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Gunsmithing Sandblasting Prep????

gathumper

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 16, 2011
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South Florida
Can someone please help a brother out? I am wanting to prep a couple handguns and a rifle for Cerakote. There is nobody in my area that does sandblasting, so I'm on my own. I am considering buying a portable sandblaster to have for these occasions. Can someone please tell me what types of media that I need to be looking at, or if there are cheaper alternatives. I have looked at the aluminum oxide media, but at $50 for 25 lbs it just seems like a real waste seeing as how I will be unable to re-use the media. One of the handguns is a stainless finish, the other handgun and rifle are standard parkarized. I can really use some advice if anyone is willing.
 
Re: Sandblasting Prep????

I've been using the white play sand from Lowe's and a Craftsman blasting gun. Do your blasting outside and a respirator is a good idea unless you build a cabinet.
 
Re: Sandblasting Prep????

Aluminum oxide 100-120 grit is suggested. I'm sure most media will work however the ao will etch the surface and produce a surface Cerakote likes. I've used 70 grit in a pinch and it worked, but I stick to 100.