Sandblasting is just one of several blasting-type surface finishing processes. There’s also shot blasting, which is even more effective at smoothing otherwise rough and rigid surfaces.

With sandblasting, sand is propelled against a surface. With shot blasting, on the other hand, small metal balls or beads are propelled against a surface. The balls or beads are often made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum or zinc. Regardless, all of these metals are harder than sand, making shot blasting even more effective than its sandblasting counterpart.