Eco-Friendly Methods

Walnut & Corn Cob
Media Blasting

Gentle yet effective surface preparation using organic, biodegradable blasting media. Remove paint, coatings, and contaminants without damaging delicate surfaces.

Media blasting in progress in Delaware Ohio

Why Organic Media Blasting?

Traditional sandblasting can be too aggressive for many surfaces, causing damage to the underlying material. Our organic media options—walnut shells and corn cob—provide effective cleaning power while being gentle enough for delicate applications.

Both media are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them ideal for residential areas and projects where sustainability matters.

Won't damage substrates
100% biodegradable
Safe for all surfaces
Eco-friendly disposal
Before Surface before media blasting in Delaware Ohio
After Surface after media blasting in Delaware Ohio

Our Blasting Methods

Two proven organic media options for any project

Most Gentle

Walnut Shell Blasting

Crushed walnut shells create an extremely gentle blasting media perfect for sensitive surfaces. The angular shape provides effective cleaning action while the soft organic material won't scratch or etch delicate substrates.

Ideal Applications:
  • Wood surfaces and log homes
  • Automotive interiors and engine cleaning
  • Brick and masonry cleaning
  • Fiberglass and plastic parts
  • Historic restoration projects
  • Aircraft components
Best For:

Delicate surfaces where you need to remove coatings without any risk of damage to the underlying material. Walnut is softer than most substrates, so it cleans effectively without etching.

Most Versatile

Corn Cob Blasting

Ground corn cob media offers slightly more aggressive cleaning than walnut while remaining gentle on surfaces. Its absorbent nature makes it excellent for removing oils, grease, and other contaminants along with coatings.

Ideal Applications:
  • Paint and coating removal
  • Degreasing metal parts
  • Cleaning machinery and equipment
  • Removing carbon deposits
  • Surface preparation for recoating
  • Automotive restoration
Best For:

Projects requiring oil and grease removal along with coating stripping. The absorbent corn cob particles pull contaminants away from surfaces while cleaning.

Which Method is Right for You?

A quick comparison to help you choose

Feature Walnut Shell Corn Cob
Aggressiveness Very Gentle Gentle to Moderate
Best Surface Types Wood, Fiberglass, Plastic Metal, Painted Surfaces
Oil/Grease Removal Good Excellent
Coating Removal Light to Medium Medium to Heavy
Surface Profile Minimal Light Profile
Biodegradable Yes Yes

Not sure which is right for your project? Contact us and we'll recommend the best option.

Common Applications

Organic media blasting for a variety of projects

Paint Stripping

Remove old paint without damaging substrates

Log Home Restoration

Strip and restore log structures gently

Brick Cleaning

Restore brick without erosion

Automotive

Classic car & parts restoration

Machinery

Clean and degrease equipment

Wood Surfaces

Decks, fences, furniture prep

Historic Restoration

Preserve delicate historic details

Graffiti Removal

Remove without surface damage

Why ACI for Media Blasting

Professional Results, Gentle Methods

Surface-Safe Approach

We select the right media and adjust pressure to clean effectively without damaging your surfaces.

Eco-Friendly Process

Both walnut and corn cob are biodegradable and environmentally safe—no toxic waste or contamination.

Mobile Service

We bring our equipment to your location throughout Central Ohio. Large or small projects welcome.

Complete Solutions

Need refinishing after blasting? We can apply protective coatings for a complete restoration.

Get a Blasting Quote

Describe your project and we'll recommend the right media and provide a free estimate.

Media Blasting FAQs

Common questions about walnut and corn cob blasting.

Ask a Question

No—that's the main advantage of organic media! Walnut shells and corn cob are softer than most substrates, so they remove coatings and contaminants without etching or damaging the underlying surface. They're safe for wood, brick, fiberglass, plastic, and even soft metals when used properly.

Cost depends on surface area, type of contamination, and accessibility. Small items may cost $75-$250, while larger projects like log homes or equipment restoration vary based on scope. We provide free detailed quotes after assessing your project.

Yes! We offer mobile blasting services throughout Columbus and Central Ohio. For items that can't be moved—like log homes, brick buildings, or large equipment—we come to you with portable equipment and set up proper containment.

Walnut shell is the gentlest option—ideal for very delicate surfaces like wood, fiberglass, and historic restoration. Corn cob is slightly more aggressive and has excellent oil-absorbing properties, making it better for degreasing and paint removal on harder surfaces. We'll recommend the best option for your specific project.

Yes! Both walnut shells and corn cob are 100% biodegradable and organic. The spent media (along with whatever it removed) is collected and disposed of properly. For projects removing lead paint or other hazardous materials, we follow all EPA regulations for safe handling and disposal.

Ready to Restore Your Surfaces?

Get a free quote for gentle, effective media blasting.