How Much Does it Cost to Sandblast in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, sandblasting a home's exterior costs $987, with most prices ranging from $455 to $1,659 or $1.50 to $7 per square foot. Factors like your location, the surface size, the method used, and the project's complexity will affect the overall cost. Regular sandblasting not only enhances your property's appearance but also prolongs the lifespan of its exterior. Hiring a professional sandblasting contractor ensures the job is done correctly and keeps your household safe.

Sandblasting Cost Factors

The top factors influencing the price of sandblasting are the project size, media or the abrasive you're using, the surface you're sandblasting, and local labor rates.

Size

Sandblasting contractors charge $1.50 to $7 per square foot, depending on the area you’re sandblasting and the media and method used. The total project cost will heavily depend on how large of an area you’re sandblasting. A small, 100-square-foot area may only cost a few hundred dollars, but if you're going to sandblast 2,000 square feet or more, expect to pay upwards of $3,000.

Media

Sandblasting involves propelling tiny bits of material at high speed to clean or even carve a surface. Due to health concerns like silicosis from traditional sand, pros now use safer particles like steel grit, shells, and powdered abrasives. Some surfaces require a lighter touch, while others can handle harsher abrasives to remove stubborn contaminants. 

Delicate abrasives like corn cobs and silica are readily available and cost under $2 per pound. On the higher end, less common abrasives like copper slag and silicon carbide can run up to $5 per pound.

Surface

The type of surface you’d like to clean dictates what abrasive you should use. Some surfaces, like stucco or wood, are soft and easily damaged, requiring a lower pressure and a more delicate abrasive.

On the other hand, wrought iron and concrete are tough and can withstand more abuse. However, wrought iron is the most costly surface to clean because it's the most time-consuming, thanks to all the fine detail and intricate shapes that make blasting more of a challenge.

Labor

While most jobs are priced based on the surface you want to be sandblasted, some contractors charge by the hour, especially for small areas requiring precise, detailed work. Typical hourly rates for sandblasting range from $50 to $80 per hour and can go up to $300 per hour for complex projects.

These costs include surface preparation, job planning, sandblasting, finishing, and cleanup.

Sandblasting Costs by Method

Ranging from $1 to $5 per square foot, the price of sandblasting varies significantly based on your chosen method. A contractor can advise you of the best option for your particular project. For example, sandblasting a wheel rim requires a different type of sandblasting than the exterior of your home. Take a look at the most common sandblasting methods below and see their costs vary per square foot.

Hydro Blasting

The cost of hydro blasting ranges between $1 and $2.50 per square foot. This method is the most affordable option because it doesn't use sand or other abrasives. Instead, it's the power of the clean water that cleans the surface it hits.

Wet Sandblasting

Expect to pay between $1.70 and $3.25 per square foot for wet sandblasting. Wet sandblasting uses wet sand to clean and rub the surface that needs attention. Mixing the sand with water prevents the sand from becoming airborne and speeds up the cleaning time, reducing how much you have to pay in labor costs. But unless a rust inhibitor is used, wet sandblasting isn't the best option for corrosive surfaces, as the water can accelerate corrosion.

Dry Sandblasting

You'll pay between $2 and $4.50 for dry sandblasting. The higher cost compared to wet sandblasting is because dry sandblasting takes longer. Because more dust particles float around with this type of blasting, workers also have a greater risk factor, and they need more PPE to keep themselves safe.

Dry Ice Blasting

For dry ice blasting, expect to pay between $3.50 and $5 per square foot. Solid CO2 ice is forced through the nozzle under pressure and sprayed onto the target surface. The pellets dislodge any contaminants as they make contact, releasing extreme heat to clean the surface as they dissipate. Dry ice should not be used inside a room without adequate ventilation, as it can cause CO 2g, which can be deadly.

DIY vs. Hiring a Sandblasting Pro

While it might be tempting to tackle sandblasting yourself to save money, this challenging and potentially hazardous task is best left to professionals. Experts have the necessary knowledge and specialized equipment to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. Sandblasting involves highly abrasive materials that pose serious risks to your lungs, skin, eyes, and nose. Professional sandblasting contractors are equipped with protective gear, such as full masks with respirators and bodysuits, to safeguard themselves, making them the safest choice for this demanding work.

They also know which sandblasting materials are best suited for your project, minimizing waste and maximizing effectiveness.

Before deciding to DIY, consult with a local sandblasting professional. They can provide a quote and help you make an informed decision for your project.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.