Blog

The Importance of Proper Containment on Abrasive Blasting Jobsites

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:23:08 GMT

Containment is a vital part of every surface preparation job, but its complexity can vary depending on circumstances such as job site needs, the material being removed (hazardous vs non-hazardous), and proximity to other activities, trade workers, pedestrians, or businesses.

Removing Corrosion from Power Station Condensers

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:20:18 GMT

When Sponge-Jet distributor SIM (Specialised Industrial Maintenance) arrived at a major power station in Perth, Australia, they found that the condensers had serious corrosion and coating deterioration. Deep inside the system, years of exposure to steam, heat, and chemical residues had taken their toll, causing the original coatings to fail. Although it couldn’t be seen from the outside, it was threatening the integrity of critical infrastructure.

The Iconic Prometheus in NYC Shines Again

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:26:24 GMT

At the center of Rockefeller Center in New York City stands Prometheus, the iconic 18-foot tall, eight-ton, gilded bronze sculpture seen by millions of visitors every year. As one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, Prometheus is one of the most photographed pieces of art in the country. Designed by Art Deco icon Paul Howard Manship, and originally installed nearly a century ago, the 2025 restoration work on this priceless sculpture required exceptional care.

Paint Removal from CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) Block

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:05:17 GMT

Commonly found in commercial, industrial, and educational settings such as classrooms, work areas, basements, and stairwells, concrete masonry units (CMU) and concrete block are found throughout the world. CMU block is frequently painted for aesthetics, but coatings may also be chosen for other more functional reasons such as moisture resistance or to provide an anti-graffiti barrier. If staining or a coating must be removed, a method of surface prep must be considered that preserves the structural integrity of the block.

Why Manufacturers Use Sponge-Jet for their Surface Prep Needs

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 19:09:51 GMT

Many manufacturers are turning to Sponge-Jet products for their surface preparation needs. With safety and efficiency as a top priority, these facilities are looking for ways to perform necessary surface preparation projects while avoiding shutdown and blasting near both sensitive equipment and other trades nearby.

Using Sponge Media on Lead Abatement Projects in Mill Buildings

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:29:38 GMT

Many buildings built or last renovated prior to 1978 have a high chance of containing lead-based paint. Constructed in the 19th and early 20th century, mill buildings are no exception. Now vacated and scheduled for redevelopment, lead paint is a common find in pre-project surveys. In most cases, the lead paint needs to be removed altogether, especially if the mill buildings are going to be turned into residential or mixed-use spaces. While this may involve higher upfront costs, the long-term benefits are often worth it, removing the problem once and for all.

Areas Where Plants and Facilities Use Sponge-Jet

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:55:57 GMT

Regular maintenance is critical for keeping industrial plants and facilities operational and productive. Over time, equipment, ceilings, and other surfaces can see soot and grease build up and coatings fail, potentially compromising operations, reducing efficiency, and has the potential to impact worker safety. In order to tackle these challenges, many facility owners are adding Sponge Blasting to properly clean and prep surfaces with minimal operational disruptions or unnecessary shutdowns.

Coatings Removal on Superyacht Ship Hull

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 19:12:26 GMT

Along the Balearic Sea on the coast of mainland Spain sits Marina Barcelona, a well-known Marina within the yachting community. Within this Marina sat a €30 Million (40 Million USD) Superyacht in need of surface preparation on its hull. Yacht hulls define its speed, strength, and stability, so when hull coatings fail, the overall integrity of the ship becomes compromised, directly impacting the yacht’s performance and fuel efficiency.

What is Surface Preparation in Painting?

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Fri, 30 May 2025 14:10:34 GMT

Whether painting delicate surfaces like tin ceilings, or industrial surfaces such as machinery or roof decking, the quality and longevity of the paint job relies on the surface preparation before coating. On large square footage painting projects, surface prep is often the least considered step, but in reality, it’s the most crucial and plays a key role in the overall success of the paint job. Investing time and effort in this stage is essential to achieve lasting, high-quality results.

Removing Sap from Steel Floors in Australia

sp-editor@spongejet.com (Sponge-Jet) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:22:28 GMT

At a Kimberly-Clark Australia facility, there was significant corrosion on the grating of their coliseum tower floors. Years of exposure to damp, sticky conditions had caused a build-up of sap on the steel surfaces, damaging the coatings and causing extensive corrosion. This was impacting work environments, and they knew they needed to remove the contaminants and blast all of the corroded steel for surface prep prior to recoating.