A side-by-side comparison for smarter, more sustainable surface preparation

In industrial blasting, choosing the right abrasive directly affects project efficiency, finish quality, and overall cost. Two popular options — crushed glass and garnet — dominate the market. But which one performs better for your needs?

Let’s break it down.

What is Crushed Glass Blasting Media?

Crushed glass is made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass, processed into sharp, angular particles.
Key characteristics:

Silica-free and non-toxic
Available in multiple mesh sizes (10/20 to 80+)
Produces low dust
Environmentally friendly and LEED-compliant

What is Garnet Blasting Media?

Garnet is a naturally occurring mineral abrasive, mined and processed into uniform particles.
Key characteristics:

High hardness (Mohs 7.5–8.0)
Angular to sub-angular shapes
Low dust emission compared to silica sand
Recyclable in certain applications

Performance Comparison: Crushed Glass vs. Garnet

Feature	Crushed Glass	Garnet
Cutting Speed	Fast cutting on softer coatings & rust	Excellent on hard coatings & thick rust
Surface Profile	Ideal for 2–4 mil profile	Can achieve 2–5 mil profile
Dust Generation	Low, but higher than garnet	Very low
Recyclability	Typically single-use	Can be reused multiple cycles
Cost	Lower initial cost	Higher initial cost
Environmental Impact	100% recycled, silica-free	Natural mineral, mining impact
Safety	Silica-free, inert	Silica-free, inert

When to Choose Crushed Glass

Budget-conscious projects needing fast cutting
Eco-focused operations wanting recycled materials
Single-use blasting for field work or open blasting areas
Removing paint, rust, mill scale from steel or concrete

When to Choose Garnet

High-spec industrial work requiring minimal dust
Closed-loop blasting systems where recyclability matters
Coating removal on harder substrates
Shipyard and offshore blasting where visibility is critical

Cost & Efficiency Insights

While garnet can be reused, the lower initial price of crushed glass often offsets its single-use nature. Many contractors report overall project savings using crushed glass, especially on large-scale open-air jobs.

Sustainability Considerations

Crushed glass leads in sustainability:

Diverts glass waste from landfills
Low carbon footprint from recycling
Complies with green building standards

Garnet, while natural, involves mining and has a higher environmental extraction cost.

Final Verdict

Both crushed glass and garnet are excellent blasting media, but:

Choose crushed glass for eco-friendly, cost-efficient, general-purpose blasting
Choose garnet for low-dust, high-precision, reusable applications

The right choice depends on project specs, budget, and environmental priorities.