchy and uneven.

If you're looking for the highest quality glassware, ceramics, or metal drinkware with graphics that will truly last forever, then you can't get any better than sandblasting.