Aluminum Blasting

[04sp500]

Can you blast aluminum with glass beads only?

[DALE]

There are many types of media that work just fine, depends on your desired outcome and strength of the part.

[04sp500]

Doing a set of four wheeler rims. Mainly just cleaning up and preparing for powder.

[DALE]

Slag will work well for your application and it's cheap.Beware of media that contains silica, extended inhalation of this causes silicosis<-- very nasty lung disease.I stay away from really coarse media, it's faster but causes more metal removal.

[Wkillgs]

Glass beads work well on aluminum, especially if you will be top coating with a clear. It gives a nice sheen to the part without changing the surface too much. I've been using silicon carbide, as it's more agressive, which works really well on rusty steel or iron parts. Also seems to last longer in my blast cabinet than glass beads. I only use silica sand outdoors on large parts like fenders or frames.... using a pressure blaster. Sand gets very dusty, and as Dale mentioned, it can be hazardous to your health.

Walt