The Blast Shop

The Blast Shop Suppliers of specialist sandblast equipment and sound impartial advice to the memorial industry... Memorial Supplies

A client was asking about my process for enhancing low quality portraits, and although I do treat them all individually,...
24/04/2026

A client was asking about my process for enhancing low quality portraits, and although I do treat them all individually, it's probably this:

First, we'll get a low resolution or poor quality image:

As most AI tend to overcook the facial enhancement and produce inconsistent results (making people look too young, caricature-ish etc), I use Topaz Studio (I use this as part of my photography workflow too) as their facial recovery is very versatile and sympathetic:

If it's for an etch or Photostencil, I'll then use a filter to flatten the image and bring out a nice balanced contrast between black and white, then desaturate accordingly:

Always consult the client on the fidelity to the original subject.

Some recent religious designs...Sacred Heart and St Jude.
22/04/2026

Some recent religious designs...Sacred Heart and St Jude.

I'm more of a photographers photographer and I don't really go in for competitions, but was really pleased that my photo...
20/04/2026

I'm more of a photographers photographer and I don't really go in for competitions, but was really pleased that my photo of a pouncing Barn Owl came 3rd place in a recent photography comp (Lee). Taken at Gauntlet in Knutsford during a Birds of Prey Workshop.

Here's a prototype of an Angel/Clouds/Doves design I've been working on...
08/04/2026

Here's a prototype of an Angel/Clouds/Doves design I've been working on...

Here's an enhanced image of a cute dog for Photoblast stencil:
08/04/2026

Here's an enhanced image of a cute dog for Photoblast stencil:

08/04/2026

Morning! Hope everyone is doing well...

We have been advised that there is a local electricity shutdown this Friday 10th April from 09:30 - 15:00. This means unfortunately, we can't guarantee that any orders placed on Friday will be dispatched that day.

Not much we can do, as we tried to negotiate with them to change the day to the weekend...

We should still be able to take orders and answer enquiries etc.

Please, if you need any stock urgently, get your orders in today or tomorrow :-)

Steaming into Tuesday with a nice pastoral image of a farmer tilling the land on his tractor...Mono Style for painting.
31/03/2026

Steaming into Tuesday with a nice pastoral image of a farmer tilling the land on his tractor...

Mono Style for painting.

And we finish of Photoblast Phriday with a lovely enhanced BSA Motorcycle:
27/03/2026

And we finish of Photoblast Phriday with a lovely enhanced BSA Motorcycle:

Seem to be doing a lot of nice flower conversions recently...Hibiscus
25/03/2026

Seem to be doing a lot of nice flower conversions recently...

Hibiscus

Had a request for an etchable version of the Liver Bird from the Liverpool FC badge...It's usually like a plain block st...
24/03/2026

Had a request for an etchable version of the Liver Bird from the Liverpool FC badge...It's usually like a plain block style, so here's a rendered version (I know there are too many leaves in the twig, but will sort that out) :-)

Address

Langley Road, Pendlebury
Manchester
M278SS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441613516545

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