Preserving the integrity and aesthetic of antique and historical metalwork requires a delicate balance of precision, power, and preservation. Shot blasting machine's, when designed and applied correctly, serve as the ideal restoration tool for this demanding task. At Airo Shot Blast, we bring decades of expertise in the art of surface preparation, ensuring that heritage metals regain their original brilliance without compromising historical value.
Antique and historical metalwork encompasses artifacts, sculptures, gates, railings, weapons, tools, and architectural fixtures that date back centuries. These pieces often suffer from rust, oxidation, corrosion, and environmental degradation. Their restoration demands an approach that is both non-invasive and highly effective, maintaining authenticity while revitalizing surface finish.
Shot blasting stands as the cornerstone of this process — cleaning, profiling, and preparing the surface while retaining the intricacies and details of the original craftsmanship.
Shot blasting provides a controlled abrasive cleaning process, making it ideal for sensitive surfaces. With adjustable pressure and media type, we ensure that fragile patinas, engravings, and delicate contours remain undisturbed while corrosion and grime are eliminated.
Antique artifacts can be composed of cast iron, bronze, copper, wrought iron, or even silver alloys. We utilize customized media such as glass beads, aluminum oxide, or walnut shells depending on the metal composition, ensuring the perfect finish without surface pitting or distortion.
Our shot blasting machines ensure uniform abrasion, a critical feature when restoring large artifacts like cast-iron staircases or wrought-iron gates. A consistent finish improves not only the visual appearance but also the adhesion of any post-treatment processes like coating or painting.
We engineer machines that support a wide variety of media — from soft organic materials for gentle cleaning to harder abrasives for deep corrosion removal. Media can be tailored depending on the age, structure, and fragility of the metalwork.
Our machines offer precise pressure regulation, allowing operators to fine-tune blasting intensity. This ensures that fragile filigree work and high-relief engravings are preserved while oxidation is efficiently removed.
Old metals often contain lead-based paints, oxides, and contaminants. Our shot blasting systems integrate advanced dust extraction units that ensure safe operation, compliance with conservation standards, and environmental safety.
We provide portable shot blasting units that can be transported to historical sites, museums, or restoration workshops. These compact machines are perfect for in-situ restoration, eliminating the risk of transporting fragile items.
From Victorian gates to Art Nouveau railings, we use shot blasting to remove rust layers while preserving cast-in details and motifs. A fine abrasive with low-pressure settings ensures no loss of definition.
Bronze reacts differently to oxidation, forming a green patina. When undesirable, this patina can be carefully removed using micro-blasting techniques within our machines, leaving the underlying metal intact and ready for waxing or lacquering.
Ancient swords, armor plates, muskets, and cannons often arrive with thick layers of corrosion and dirt. Our machines use fine abrasives and enclosed blast chambers to clean surfaces safely, restoring metallic luster without harming the original metal matrix.
We specialize in restoring metal staircases, balustrades, beams, and columns recovered from colonial buildings. Our automated tumble blast and rotary table systems allow thorough and consistent cleaning across geometrically complex items.
Material
Recommended Media
Reason
Cast Iron
Steel Grit or Glass Beads
Removes rust without harming casting details
Bronze
Walnut Shells or Fine Glass Beads
Gentle action that maintains surface finish
Copper
Plastic Abrasive or Crushed Glass
Avoids deformation and over-cleaning
Wrought Iron
Steel Shot or Aluminum Oxide
Removes layers uniformly, prepares for coating
Leaded Items
Sodium Bicarbonate
Environmentally safe and non-abrasive
Heritage conservation must comply with strict safety standards. Our shot blasting systems integrate:
HEPA filtration for lead particle containment
Sound-dampened blast cabinets for noise-sensitive environments
Low-dust media to reduce airborne contamination
Operator safety gear including visors, gloves, and overalls
Closed-loop recycling of media to reduce waste
These systems not only protect workers but also ensure compliance with museum-grade restoration protocols.
We restored a full set of bronze candleholders and altar frames, coated with decades of grime and corrosion. Using low-pressure glass bead blasting, we preserved engraved designs while revealing their original glow.
Heavily corroded Victorian railings were cleaned using a portable shot blasting machine onsite. A protective coating was then applied, extending their life by 25+ years.
A batch of antique rifles and sabres from a private collection was brought back to life through fine abrasive blasting, revealing marks of the original blacksmith without damaging blade sharpness or shape.
After blasting, surfaces require immediate treatment to prevent re-corrosion:
Protective Priming – Application of zinc-rich primer for ferrous metals.
Sealing and Waxing – Especially important for decorative bronze and copper items.
Electrostatic Powder Coating – Durable and consistent finish for exterior applications.
Clear Lacquering – Preserves original patina while preventing oxidation.
Our in-house team provides these services to ensure that restoration isn’t just temporary — it’s enduring.
Precision Engineered: Designed specifically for heritage metalwork
Media Versatility: Compatible with all soft and hard abrasive types
Low Noise and Dust Emissions: Ideal for sensitive environments
Customizability: Machines tailored to artifact types and site constraints
Portable and Fixed Options: Workshop or on-site usage flexibility
Expert Consultation: Our team assists in media selection, machine configuration, and usage training
Restoring antiques and historical metalwork is not just a technical process — it’s a commitment to preserving human heritage. Our shot blasting machines, backed by decades of research and industry expertise, are crafted to uphold the highest standards of precision, care, and cultural responsibility. Whether you're a museum conservator, metal restoration expert, or a heritage preservationist, our solutions offer unmatched value, ensuring each item is restored with the respect and detail it deserves.
Contact us today to explore our specialized shot blasting systems and discover how we can assist in your next antique metal restoration project.