How to Blast Metal

Media blasting metal can be done using a wide variety of materials, ranging from walnut shells to sand to baking soda, each with their own degree of scouring power. This is done to remove paint, corrosion or other contaminants on the metal surface to prepare it for the application of paint, powder coating or repair processes. Regardless of what media you use, however, the same techniques apply for using the media-blasting tools.

Air compressor with air lines
Media-blasting gun and reservoir
Abrasive blasting media
Face mask (recommended)

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the blasting gun's reservoir with your choice of blasting media. For removal of rust, use sand. For paint removal on delicate materials, use soda or walnut shells.
- 2
  Switch on the air compressor, and allow it to build pressure up to its maximum capacity. Adjust the blasting gun pressure to between 40 and 50 PSI (pounds per square inch).
- 3
  Position the media-blasting gun directly over the metal to be blasted, aiming the gun as necessary. Hold the blasting gun approximately 16 inches from the metal surface. If you are using sand, avoid getting any closer, as the heat created by the blasting media against thin metals can cause them to warp.
- 4
  Pull the trigger of the blasting gun. It will take a few seconds for the blasting media to siphon from the reservoir to the gun. When it does, you will begin to notice the rust or paint beginning to flake away from the metal. Move the gun slowly over the surface, avoiding remaining in one spot for too long -- this will begin to remove the metal itself, creating an impression in the metal.
- 5
  Continue blasting until the metal has been cleaned completely. Steel will take on a slightly grey hue. Other metals will lose their gloss and turn slightly dull.

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