Beadblasting Grit Size

Tom Militano · Oct 4, 2003

What is an all around good grit and type of medium for beadblasting? I'm going to buy a cabinet shortly and I want a matte finish on some of the blades and handles. I guess I'm looking at more than one grit, huh? I don't want something that will eat away grind lines. I want to be able to bead blast G10 and micarta also. Thanks.

Kit Carson · Oct 4, 2003

Tom,
Ceramic bead. SEPR B60

Tom Militano · Oct 4, 2003

Thanks Kit. Do you have a source or web address for it?

Kit Carson · Oct 4, 2003

Tom,
They changed names so let me find the card.

Mike Hull · Oct 4, 2003

This is the last # for them.
Fusco Abrasives
1-800-899-3872

It's possible they have the same #, even if they changed names.

Kit Carson · Oct 4, 2003

Mike,
Thanks. The number and all is still the same.
Tom,
B-60 SEPR Ceramic Bead. It's expensive but will last forever and leaves a nice smooth matt finish.

heatride · Oct 5, 2003

This post was meant for me . I just TODAY went to Harbor Freight and got a cabinet was gonna post this myself. Kit is this the only thing you use for a finish in yours? And Tom I went to our local Harbor Freight they had a nice cabinet table top model that I got for 89 bucks.Kit what grit do you bring the blade's to before the bead blast finish I am gonna guess 400 but thats all it is is a guess.

Nathan House · Oct 5, 2003

What is the best PSI to run them at?

Kit Carson · Oct 5, 2003

Normally 400 grit before blasting. It doesn't hide anything but doesn't cut the surface either.
I leave the compressor at 120psi but have a foot pedal that controls the pressure.
The ceramic works great for a final finish but if you plan to have it coated, Alu oxide works better. Ceramic just dimples the finish where alu oxide will cut it so the coating will adhere better.