#120 Aluminum Oxide 12 LBS - Fine Premium Long-Lasting Sand Blasting

In this review of the #120 Aluminum Oxide 12 LBS blasting media we look at who will benefit most and why its hardness and longevity stand out. The bottom line: this is a good choice for professionals and hobbyists who need a sharp, reusable abrasive that cleans and etches a wide range of materials without introducing silica contamination. The reviewer found the material especially useful for paint removal, glass etching and repeated cycles in blasting cabinets due to its density and angular grit.

Key Features

• Hardness: Being one of the hardest common abrasives, it effectively etches glass and cuts through coatings for reliable surface prep.
• Longevity: The grain is long lasting and resists breakdown so it delivers consistent performance over many cycles.
• Sharp angular grit: The angular particles provide aggressive cutting action that speeds paint and rust removal without excessive media consumption.
• Non-reactive: It does not react with substrates or coatings so it can be used before painting or sealing without interference.
• Low silica content: The product advertises no detectable crystalline silica and a much longer life than silica, improving safety and economy.
• High density: With a specific gravity around 3.9 and heavy bulk density, it transfers energy efficiently for fast cleaning.

Who It's For

This media is aimed at metalworkers, restoration specialists and serious DIYers who run a sandblaster, blasting cabinet or blasting gun and need a consistent, aggressive abrasive for cleaning, deburring and etching. Its hardness makes it useful for glass etching and for removing stubborn coatings where softer media fail.

Those who need extremely fine cosmetic finishes or want a softer, less aggressive media for delicate woodwork may prefer an alternative. Also, operators who require single-use disposable abrasives for contamination-sensitive processes should consider whether reusable media fits their workflow.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable, long life reduces frequency of replacement and lowers operating cost.
• Effective on multiple surfaces including metal, glass, stone and wood for versatile use.
• Sharp, high density grit provides fast, aggressive material removal and efficient blasting cycles.
• Non-reactive composition and no detectable crystalline silica as advertised improve safety and compatibility with coatings.

Cons

• Ultra fine, aggressive grit may be too harsh for very delicate finishes where a softer media is preferred.
• Heavier specific gravity means handling and containment are more important in portable setups to avoid dust or loss.

Specifications

Product	#120 Aluminum Oxide
Weight	12 LBS
Grit	Fine (ultra fine grit)
Specific gravity	3.9
Bulk density	115-125 lbs/ft. 3
Reactivity	Non-reactant, compatible with coatings
Origin	Made in Canada

Our Verdict

The #120 Aluminum Oxide 12 LBS is a solid value for anyone needing a high-strength, long-lasting blasting media that works across metal, glass, stone and wood. It delivers aggressive, reusable performance with low breakdown and is especially worthwhile for users running blasting cabinets or guns who want efficient paint and rust removal without silica concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be used on glass?
Yes. Its hardness is greater than glass so it is effective for etching and controlled surface texturing.

Is the media reusable?
Yes. The material is noted for long life and high reusability compared with many other blast medias.

Does it contain crystalline silica?
The product information states no detectable crystalline silica and highlights its longer cycle life versus silica.