Finding the best sandblaster for your project does not have to be very complicated. You just have to take note of the most important factors to consider. That is why today, we will be featuring a simple buying guide with several reviews on products you may choose.
My Top 5 Picks
Last update on 2025-10-16 at 06:18 PST - Details
Quick NavigationMy Top 5 Picks1. Editor’s Pick: Campbell Hausfeld’s Sandblaster with 10 Foot Hose2. Alternative Pick/Runner Up: Lematec’s Portable Sandblaster3. Budget Pick: Generic Sandblaster Air Siphon4. Upgrade Pick: Unitec Sandblaster5. Niche Pick: Performance Tool M570C Heavy Duty Sandblaster KitAll about sandblastingFactors To Consider When Buying A SandblasterType of sandblasterSize of the sandblasterMedia SelectionKey featuresThe Verdict
1. Editor’s Pick: Campbell Hausfeld’s Sandblaster with 10 Foot Hose
Campbell Hausfeld’s Sandblaster is our top pick for this list. That is because of its superior power and efficiency in removing abrasive materials and substances on surfaces. While this might seem like a bare minimum for sandblasters to meet, it’s important to know that not all can be as effective.
Campbell Hausfeld engineers its sandblaster to be simple, straightforward, and powerful. Thanks to its siphon-feed spray gun, this sandblaster can easily accommodate various type of medium! It includes baking soda, glass, aluminum, steel, silicone, carbide, and even walnut shells.
Further, convenience is another factor to consider. The hose that extends up to 10 feet is more than enough to assure you that you can easily maneuver this gun. As for the air compressor, you have a choice between horizontal or vertical ones. Also, it has a capacity of 20 gallons up until 80 gallons.
We like
- plus-circleTop-notch siphon-feed spray gun
- plus-circleCampbell Hausfeld has been in the equipment industry since 1836, and their continuous evolution of the material shows through their sandblaster.
- plus-circleThe siphon-feed spray gun feature quickly removes rust, sand, grit, scales, and paint
- plus-circleLeaves a sleek satin finish on almost all surfaces
- plus-circleThat gives you an edge because it makes preparation easier for repainting or polishing
- plus-circle10-foot hose is convenient and versatile
- plus-circleThe tube can draw abrasives from either bucket or bag
- plus-circleHandy sandblaster
- plus-circleWhile blasting grit and dirt is its specialty, this can also be suitable in woodworking.
- plus-circleYou can use this to etch weather wood or glass
We do not like
- minus-circleSetting up this sandblaster might not be the easiest time for you
- minus-circleBe sure to study the manual or consult with the company
- minus-circleAlthough powerful, it needs a big air compressor to work with
- minus-circleThus, it’s not the most portable sandblaster if that’s what you’re looking for
2. Alternative Pick/Runner Up: Lematec’s Portable Sandblaster
Our second place can make a case that it’s the best one between the two. Lematec’s portable sandblaster has enough features to contend with the Campbell Hausfeld’s product. It’s a matter of preference and what you need when comparing these two.
For one, the sandblaster comes in a compact yet sturdy built. From afar, you can mistake this as a water gun of some sort. This small build of the gun might make it look cheap. However, do not underestimate this because it is a powerful and convenient sandblaster.
For convenience, control is one aspect where this sandblaster excels. The control valve is an overlooked part of a sandblaster because some don’t know how to use it. With Lematec, the control valve is adjustable. That means that you can use this more than just a sandblaster if you control the air pressure correctly.
We like
- plus-circleFully adjustable control valve
- plus-circleBecause you can control the air pressure, sandblasting will be a lot more precise and efficient
- plus-circleThat also gives you an edge when you’re working with lighter or more delicate surfaces
- plus-circleVersatile sandblaster
- plus-circleJust like the previous sandblaster reviewed, Lematec is also good on almost all surfaces that attract dirt easily
- plus-circleThe sandblaster works well with all kinds of medium like silicone and walnut shells
- plus-circleDoes not require an air compressor cabinet to be used
- plus-circleThe media that it comes with is inside a chamber which gives it maximum portability
- plus-circleThat means that it doesn’t need a long hose nor do you need to carry gallons of pressurized tanks
We do not like
- minus-circleAlthough it can work with walnut shells, it’s not best suited for it
- minus-circleYou’re better off using it with a different medium
- minus-circleIt needs a lot more pressure than the standard to be strong in sandblasting
3. Budget Pick: Generic Sandblaster Air Siphon
Our budget pick won’t let you spend more than 20 US dollars. Generic’s Ceramic Tips Abrasive Sand Blaster is a siphon sandblaster that’s as cheap as it can get. It makes use of a feed blast gun nozzle with a minimum air requirement of six CFM (cubic feet per minute) at 80 psi.
It is made with die cast aluminum and also has an aluminum pistol grip, making it heavy duty yet comfortable for the hands. Buying the set would include four ceramic nozzle sizes: 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm.
We like
- plus-circleIt comes with four different nozzle sizes making it highly versatile even for just home use
- plus-circleIt is effortless to use even for non-professional users
- plus-circleIt is very cheap for its type yet it still manages to finish the job
We do not like
- minus-circleThe might be a little difficult to attach due to the metal nut type tip
- minus-circleThat is most especially if you do not have the right tools to work with at home
- minus-circleYou might have to use a finer grit media for fewer jams
4. Upgrade Pick: Unitec Sandblaster
For my upgrade pick, we’re going with Unitec’s Speed Sandblaster. Since it’s right on the pricier side, you can expect this sandblaster to reach around 50 US dollars and above. Still, what you’re getting here is a quality product that’s sure to last.
While some of our previous products are known to be robust and efficient in sandblasting, Unitec is best known for speed. The main feature to look out for here is its gravity-fed design. Gravity helps release the particles at a much faster rate, giving this gun leverage for the toughest jobs.
We like
- plus-circleDurable Sandblaster
- plus-circleIts nozzle is made of high-quality ceramic to take the beating of continuous usage
- plus-circleLikewise, the body of it is made of thick plastic to reduce wear and tear over time
- plus-circleGravity-fed feature
- plus-circleIts best feature which hardens the particles into steel before launching it out of the nozzle
- plus-circleConvenient to use
- plus-circleIt does not make use of a long hose or a large air compressor cabinet
We do not like
- minus-circleWhile it’s a powerful handheld blaster, it’s not best suitable for large applications
- minus-circleSince it doesn’t use an air compressor assembly, the force it spouts can be limited
- minus-circleIt’s not okay when used for long stretches
5. Niche Pick: Performance Tool M570C Heavy Duty Sandblaster Kit
Performance Tool makes it last in my list as the niche pick. Meaning, it’s the one product that has several flaws, but it’s also a specialist in one important area. With that said, Performance Tool’s Sandblaster Kit is the best sandblaster for small projects and etching.
While some of the products we reviewed are also good at this, Performance Tool does a little bit more. That is because it’s designed to cater to smaller projects due to its ceramic nozzle and real trigger gun.
We like
- plus-circleA specialist for etching and removing rust in small projects
- plus-circleThe nozzle along with its lasting power is designed to focus on smaller surface areas
- plus-circleBecause it’s lighter in blasting, it also makes it an excellent tool for etching designs
- plus-circlePortable and easy to use
- plus-circleThis item doesn’t need any maintenance at all
- plus-circleMoreover, it’s also portable which gives you an edge when you don’t want to work with a cabinet
- plus-circleIt comes with a complete set
- plus-circleYou get a hex wrench, long-wearing nozzle tips, air jets, and a 10-inch rubber hose
We do not like
- minus-circleNot powerful enough
- minus-circleThus, this should be strictly used for removing rust, dirt, paint, and much more in small areas only
- minus-circleNot the most durable
- minus-circleThe ceramic nozzle is durable, but the casing can be quite a problem over time
All about sandblasting
Sandblasting is simply a cleaning method. However, what makes sandblasting a different kind of cleaning method is that it propels or blasts off fine bits of material with high pressure or velocity.
Also known as abrasive grit blasting, this cleaning method makes use of various brushes which is then blasted off through a nozzle with compressed air. Steel grit, baking soda, plastic, crushed glass and aluminum oxide are just some of the common abrasives used by this method.
However, it is important to note that not all kinds of surfaces can use sandblasting as a cleaning method. Some of the best situations to apply this method to would be for preparing a surface before applying paint, bond or coat.
Another one would be when removing scale, sand, rust or paint from fabricated structures. This method is also helpful if you are trying to achieve a matte cosmetic surface finish. And lastly, for surface texturing.
However, these are just some of the many things you can use the sandblasting. Do not be afraid to research more if the nature of your project falls under any of the range of applications for sandblasting.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Sandblaster
Again, there are several factors you need to consider first before you purchase a sandblaster. But these factors to consider do not have to be complicated. Aside from your budget or the nature of your project, here are some more things we think you need to look out for:
Type of sandblaster
It is the first thing you can consider. What would be the kind of sandblaster that you need? There are three main types of sandblaster: the gravity-fed, the siphon and the pressure sandblaster.
The gravity-fed sandblaster makes use of gravity, just as the name suggests. A container called hopper should be on top of the gun and inside it would be the sand. This sand is the one that you can use for blasting.
After getting hooked to an air compressor and the trigger pressed, air and sandblasts off the nozzle at high speed. On the other hand, the siphon sandblaster can also be quite similar to the gravity-fed.
However, instead of the hopper mounted on top of the gun, it is located below the nozzle. Because of this, the sand will travel to the nose in a suction-like manner instead of as the air is blasted off.
And last would be the pressure sandblaster. Instead of just the standard container, it makes use highly pressurized sand canisters. The sandblasting gun hooked to the cannister then blasts off sand after you pull the trigger.
However, this type can come off as a little more expensive compared to other types. A price you have to pay as this type is so much easier to use. Also, you cannot reuse sand or old canisters. A new canister is a must.
Size of the sandblaster
That is another thing you need might want to find. It is most particularly useful if you are planning to take your sandblaster outside to a project site instead of just home use. There are mini, large and industrial sandblasters.
Mini sandblasters are usually portable and handheld, designed to work well with hard to reach areas. This type is ideal for car prepping. It can be either for removing rust or paint for refinishing work.
You can even use it to etch glass designs. However, do note would be more suitable for glass work or more delicate projects.
Large sandblasters, on the other hand, can cover even more work aside from car refinishing such as removing old house paint for repaints and renovations. Due to its size, the large sandblaster should be on stable surfaces such as a cabinet or bench for support.
However, it is easily portable by a cart with wheels.
Finally, the industrial sandblaster. Usually mounted on a large truck, industrial sandblasters for professionals that can be suitable blasting off the rust and paint from buildings. Although this type is heavy duty, they can be even more expensive compared to other sandblaster types.
Media Selection
Also, another factor to consider would be the type of media you want to use. Depending on the size, shape, hardness, and density of the particle you want to use, decide on whether you want to use sand, baking soda, ceramic grit, etc.
You can explore a broad range of media types, so don’t be afraid to find out which one works best for you.
Key features
Lastly, would be the key features. Does it have a warranty? Will it always need a new canister? Does it have safety features? These little things can help make sandblasting more convenient and less risky for you.
Especially, you will be dealing with high pressure blasting to do the job.
The Verdict
So there’s my list of the best sandblasters to consider buying. Remember, it’s important that you know what the nature of the project you are completing. That gives you a foundation on what to look for, what to consider, and what to avoid. Sandblasters are pretty cheap, but let’s not waste any money and time either way.
Hence, I’ll wrap this article up by talking about Campbell Hausfeld’s sandblaster as the winner. While that sandblaster isn’t the most portable or easy to use, it compensates substantially through sheer power.
Sandblasters are tasked to remove unwanted surface layers. Bearing that in mind, Campbell Hausfeld stands above the rest in surface removal! If you found this article informative, leave a comment and share this to your friends. Good luck!
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