sand/media blasting

[Wicked_Jester]

what is the best media or sand for blasting aluminum? Im getting a cheap harbor freight blaster tomorrow and I have some stuff I need to blast for a build so that it all matches:?

[PEDEcrawlerguy]

You can use Walnut shell, aluminum oxide, Black beauty( some call it black diamond), sand. #1 would be good for small stuff, gives a smoother finish than using #2 sand..

Have a Tractor Supply close? You can buy 50lb bags of Black diamond there for like $8.99 is what I think I paid for the last bag i got..

[C*H*U*D]

What are you getting it ready for? Paint....powder-coat....bare finish? Walnut shells will work, but if you want to paint or powder-coat, I'd go with something a bit more abrasive. You want to give the finish some tooth for your coating to adhere to. Black Beauty is great for this.....you can get it at welding supply stores......actually it's coal slag. Cheap and works well.

Whatever you get, WEAR A RESPIRATOR!!! You only have one set of lungs

[Wicked_Jester]

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

What are you getting it ready for? Paint....powder-coat....bare finish? Walnut shells will work, but if you want to paint or powder-coat, I'd go with something a bit more abrasive. You want to give the finish some tooth for your coating to adhere to. Black Beauty is great for this.....you can get it at welding supply stores......actually it's coal slag. Cheap and works well.

Whatever you get, WEAR A RESPIRATOR!!! You only have one set of lungs

bare finish, already have a respirator for welding, I have to weld some nasty steel that is coated for my real job

[InFlames]

Their is no real bad way to strip something. Sand blasting, media blasting and soda blasting all get the job done.

[Wicked_Jester]

what will give the best looking finish?

[gas]

i just use fine sand the cement guys use its 4 bucks for 50# at home depot works great

[wanantrdsc]

I have bead blasted a lot of various types of aluminum, polymer, SS, steel, etc.

Sand blasting is really a removal media. Wanna remove rust, paint, etc., go for it.

Sand blasting is inappropriate for doing a matte finish, which sounds like what you want. Sand blasting will pit, and damage your material. You want to glass bead blast it. Glass dulls, and gives a matte finish, without pits, damage, and leaves aluminum nice and smooth.

Glass, definitely glass!

[Wicked_Jester]

Originally Posted by wanantrdsc

I have bead blasted a lot of various types of aluminum, polymer, SS, steel, etc.

Sand blasting is really a removal media. Wanna remove rust, paint, etc., go for it.

Sand blasting is inappropriate for doing a matte finish, which sounds like what you want. Sand blasting will pit, and damage your material. You want to glass bead blast it. Glass dulls, and gives a matte finish, without pits, damage, and leaves aluminum nice and smooth.

Glass, definitely glass!

well actually I want both, I need to remove ano. and powdercoat then finish it

[wanantrdsc]

I hate removing powder coat, takes a bit, but the bead will do it, just have to use larger beads.

[KBrog]

I used to blast intake mainfolds. Glass beads gave a nice brite finish. The others left a dark dull mate finish.

[wanantrdsc]

I have always gotten matte. Does the brighter finish come from a certain size media, and using it on aluminum/iron manifolds? Would the specific alloy of aluminum, impact whether the finish was matte or shiny?

[Mr Glassman]

I use silicon carbide 120 grit on glass that works pretty well on alum. It won't pit as much because of the fine grit. Whatever you do don't use sand that chit will kill you

[KBrog]

Originally Posted by wanantrdsc

I have always gotten matte. Does the brighter finish come from a certain size media, and using it on aluminum/iron manifolds? Would the specific alloy of aluminum, impact whether the finish was matte or shiny?

I guess its somewhat like sanding something with 120 vs 600 grit sandpaper. I used it on aluminum manifolds. I got it from Northern Tool. It was super fine and super slick. It said right on the bag that it would leave a nice finish. I forget the exact words it said, but something about a brite finish. I do know it made the aluminum look brand new. I does still leave a grainy surface. Not a polished finish at all. If you blast a polished surface it will be gone.