glass bead have zinc?

[hefrod]

Hey guys I have a a question about my sand blaster.
I use glass beads in it, when I blast a part it has a somewhat glossy or zinc color to it. Will this glass bead cause any problems while Copy Chrome plating?

The copper flash goes on beautifully. I SP degrease and pickle after blasting.

Thanks

[mcaswell]

I think what you see is the polishing action of the beads, not any zinc.

Because they are round, they glide along the surface, burnishing it.
Aluminum oxide, however, has irregular sharp angular shapes, which dig into the surface. The particles tend to explode, when aimed at 90 degrees, and it is this abrasive explosion which scratches up the surface, and removes rust more effectively.

So, use glass beads to polish/burnish, use Al oxide to remove rust/paint, and to rough up a surfaceto accept paint.

Plating prefers a smooth polished/burnished surface.

[jimcarry]

Originally Posted by hefrod

Hey guys I have a a question about my sand blaster.
I use glass beads in it, when I blast a part it has a somewhat glossy or zinc color to it. Will this glass bead cause any problems while Copy Chrome plating?

The copper flash goes on beautifully. I SP degrease and pickle after blasting.

Thanks

also if you havent you can read my article on soda blasting
here What to replace sand with (blasting) ? and more info here What blasting media?