In this post, I wanted to discuss safety practices when using etching and sandblasting processes because it is very important. Even if there is only a 1 in a million chance of an accident happening, it could have been prevented by being cautious.

I actually graduated from college with an aviation degree a while back, so this is one thing that multiple courses beat into our heads about, but I still don’t always do things safely. I have done dumb things like sandblasted a glass without wearing a dust mask or respirator because it was a quick and small project. Also, I have had my sandblaster hose fall off and spit abrasive out when I had short pants and short sleeve shirts on.

These are all risky things and serious accidents can happen from it. It only takes one small accident or malfunction to hurt you severely. So I’ll list some essential safety measures that you need to follow for both the cream and sandblast processes:

Sand Blast Safety Suggestions

Sandblasting glass (glassetchingsecrets.com/glasssandblasting.html) isn’t too dangerous as long as you follow some safety precautions. It could be very dangerous if you do something wrong. Listed below are some important things to wear and rules of thumb:

Don’t sandblast with play sand because it can cause silicosis. In fact, companies that produce sand warn you not to use it for sandblasting. Even if you use the best respirator in the world, I still don’t recommend using sand. Spend a few more dollars and get some good abrasive such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. It will last multiple times longer anyway.
Use at least a dust mask at all times even if your using a cabinet. If you got an amazing cabinet with an air tight seal, then you might be okay. Even better, use a respirator mask to prevent anything getting in your lungs.
Wear safety goggles or eye wear glasses even if your using a cabinet. You never know if a hose will spring off shooting abrasive at you.
Wear long sleeve clothes even if your using a cabinet. Some cabinets leak a little and abrasive can get all over your skin and into the pores. If this happens (which it will at least a little), wash off with cool water first. Using warm or hot water opens up the pores on your skin, potentially allowing abrasive dust to fall deeper into the pore. Even better, use a professional blasting suit for projects without a cabinet.

Cream Safety Suggestions

Although etching cream (glassetchingsecrets.com/cream.html) is a very diluted & weaker acid (in comparison to others), it can still be very hazardous to your health. You should wear: