Bead blasting uses fine glass bead instead of a harder abrasive. It cleans the surface and leaves an even, satin finish without cutting into the metal the way harsher media can, so it is the right choice for aluminium, stainless steel, alloys and parts with detail you want to keep crisp.
It has its own page because it does a different job from shot blasting. Shot blasting strips hard and fast, ready for a coating. Bead blasting cleans and finishes, and plenty of parts are left bare afterwards because the finish looks right on its own. Engine and motorcycle parts, casings, brackets and polished fittings that have dulled are all typical jobs.
Glass bead leaves the surface clean and ready for reassembly, lacquer or coating. We mask anything that needs protecting first, so machined faces and threads come back exactly as they went in.
Shot blasting uses harder media to strip rust and coatings back to bare metal. Glass bead is gentler and leaves a smooth satin finish, so it suits softer metals and visible parts.
Yes, many customers leave them bare for the look. If the part will be out in the weather, a coating will help protect it.
It is not the best tool for heavy corrosion or thick paint. Shot blasting deals with those faster, and bead blasting can follow for the finish.
Yes. It is one of the most common reasons people choose it, because it cleans aluminium without cutting into it.