Properly Storing Garnet Abrasives – Preventing Damage from Moisture and Sea Salt

Garnet abrasive is a high-performance material widely used in shipbuilding, oil and gas, steel structures, and mechanical engineering. Thanks to its high hardness, outstanding cleaning ability, and low dust generation, Garnet is a top choice for many businesses.

In this article, we’ll show you how to properly store Garnet abrasives to prevent environmental damage.

1. Why Moisture and Sea Salt Can Affect Garnet Abrasives

- Garnet abrasives can absorb moisture slightly. When exposed to high humidity or sea salt, the grains can stick together, losing their sharpness.

- Sea salt can seep into metal surfaces during blasting, making paint layers more likely to peel off and reducing corrosion resistance. If the abrasive is contaminated with sea salt, it can leave salt residues on the metal, affecting coating quality.

- Moisture in the abrasive can clog blasting systems, disrupting production and increasing equipment maintenance costs.

- Using abrasives contaminated with salt can shorten equipment life and make metal surfaces corrode faster.

So, how can you avoid these issues? Follow the storage tips below to keep your Garnet abrasives in top condition.

2. How to Store Garnet Abrasives Effectively

2.1. Keep Them in a Dry Place

- Always store Garnet abrasives in a covered warehouse, away from humid air and rainwater.

- Keep warehouse humidity below 50% to minimize moisture absorption.

- Avoid storing near coastal areas or places exposed to salty air, since moisture in the air can carry salt particles that stick to the abrasives.

2.2. Store Them on Pallets

Warehouse floors can absorb moisture, which can transfer to your abrasives.

- Use wooden pallets that raise the bags at least 10–15 cm off the ground.

- Avoid placing bags directly on concrete or metal floors, as they easily collect moisture.

- Make sure there’s good ventilation around the storage area to prevent moisture buildup.

2.3. Keep the Packaging Sealed

Packaging plays a key role in protecting abrasives from moisture and contamination.

- Only open the bag when you're ready to use the product, and seal it tightly after use.

- If you find any torn or damaged bags, transfer the abrasives into a new bag immediately.

- Avoid leaving bags under direct sunlight, as heat can make the packaging brittle and easier to tear.

2.4. Check the Abrasives Before Use

Before using, always inspect your Garnet abrasives:

- If you see any clumping or signs of moisture, screen the abrasives before feeding them into the blasting system.

- If you suspect salt contamination, you can run a clean water test to check if there’s salt residue that might affect blasting equipment.

Using high-quality Garnet abrasives helps ensure perfect surface cleaning, minimizes risks, and keeps your operation costs low.
Proper storage doesn’t just protect your materials from environmental damage — it also helps maintain optimal blasting performance, extends your equipment life, and improves the final product quality.

If your business is looking for an effective, economical, and safe surface cleaning solution, get in touch with Garnet Vina. We are committed to providing top-quality Garnet abrasives that meet international standards and help streamline your production processes.