Grit Blasting

Hull preparation prior to painting

Iron Silicate

The safe alternative to sand

High Pressure Compressed Air

For optimal surface roughness and removal of contaminates

Grit Blasting

Grit blasting, sand blasting or abrasive blasting are all terms used to describe the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface under high pressure to smooth a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface or remove surface contaminants.

We use iron silicate to roughen, which is actually better for the environment than quarrying natural rocks. It’s purposely produced during the refining and recycling processes of copper.

Grit blasting slots are limited due to the impact on the surroundings in the yard, the team and other clients. We do NOT grit blast cabins.

We only take bookings between April and October due to cold weather conditions affecting the process.

P&S Marine Gritblasting Service

  • High pressure surface preparation
  • You need a primer before blacking
  • It’s noisy and messy
  • Limited slots available. Slots are generally 2 – 3 weeks long

Remember grit blasting can reveal pits and other damage to the hull, which will then need to be addressed before painting. We do offer steelwork and welding services, but this is discussed and quoted on a one to one basis.

Although we do not offer Epoxy you may wish to still grit blast prior to hullblacking using SML bitumen.

Pricing

Grit Blasting per foot (inc. VAT)

          • £ 64.50 p/f Narrow beam Band 1 | Whole hull
          • £ 70.50 p/f Wide beam Bands 2 – 4 | Whole hull
          • Part hull blasting also available
Grit blasting in progress
It's a messy job
Fully Blasted
A hole revealed after blasting

“Just left having had loads of brilliant work done. All really helpful, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Had grit blasting, pad welding, 3 coats of epoxy (DIY), other fixes around the boat including the sceptic tank removed, woodworking, chemical fixes and other welding jobs. Learned a lot from everyone as well. Had a great time (4 weeks) in the yard and would definitely recommend. As solo woman on a boat this is really refreshing. (Sept 2023)”

Hannah Calascione

Other Services

Cranage

The largest lifting capacity on the UK inland waterways

Hardstanding

Dry docking for you and your boat, and free WiFi

Engine Servicing

Smooth your sailing with consistent maintenance

Anodes

Cathodic protection for your canal boat

Steelwork

Fabrication, welding and overplating for your boat

Hull Blacking

Two coats of SML bitumen for the
hull of your vessel

FAQ

The most frequently asked questions about grit blasting are answered here, but if you would like to ask an additional question please click below
GLORIA: DO NOT USE THE TOP QUESTION - IT IS INVISIBLE
Do I need to grit blast?
This is often down to the age of the boat. For example a Dutch barge being surveyed: the surveyor may request that the hull is grit blasted in order to adequately survey the condition of the hull. It is a personal choice though.
How long will it take to grit blast?
We allow 2 week slots for grit blasting and applications of coatings. You will get up to 3 weeks if you are DIY epoxy.
Is it something I can do myself?
No.
What if I want to apply Epoxy after grit blasting?
Once P&S Marine have grit blasted and applied blast primer, you are welcome to apply Epoxy yourself. We can source Epoxy for you or you can bring your own. Please note you are responsible for application and length of time required to cure and achieve the manufacturers minimum requirements. You will have a total of 3 weeks on hardstanding.
What are the Bands?
Our pricing is split into Bands 1 to 4 for blacking, depending on the width of your boat but for grit blasting all wide beams are priced at the same rate.
Band 1 – Narrow boat up to 7ft
Band 2 – 4 Wide beam 7ft 1in to 14ft
Prices start at a minimum 40ft in length