Sandblasting help needed?

R

R Dannemann

Joined
Dec 13, 2000
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265
New at using a sandblaster, been trying to matte finish hardened machined surfaces. Using the only media I could find; glass beads and glass beads with aluminum oxide, I'm not getting the matte finish I want, it still has a dull sheen. Does anyone have any ideas for other media or? My unit uses 100-110psi, maybe its not enough? Tempted to try sand or mortar/sand, wondered about humidity clumping the sand if left in the blaster, do you have to empty after use? Help!
 
You need ceramic beads for blasting hardened steel. It leaves a nice matte grey finish on ats34, almost like it was parkerized.
 
I've had great luck getting a deep matte finish with white silica sand which is available at building supply centers. Run it at 80-100 PSI
 
I often use "beach sand" that lowes sells. It cuts better then any of the beading materials I have used. Sometimes a little too well. A little trick I use is after sand blasting I coat it with the Neo-Tribal magic sealer.

Equal parts of terpintine, linseed oil and a couple of spoonfuls of japan dryer. Add a cup or so of Johnsons paste wax and a little beeswax and heat in a double boiler until it's all disolved. Store in a sealed glass jar.

I put a couple of coats on, buffing in between with a clean soft rag. It works wonders on wood and steel. Prevents rust and smells good.

Back to your matt finish. This will give the steel a great feel, protect it from rust and gives it a more gentle matt finish. No gloss just a smooth feel.

Hope it works for you!
 
Thank you Peter for your advice and formula for coating.

The matte finish is for carbon steel so I'll try it. Looking today for sand at a building supply to try first.

I do like the ceramic bead idea from L6 since it could be left in the blaster and probably would last longer but out my expense range for this attempt. :D
 
Try different grits of sand,this is more important than types of media,100 lbs pressure should be ok.again experament.70grit silica sand works best for me.
 
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