Media blasting for dummies

Thin bits of metal and bright blue light. Including glass & trim.

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itchyfeet
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Media blasting for dummies

Post by itchyfeet »

I'd like to try this on the Van body to treat small rust areas and seams

I have found only a few quotes worth reading with the search,not nearly enough info and so I'm hoping to collect some more together here to prevent wasting my money on the wrong kit and help others too.

Comments, recommendations and links welcome on the topics below
New topics welcome as are pictures and experiences.

A) heath and safety, the dust can be dangerous if in hailed.
What type of media is most dangerous and what type is best
What precautions are needed.

B) Damage to the panels being blasted.
What grade and type of media is required for thin panels to prevent warping
What methods can be used to prevent panels warping.

C) Blasting gun
What types of gun are best to use for body work?
What are the pros/cons of guns that collect the media?
Do you need different guns for different media?

D) Air compressor.
What is the minimum size/ cost compressor that is suitable?

Quotes

toomanytoys wrote:Sand blasting needs A LOT of air... and it makes a right mess... great for localised rust areas/seams etc if you have a half reasonable compressor..(50L+ tank) but dont expect to do more than a few inches at a time....

steveo3002 wrote:i'll second that , you need a beast of a compressor to sandblast well

i have a 2.5hp 25ltr and it can sandblast about a 2p size then it runs out of puff lol


boatbuilder wrote:The problem with blasting is that you can't get in between seams etc properly without taking them apart first. I found it useful having my own blaster and being able to do small areas as I went along.

bigherb wrote:Buy one of these and do it yourself.
https://www.sealey.co.uk/product/563719 ... g-capacity" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


what2do wrote:There are lots of different types of media. Some will leave the metal looking grey and dull, others will leave it shining like a new pin. Stuff used for heavy gauge such as your towbar generate a lot of heat and would distort body panels as was discovered by Boatbuilder at a huge cost to himself as the panels were trashed.

One type of media will not do all jobs, better to have a selection.

shaky wrote:
alank950 wrote:Thanks for the replys guys
I can move the van to a spray unit with a compressor if needed owned by my sisters boyfriend.I was hoping to avoid this due to costs but will arrange something .I can still roller the van with combi-color though.
Wondering if I can use a bag of sand with this blaster?


Nooooo!!! ...... If you want to reach old age only use proper blasting grit..... Silicosis is a nasty plus sand is too soft, breaks down into a fine dust that settles nicely into the lungs!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicosis




I have been looking at these, thoughts?


https://www.sealey.co.uk/product/563719 ... asting-kit" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Air Recirculating Economy Sandblasting Kit
SG10E £30 on ebay
Air Consumption:5-10cfm,
Operating Pressure: 60-120psi


https://www.sgs-engineering.com/sc50h-5 ... compressor" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
sc50h-50-litre-high-flow-air-compressor
£120
50 litre air tank
9.6 CFM air displacement
Discharge Pressure: 115 PSI / 8 bar

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/sc100v- ... compressor" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
100-litre-high-flow-air-compressor
£240
100 litre air tank
Air Displacement: 14.6 CFM
Discharge Pressure: 115 PSI / 8 bar



https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/20-kg-a ... e-120-gri/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
20-kg-aluminium-oxide-abrasive-120-grit
£43
It is ideal for paint removal, cleaning, etching and surface preparation. Can be used on all metals, brick, concrete and other masonry.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/20kg-gl ... -abrasive/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
20kg-glass-bead-abrasive
£42
Glass bead abrasive is a light, dust-free material for a delicate finish. Ideal for professional cleaning, etching, polishing and surface preparation.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/20-kg-b ... e-80-grit/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
GP22 Garnet Abrasive
£31
Reusable abrasive for spotblast, grit guns & sandblasters.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke- ... sive-22kg/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
coarse-grain-soda-blast-abrasive-22kg
£66
This soda blast abrasive is for use with sand blasters & cabinets. The softness of the material is perfect for more delicate cleaning without causing unwanted damage and is suitable for a wide range of cleaning and blasting applications including cleaning body shop panels, boat hulls, manufacturing equipment, food processing equipment and more. Commonly used for classic car restoration as it will not etch glass or damage body work, this coarse grain blast abrasive also leaves a rust inhibitor once applied. It is also ideal for brick and stone work restoration as the softness of the soda will clean without damaging weak mortar. It is also very effective for treating fire & smoke damaged areas and mould removal as it cleans and deodorises. This abrasive isn't just a great cleaner it's environmentally friendly too, leaving no mess as it washes away with water.
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ZsZ
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Re: Media blasting for dummies

Post by ZsZ »

Not sure if they available at this side of the pond, but there are some good media blaster attachments for pressure washers in the USA.
I think they are more suitable to DIY as there is no dust so no expensive H&S equipment needed
Google shows a lot of interesting i fo
https://www.google.com/search?q=pressur ... a+blasting" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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itchyfeet
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Re: Media blasting for dummies

Post by itchyfeet »

ZsZ wrote:Not sure if they available at this side of the pond, but there are some good media blaster attachments for pressure washers in the USA.
I think they are more suitable to DIY as there is no dust so no expensive H&S equipment needed
Google shows a lot of interesting i fo
https://www.google.com/search?q=pressur ... a+blasting" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks but I really can'rt see using water as a good idea for seams :shock:
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itchyfeet
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Re: Media blasting for dummies

Post by itchyfeet »

Please don't make me ask on facebook :rofl

Somebody must have done it?
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Re: Media blasting for dummies

Post by slowcoach »

I've just had some work done by our local man last month, seemed like a great job. He used kiln dried sand. Said it was messy, but guess it's cheap and it seemed to workfor him. He's used a few different types of media, but was happy enough with the sand. I've no more knowledge than that though!
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Re: Media blasting for dummies

Post by Gordo89 »

What did you go with in the end?

i need to do the underside of the van.

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