Cast iron table bases, bound for restaurants abroad
Not every job ends in a coat of paint. Some customers want the metal itself.
- Trading since 2001
- 23 m blast unit
- SPA & IPAF trained
- Avetta member
- Tower Bridge · Brighton Pier · Cadbury
We regularly sandblast cast iron table bases for a furniture maker who wants a natural metal patina rather than a painted finish. The finished tables end up in restaurants abroad.
It's a good reminder that blasting isn't only about getting metal ready for paint. Sometimes the blasted metal is the finish.
What did the furniture maker need?
Cast iron centres and bases with a clean, natural metal surface: no paint and no powder coat, just the iron itself, with the detail of each casting on show. Whatever is on a base when it arrives, whether that's casting scale, surface rust or an old coating, has to come off completely, leaving an even, matt grey finish.
Why does an even finish matter on restaurant tables?
Restaurants set tables out side by side, so any difference between one base and the next shows straight away. A natural metal finish has nowhere to hide. There's no paint to even things out, so the blasting itself has to be consistent from the first base to the last.
The bases also have to cope with busy dining rooms, with chair legs, shoes and daily mopping around them. That's why the way the iron is protected after blasting matters as much as the blast itself.
How do you sandblast cast iron to a natural patina?
- Check each castingBases are looked over for cracks, chips and old repairs. Cast iron is brittle, so it's handled with care.
- Mask what mattersThreads, machined faces and anything that mustn't be blasted are covered up first.
- Set the mediaA media and pressure that clean the iron to an even, matt finish while keeping the casting's edges crisp.
- Blast every faceTops, undersides and every curve, so there are no shiny spots or missed shadows.
- InspectChecked in good light and touched up where needed, so the whole batch matches.
- Ready to finishBare iron starts to rust if it's left, so the bases are ready for sealing or coating as soon as they're done.
What finish options are there for cast iron table bases?
Left completely bare, cast iron will start to rust, so a natural finish nearly always needs some kind of sealer.
Natural, sealed
A clear lacquer, wax or oil keeps the raw iron look while slowing rust. Wax deepens the colour slightly, and lacquer gives the most wipe-clean surface.
Powder coated
The toughest option for busy commercial use, in gloss, satin or matt, with a choice of any RAL colour.
Spray painted
Primed and spray painted in your chosen colour, over the same blasted surface.
What else can be blasted to a natural metal finish?
The same approach works on most cast iron and steel furniture and fittings:
- Bar stool and chair frames
- Bench ends and table legs
- Sewing machine treadle bases
- Cast iron radiators
- Fireplaces and fire surrounds
- Shelf brackets and hardware
- Lamp bases
- Signs and decorative castings
Prefer colour? The same pieces can go straight on to be powder coated. Outdoor furniture is covered on our garden furniture and gates page, and pieces from around the home under residential blast cleaning. Our guide to restoring wrought iron gates covers the blast-and-coat route in more detail.
Do you blast for furniture makers and other trade customers?
Yes. We handle batches as well as one-offs, and regular work for makers, restorers and fabricators is very welcome. Batches can be dropped at Belmont Farm, near Burton upon Trent, and collection is something we can talk about for larger loads.
How do I get a price for blasting table bases?
WhatsApp us a photo of a typical base with its rough height and width, how many you have and the finish you're after. The price depends on the size and condition of the castings, and the quote is free. You can also call 01283 813528 during opening hours: from 7:30am every weekday, until 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 2:30pm on Friday.
Frequently asked questions
Will sandblasted cast iron rust?
Yes, if it's left bare. Freshly blasted iron is clean and reactive, so it should be sealed or coated soon after blasting. A clear lacquer, wax or oil keeps the natural look, and powder coating gives the most protection.
Can you blast new castings as well as old ones?
Yes. New castings often carry scale and residue from the foundry, and blasting gives them a clean, uniform surface for whichever finish you choose. Older pieces with rust and layers of paint are stripped in the same way.
Is cast iron too brittle to sandblast?
No. Blasting doesn't harm sound cast iron. It's knocks and drops that crack castings, so they're handled carefully and properly supported while they're worked on.
Can you time the work around our own finishing?
Yes. If you're sealing or coating the bases yourself, tell us when you book and we'll plan the timing so they're ready for you to finish straight away.
Can you blast aluminium table bases?
Yes. Aluminium is softer than iron, so it's cleaned with a lighter, non-ferrous abrasive that won't mark it or leave steel particles behind.
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Find out moreFive-star reviews from Google
A selection of our five-star Google reviews.
Had our garden furniture blasted and painted, great job and saved it for another few years
Fantastic job fantastic price really pleased with gates and railings
Great job and good price recommended
Tell us about the job
Send a few details and, if you can, a photo or two. Gareth or the team will come back to you with a price or a few questions. Photos help us quote accurately without a site visit.
WhatsApp us a photo for a quick price+44 7957 583965 · usually the quickest way
- Office01283 813528
- Mobile07957 583965
- WhatsApp+44 7957 583965
- Emailenquiries
@belmontshotblasting.co.uk - YardBelmont Farm, Belmot Road, Needwood, Burton upon Trent DE13 9PH
- HoursMon to Thu 7:30am to 4:30pm, Fri 7:30am to 2:30pm