New Orleans is known for its ports, shipyards, industrial complexes, and vibrant infrastructure projects. These sectors depend on surface preparation materials that work under pressure, deliver consistent results, and hold up in humid, demanding environments. For many contractors and maintenance teams, slag abrasives are the solution of choice.
From coating removal to rust elimination, slag abrasives offer the kind of cleaning power that modern industrial applications require. And in a region like Southeast Louisiana — where marine environments, weather exposure, and corrosion are constant challenges — the right blasting media makes all the difference. This slag abrasives supplier in New Orleans, Louisiana is going to explain how below.
What Are Slag Abrasives?
Slag abrasives are created as a byproduct of the smelting process, typically from metals like copper, coal, or nickel. These materials are cooled, crushed, and screened into specific grit sizes, forming a dense, angular media that’s highly effective for abrasive blasting.
Slag abrasives are considered expendable, meaning they are typically used once and then disposed of. However, their sharp edges and heavy weight make them ideal for quickly removing surface contaminants while creating a uniform profile ready for recoating.
Because of their structure and strength, slag abrasives are a popular alternative to silica sand, offering reduced health risks and better performance in many applications.
Common Applications of Slag Abrasives in Louisiana
Slag-based media is used across many industries and job types in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. Some of the most common include:
1. Shipyard Maintenance and Repair
Marine vessels require regular cleaning and recoating to prevent corrosion. Slag abrasives are used to strip down hulls, decks, and ballast tanks in preparation for paint and protective coatings.
2. Tank and Pipeline Surface Prep
Aboveground and underground tanks used in chemical, oil, and water treatment facilities must be maintained regularly. Slag abrasives help remove coatings and corrosion, restoring surfaces to bare metal for inspection or repainting.
3. Structural Steel Refurbishment
Bridges, support towers, and other exposed steel structures need abrasive cleaning to maintain their integrity. Slag media creates a clean anchor profile that helps new coatings bond properly.
4. Industrial Equipment Overhaul
Heavy equipment used in factories, power plants, and terminals undergoes routine servicing that includes abrasive blasting to remove buildup, rust, or degraded paint.
5. Concrete Surface Cleaning
Some forms of slag abrasive can be used to clean and texture concrete, especially for sidewalks, parking decks, or industrial flooring. This prepares the surface for sealing or re-coating.
A local slag abrasives supplier in New Orleans, Louisiana helps keep these operations moving by offering fast delivery and expert guidance on the right grit for each job.
Selecting the Right Grit Size
The effectiveness of slag abrasives depends heavily on the grit size used. Coarse grits remove thicker materials and create deeper profiles, while finer grits provide a smoother finish suitable for more delicate or detailed work.
Common grit sizes include:
- 12/40 Mesh: A coarse blend ideal for heavy rust, paint, and scale
- 20/50 Mesh: A medium-grade option suited for general-purpose applications
- 30/60 Mesh: A finer grit used when a smoother finish is required, or where surface damage must be minimized
The right supplier will help match your job requirements to the appropriate abrasive size, ensuring both speed and surface quality.
Looking for a Slag Abrasives Supplier in New Orleans, Louisiana?
When your surface prep work demands speed, consistency, and strength, slag abrasives deliver results you can count on. From shipyards to storage tanks and everything in between, these materials provide the clean, reliable finish required to move your project forward.
Are you ready to partner with a professional slag abrasives supplier in New Orleans, Louisiana that offers the product range, regional insight, and dependable logistics to help your crew perform at its best? If so, Black Diamond Abrasives is the company to call. Contact us today at 800-803-2803 to get started.