Using a hopper gun to blast small pieces and brackets. Accidentally bought a 10 pound bag of US Minerals black diamond media but cant find any specific information on the use, damage possibility, or cleanup. Any advice would be appreciated, also recommendations for a media to remove paint, grime, and light rust.

 

I use black diamond media from Tractor Supply it's about 7-8 bucks for a 50lb bag. For interior and delicate parts I use their fine media 30/60 or ultra fine. For painted or rusty parts I use the medium 20/40. Always remove any grime, at least the best you can, before you blast. Also when blasting be sure to have a mask or respirator. You don't want to be breathing that crap in.

 

Will that media do any damage to the metal as sand would? Also is there any prep work afterwards besides wiping down prior to applying primer? Hoping to do this all at home to save money, except the frame due to grime after sitting for twenty years

 

I also use the black diamond media from tractor supply. I run it through a Harbor Freight soda blasting tank. I had to switch out the brass ball valves with stainless steel ones because the black diamond would blast through the side of the brass valves in 30 seconds. I am happy with finish it leaves on the parts. Have used it on fenders, inner fenders, frame and various small parts. Ranger is right about the safety equipment. Do NOT blast with out it.

 

As for damage to the metal, just keep the gun moving don't stop in one spot. I bought a cheap harbor freight blaster for small parts such as nuts, bolts, and washers. You will find that it is a slow process unless you have a really good compressor, good meaning EXPENSIVE.

 

Black Diamond media is actually coal slag , softer than sand and glass and my preferred media to blast with .

 

Interesting. I have been wondering the same thing and since we now have a few TSC's here in the Phoneix area finally maybe I need to run up the road to Wickenburg to check it out and grab some for the small parts. I have a small 20lb tank from HF and have been wanting to test it out but it is difficult to find clear direct info on media.

 

What cleaner / solvent is recommended to prep metal before priming once you are finished blasting?

 

I use a wipe down with Ospho rust inhibitor followed by wiping down with acetone then epoxy primer . If you are using a self etching primer instead of epoxy primer then follow the acetone with thinner designed for the self etch then prime

 

Thanks for that info. Starting in on a lot of blasting and painting work.

 

Need to Blast the front bumper & mounting brackets of my 64. What is the best media for this project?

 

sand is harsh and leaves huge pits and a very rough surface , I would use " Black Diamond " which is ground up coal slag or glass beads .

 

As noted, do not use sand, the silica can be very harmful, I use 'glass bead' and aluminum oxide. Initially started off w/ a media blaster but soon found regardless of the type of medium I used it would travel quite a distance; fortunately, I have understanding neighbors, can put a dull sheen on vehicle paint. Decided to go with a HF blasting cabinet, the type with a door on each side; thus, I was able to blast large items by sealing one side with a plastic bag. Came across a 'how to' article on hooking up the sandblaster to my cabinet; O Yea. Also found, in blasting the larger items, regardless of the type protection gear I used the medium would seek every orifice in the human body, made my life miserable for a few days. Now I just stick with the smaller items.

Try a few online supplier's they usually provide description on types of medium and use. Post link as example:
Most Popular Abrasives - TP Tools & Equipment

Suggest check directory for local supplier's, I was fortunate to come across an industrial sandblasting equipment and medium supplier relatively close and saved quite a bit on the cost of shipping.

 

if you have a Tractor supply or a Northern Tool in your area thy carry the glass beads for less than 12 bucks a 50 lb bag .