can you sandblast stainless steel?

[Jay87T]

can you sandblast stainless steel without loosing its stainless properties?
I have some nice pots, the bottom needs to be cleaned.

[jimcarry]

Re: can you sandblast stainless steel?

You can blast stainless but it is a little aggressive . What other type of methods do have if you have a polishing mtr and a Scrubber Wheel this would be less aggressive . If blasting is you only option you might try a fine glass bead or some light sanding

[sswee]

Re: can you sandblast stainless steel?

Your question is a little confusing. Stainless steel is a type or grade of metal. You can't change the properties by blasting, only the finish. What are you trying to get off? A scotchbrite pad will handle most light problems. SS

[mmmichel]

Re: can you sandblast stainless steel?

Be very wary of blasting stainless. The metal is passivated so that the rust-free elements of the alloy (nickel, etc) are at the surface. Blasting can expose rust-prone elements. Do a google search on passivating stainless.

Mike Moninger
Thermospray Company, Inc.

[sswee]

Re: can you sandblast stainless steel?

mmmichel
What grade or form of stainless does passivated stainless pertain to. I understood it to be a manufacturing process used for particular uses and not on stainless on general. SS