#120 Grit Aluminum Oxide Blast Media (12 LBS) - Durable Abrasive

Our review of the #120 grit aluminum oxide blast media finds it best suited for DIYers and small shops that need a tough, reusable abrasive for rust and paint removal. The single biggest reason to buy is durability: this brown fused aluminum oxide has a Mohs hardness of 9 and an angular particle shape that gives the media long cycle life compared with glass or silica, so users get more cuts per pound and lower replacement frequency.

Key Features

• High hardness: The brown fused aluminum oxide rates about 9 on the Mohs scale, allowing quick etch and effective removal of rust and old coatings from metal and stone surfaces.
• Long-lasting: The angular grains resist breakdown and provide a longer cycle life than many blast media, which lowers operating cost over time.
• Versatile use: It works on a wide range of substrates including glass, granite, marble, ceramic and steel for jobs like glass etching and sandblasting.
• Eco-friendly: The media contains no free silica and is marketed as 100% recycled, enabling wet or dry blasting with reduced health concerns when proper PPE is used.
• Practical packaging: The product ships in a sturdy white bucket for easier transport and storage without the mess of a cardboard bag.

Who It's For

This blast media is ideal for hobbyists, auto repair shops and fabricators using sandblasters or blasting cabinets who need an abrasive that holds up under repeated cycles. It is also a good fit for glass etching and small restoration jobs where aggressive cutting action is required.

Those who should look elsewhere include operators who require very fine finish polishing or softer abrasives for delicate substrates, and large industrial operations that buy in bulk formats different from a 12 lb bucket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High abrasive force removes rust and paint efficiently.
• Longer lifespan than silica and many glass media reduces replacement frequency.
• Works across many materials from steel to stone and glass.

Cons

• Not ideal for ultra-fine finishing or delicate surfaces that need softer abrasives.
• Some dust is reported during use, so adequate dust control and PPE are required.

Specifications

Our Verdict

For anyone needing a durable, high-cut abrasive for rust removal, paint stripping and glass etching, the #120 aluminum oxide blast media offers strong value thanks to long life and broad material compatibility. It is a practical choice for small shops and DIYers who want fewer media changes and reliable cutting power, provided they accept that it is a more aggressive abrasive than finishes require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this media be used wet?
Yes, the product is suitable for wet or dry blasting applications.

Is this safe for glass etching?
Yes, the media is effective for glass etching but use appropriate masking and control to avoid over-etching.

Does it contain free silica?
The manufacturer states the media has no free silica and is made from recycled materials.