Media Blasting by Heritage Steel Window Repair
Media blasting removes paint, rust and old finishes quickly by blowing an abrasive or soft media at the surface. Chosen correctly, it cleans steel down to bare metal without warping it, or strips wood without gouging it.
We use media blasting in our own steel window restoration and also offer it for doors, railings, log homes and exterior surfaces.
Choosing the Right Media
Steel window sashes are usually blasted with fine abrasive to reach clean bare metal for priming. Wood and softer surfaces get softer media, such as crushed glass at low pressure or organic media, that removes finish without damaging the grain.
Glass, masonry and nearby surfaces are masked and protected before we start.
Blasting Services
Lead Paint
Old coatings may contain lead. We test first, and when lead is present we use containment and collect the debris for proper disposal.
After Blasting
Bare steel flashes rust within hours, so we prime it the same day. Wood is left ready for stain or paint, and we can apply the finish or hand off to your painter.
We serve Philadelphia, the Main Line, Bucks, Chester and Delaware Counties, South Jersey and Wilmington. Related services: steel window repair, window repair, steel window restoration.
Media Blasting vs. Chemical Stripping
Chemical strippers work well on small, detailed pieces but are slow on large areas and leave residue that must be neutralized before painting. Media blasting is faster on frames, doors and siding and leaves a clean surface with a slight profile that helps primer bond.
On steel sashes we usually blast in our shop, where dust is contained and the steel can be primed right away. On site we use lower-pressure methods and softer media around glass, masonry and wood trim.
For log homes and wood siding, the right media and pressure remove old stain and graying without raising the grain or leaving pitting, so the new finish soaks in evenly.
Media Blasting Prices in Philadelphia
Starting prices for 2026 in our Philadelphia service area. Your final price depends on the number of windows, their condition and access, and is confirmed in a written estimate after a free on-site visit. No work starts without your approval.
Shop Blasting
- Blasted to bare metal
- Primed same day
- Masking included
- Pick-up available
On-Site Blasting
- Crew and equipment
- Masking and protection
- Containment
- Cleanup of media
Exterior Surfaces
- Media chosen for surface
- Glass protected
- Ready for finish
- Debris cleanup
Price List
| Service | Price | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Steel door blasting (shop) | $250 - $450 | per door |
| Railing blasting on site | $8 - $18 | per linear ft |
| Concrete / pool surface prep | $2.50 - $5 | per sq ft |
| Lead paint test | $45 - $95 | per sample |
| Lead containment setup | $350 - $900 | per job |
| Primer after blasting | $1.50 - $3 | per sq ft |
Prices include labor and standard materials. Lead-safe work practices are included on pre-1978 homes. Travel outside our usual service area may add a trip charge, quoted in advance.
Recent Media Blasting Projects
Log Home Media Blasting · Pocono region, PA
Old finish removed from a two-story log home with gentle media blasting before the new stain went on.
Cabin Exterior Blasting and Refinish · Pocono region, PA
Weathered cabin walls blasted clean around every window and door, with all glass masked and protected.
Cottage and Porch Blasting · Doylestown, PA
Cottage siding and porch posts blasted back to bare wood, preparing the trim and window frames for paint.
Stucco Patio and Pool Surface Blasting · Cherry Hill, NJ
Patio slabs and a pool shell blasted to remove coatings and stains ahead of resurfacing.
Media Blasting FAQ
Not when done correctly. Glass is masked, and media and pressure are chosen for each surface.
It creates dust, so we contain the area and clean up the spent media when we finish.
Yes. Sashes, hardware and small metalwork can be brought to our Philadelphia shop.
It depends on the surface: fine abrasives for bare-metal cleaning of steel, and softer media such as crushed glass or organic material at low pressure for wood and delicate surfaces.
For steel we always prime the same day. For wood and masonry we can apply the finish or leave the surface ready for your painter.
Get a free media blasting estimate
Call (215) 555-0163 or send us photos of your windows.