An old rusty car with dilapidated paint is a sight for sore eyes. But, an old vintage car with a shiny sparkling paint is a real sight to see. The process of removing old paint and rust from a vintage car or from any object or material that requires a retouch of paint is called sandblasting. The method will strip away the old covering up to the bare metal, leaving the material ready for priming.
Cleaning and removing old paints will be a necessary in order to do perfect paint job. If the material for repainting is not thoroughly stripped bare up to the metal, the paint and primer will not adhere properly and the possibility of having bubbles or bumpy paint is increased. Sandblasting was the term used because the material needed to etch away old paints and rust at very high velocity was sand. But sand poses hazards on the health of the operator because of the inhalation of fine particles and it has been linked to causing silicosis. Hence new and safer blasting materials were introduced like powdered abrasives, steel grit, walnut shells, and copper slugs. Regardless of what blasting material is used it is important to use protective gear at all times. You should also have an alternate form of air supply as the need for adequate ventilation is of prime importance to prevent the inhalation of blasted particles.
Sandblasting to Create Works of Art
Sandblasting is not only used for cleaning but also in the creation of works of art. Etching names or words and creating designs on glass materials can be done using several sandblasting tricks. First it is necessary to have the glass cut in a semi-opaque shape. This is called whiting or snowing. The process is done by doing a controlled blasting of abrasive materials on the surface of the glass on differing angles to create the desired effect. A stencil must be in placed in order to protect other areas that do not need to be blasted away. This type of sandblasting is usually performed by professionals for this can prove to be quite difficult to perform. Once done properly the effects of light hitting the glass will create a beautiful illumination that will be very comforting and beautiful to look at.
Glass is not the only material that a work of art can be created with. Other materials like wood or metal can also be designed using the same sandblasting tips mentioned above. Wood furniture will be made bare without ornaments or decorative art work. Sandblasting will make it more appealing and the art work can be made to fit for whatever concept the owner would like it to be. Be it American or European art design will prove to be of no consequence depending on the taste of the owner.
Ceramics are one of the most common materials used for home decor and utensils that use sandblasting to make it appealing. An amateur can perform these tasks without a problem if proper ceramic sandblasting tips are followed. Some antiques are made of ceramics, because of the passage of time it is inevitable that designs may become faded and cracks will develop. Sandblasting is one of the preferred techniques in restoring these priceless artifacts to their former glory.
Removing Paint with Sandblasters Tips
Be it a vintage car or piece of furniture these sandblaster tips will prove helpful to professionals and amateurs alike. First and foremost in the list always is safety. Proper gear and ventilation will protect the operator in contracting a lung disease. Correct usage of the equipments will also prevent injury. When these precautions are already in place removing of paint will be snap and you will finish safely.
The first thing to consider is what type of sandblaster will be needed to perform the task at hand. With different varieties available selecting the proper equipment is critical to the success of your project. Usually a project needs more than one type of sandblaster to have the kind of finish one would like to attain. A correct form of media material will prove to also be of importance. Removing paint is easy but using the wrong sandblasting media and equipment will become a tedious process. The users’ manual of your sandblasting equipment has recommendations on these things and it is advisable to follow these sandblaster tips.
Abrasive blasting comes in many forms but if one is thinking about removing paints hydro blasting is recommended. This lessens the impact to the environment because the water can be reused continuously and it will be able to reach places that other blasting techniques are not able to do. This type of technique will also protect the surface of the materials being blasted. Other sandblasting abrasive methods to choose from include a wet abrasive method, bead blasting, wheel blasting, and micro abrasive blasting.
How to Procure Sandblasting Equipments
Tips of sandblasting equipments can be found on the internet. Reviews and articles regarding the different types and usage will be available and will give you an idea as to what brands will give the best results. Like the Campbell Hausfeld AT1226 Sandblasting Kit that is available at www.amazon.com. Recommendations of accompanying accessories can be found in order to achieve the highest potential workability of the product. Most reviews of products are positive stating that it is able to do the job efficiently. One thing that it would require is the need for a large compressor in order for it to work properly.
Other sites like the www.ehow.com, also offer sandblasting tips for beginners and professionals alike. Different types of nozzles and different types of equipments to be used in varying sandblasting jobs are also discussed in this site. At www.sandblastersinfo.com one will also find reviews of different types and brands of sandblasters. A video also shows sandblasting of a car window creating a beautiful design making the car look very appealing. Available on this site are latest news and advisories regarding the technology.
Other sites also offer information regarding sandblasters. All you have to do is log on to the internet and search for sandblasting data, there are plenty of tips, tricks, and ideas for all levels of sandblasting.