• Sandblasting can be used to create delicate patterns on glass.light with elaborate glass shade image by Adam Middleton from Fotolia.com
  
  Common uses for sandblasters include removing paint, rust from metal or dirt from brick, and as an artist's etching tool on glass. Tiny abrasive beads are mixed with pressurized air and sometimes water to literally blast the surface with sand, removing unwanted material and/or the surface's top layer. Sandblasting requires a variety of sandblasting tools.
  
  

Siphon Sandblaster

• The siphon sandblaster has a small gun-like tip that releases sand and highly pressurized air when the trigger is pressed. The siphon is good for small jobs like etching and cleaning small parts. Because the tool is small and often used indoors, it should be used inside a sandblast box, a closed box with a window that allows you to stick your hands inside through gloved holes.
  
  

Pressure Washer Blaster

• The pressure washer blaster has a long tip attached to a hose that delivers a blast of sand and pressurized water. The pressure washer is good for removing spray paint graffiti from brick and cleaning large parts. Pressure washers generate little dust due to the water, so are effective for outside jobs.
  
  

Pressure Pot Blaster

• The pressure pot blaster uses a tank with a compressor to blast highly pressurized air and sand. The pressure can be adjusted to be stronger than a siphon blaster , so it is good for tough jobs and large sculptures. A pressure pot blaster is used with a sandblast box to prevent dust inhalation.
  
  

Soda Blaster

• Soda blasting is similar to pressure pot blasting, but uses sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) instead of a sand abrasive. Unlike sand, soda does not abrade the surface as it removes paint, rust or dirt, and it doesn't create hazardous dust. Soda blasting is good for small and large jobs, but is not meant for etching.