plastic media blasting

[JHertzman@domain.elided]

Andy Kress asks "what media you are referring to", probably in response to 
"Spend $350 bucks and have a media blaster take the paint off". There are 
many media, but when people say "media blast" it is safe to assume that they 
are talking about plastic media. At a DIY level Eastwood sells five media- 
glass beads, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide (which they call silicone 
carbide, sigh), walnut shells, and "poly abrasive". The plastic media costs 
considerably more and is used at lower pressures and higher volumes than the 
others, takes more time and more expensive equipment in commercial use, and 
is by far the most gentle. The $350 is about right, and Andy's sand-blaster 
was quite properly concerned about panel damage. At a DIY level, if you have 
a suitable space and an air-supplied respirator the glass beads should be a 
reasonable way to go.

John H.  

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