What’s the Difference Between Sandblasting vs Shot Blasting vs Grit Blasting?

The three terms used to define their respective processes - sandblasting, shot blasting, and grit blasting - are often used loosely or interchangeably, which can make two quite similar quotations describe very different procedures. While shot blasting refers to rounded media and grit blasting steel grit or aluminium oxide, “sandblasting” describes the air-blast style of abrasive cleaning more generally, not the literal use of sand, as was traditional. ​ In this guide, we’ll separate the abrasive blasting terms and help you feel more confident about their differences and what's right for your process.