Sandblasting Sheet Metal

Here are 7 tips that can help you choose the best abrasive medium for your specific blasting applications.

Sandblasting sheet metal.

Abrasive blasting which is the process of using specialized machinery to project or shoot media at high speed across a hard surface can be ideal for removing old finishes it can also power away rust or prepare the surface for painting. However you must choose the sandblasting media carefully. A sheet metal shrinker stretcher is perfect for any type of metal fabrication you need for your classic car and it keeps the metal completely flat without crimps. When a sufficiently hard abrasive particle strikes steel it deforms the surface into a valley and pushes up peaks.

Contact us to learn more about the various types of abrasive blasting media we offer today. A recent customer contacted me asking if it is caused by heat created from the abrasive or from peening of the abrasive impacting the sheet metal. When sandblasting rust away a good rule of thumb for media is to start gentle and step up. Sandblasting your car can remove rust stains and help prepare your car for new paint.

As a general rule blasting pressures should be maintained below 35 psi pressure pot type systems for all automotive sheet metal applications including the exterior surfaces of hoods deck lids and top panels. Sandblasting automotive sheet metal personally i would never use sand on a car body the sand goes in all kinds of nooks and crannies and provides a nice environment for moisture to collect leading to rust. Hoods deck lids and top panels require special instruction and 60 120 grit black magnum to prevent damage to these panels. Sheet metal shrinker stretcher for your classic car.

When he realized sandblasting can warp sheet metal in the industry he was told it was due to heat and another person said it was from peening. As a recognized leader in the metal finishing industry for more than 40 years finishing systems has the experience and expertise to help you select the best media for your sandblasting applications. The wrong media may damage the metal panels of your car causing small dents or other flaws. The distance between the top of the peak and the bottom of the valley is known as the depth profile.

Mark oja gives a brief demonstration on how the stretcher works and then shows you an example of a finished product.