PRODUCT > SHOTBLAST CMU
Shotblast CMU
Shotblast CMU from Angelus Block is blasted with abrasive media after molding — roughening the unit face, removing sharp edges, and producing a matte, gritty surface with real tactile depth. The result is a finish that holds texture and shadow across changing light conditions, available in standard, scored, and projected profiles across a range of widths, course heights, and integral colors.
Distinctive Surface Finish
Shot-blasting roughens the face and removes sharp molded edges — delivering a matte, dimensional finish that reads differently at every scale and in every light condition.
Regional Production
California manufacturing for faster lead times and lower transport impact.
Rep-Driven Technical Support
Specification and detailing assistance from your dedicated Angelus rep.
Sustainability Focus
Applications
Shotblast CMU suits projects where surface texture and material character are central to the design intent adding warmth, scale, and tactile quality to walls that would otherwise read as flat or unremarkable
Structural Walls with Architectural Finish
Retaining Walls
Fence Walls
Shotblast Product Lines
Angelus Block offers shotblast finish across three groups of unit profiles: standard height flat-face units with their full range of structural configurations; scored units that combine the roughened texture with geometric joint patterns; and projected units that layer physical relief and shadow depth on top of the shotblast surface. All units meet ASTM C90 and are available in integral colors.
Standard Shotblast CMU 4″, 6″, 8″, 10", 12" Widths
The standard 8-inch high Shotblast CMU is available in a full range of structural configurations, making it the foundation of the shotblast lineup. The abrasive blasting process roughens the face and removes sharp molded edges — producing a matte, tactile surface suited to fields, accent courses, and full-wall applications.
- 4, 6, 8, 10, 12-inch wide. Ring and double open end available in 16-inch.
- Consistent face dimensions for clean joint alignment
- Compatible with standard masonry detailing and reinforcement
- Suitable for CMU veneer, structural walls, and interior partitions
Design Note: Wide unit configurations are subject to plant availability. Contact your Angelus rep to confirm sizing and lead times before issuing for bid.
Scores and Flutes
Scored Shotblast profiles combine the matte, roughened texture of shot-blasting with vertical score patterns that simulate raked mortar joints — adding horizontal and vertical rhythm, shadow lines, and visual depth to the wall elevation.
- Score units are typically special order with configuration options and plant-dependent availability.
Manufactured by Angelus Block in compliance with ASTM C90 for loadbearing concrete masonry units.
- Wall assemblies may achieve fire ratings up to four hours depending on thickness and grouting.
Included in EPD and HPD documentation and contain no VOCs, supporting sustainable building programs.
Design Note: Score Precision CMU are typically produced as special-order units and may require additional lead time for manufacturing, color selection, and plant availability; confirm availability early in the design or bidding phase.
Projected Shadow Dimensional Masonry
Projected Shotblast profiles add physical relief to the wall surface — creating strong contrasts of highlight and shadow that intensify with raking light and shift throughout the day. The shotblast texture is applied across the full unit, including projected and recessed faces.
Dimensional projections create shadow lines and surface variation across masonry walls.
- Special order only. Open end and bond beam configurations may be available.
- Manufactured in accordance with ASTM C90 Standard Specification for Loadbearing CMUs.
Depending on wall construction, assemblies may achieve fire ratings of up to 4 hours.
- Products are included in Type III EPD and HPD and contain no VOCs.
Design Note: Because many Projected Shadow units are produced to order and may vary by plant, confirm availability and scheduling with your Angelus rep during design development.
Colors & Textures
Shotblast CMU is available in a range of integral colors. Unlike a polished finish, shot-blasting does not expose or bring up the aggregate, so the integral color reads more consistently across the face, while the matte, roughened surface gives color a warmer, more grounded quality than smooth CMU.
SAMPLE: Shotblast Medium Weight Colors
Colors shown are representative only. Media reproduction affects perceived appearance. Stock availability varies by plant. Shotblast texture is a special order item. No availability guarantee implied. Request physical samples through your Angelus rep.
Available Finishes
Standard (Smooth)
Standard integral color options are available in shotblast profiles as special order. Specific color availability varies by plant location.
Special Order Colors
A wide range of integral color options is available by special order. Minimum quantities and lead times apply. Contact your rep for current color availability at your nearest plant.
SAMPLE GUIDANCE
Always request physical samples before finalizing color specifications. View samples in the project’s ambient light conditions. Physical production samples are the authoritative reference for color approval.
Technical Standards & Compliance
Precision CMU is manufactured to meet or exceed industry standards — giving your project the documentation foundation it needs from design through permit.
ASTM C90
Load-Bearing Compliance
All Angelus Block Burnished CMU — across all scored and projected profiles — meet ASTM C90 Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units.
Plant Configuration
Variability by Location
Available unit configurations, sizes, and color selections vary by manufacturing plant. Angelus operates multiple California facilities — your rep can identify which plant best serves your project location and confirm what’s currently in production.
AEC Resources
Specification & Detailing Support
Angelus Block reps provide specification assistance, CAD detailing support, and product guidance for architects, designers, and engineers.
Sustainability & Regional Advantage
Burnished CMU from Angelus Block is manufactured at California plants — supporting regional sourcing goals while meeting the documentation requirements of today’s green building standards.
— Multiple California plants reduce freight impact and support regional material credits
— Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) available for supported product lines
— Masonry’s thermal mass contributes to building energy performance
— Durable, low-maintenance construction extends building lifecycle
— CarbonKind™ product line offers enhanced sustainability positioning
Ready to Specify Precision CMU?
Whether you need availability confirmation, technical detailing support, or physical samples — your Angelus rep is the fastest path forward.
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