We have all heard of Sandblasting, Silica Sand is forced out a ceramic tip at a high pressure (60-100 psi). But it was found to cause silicosis after breathing the dust for prolonged periods of time. Now instead of silica sand, materials such as steel grit, glass beads, dry ice and even coconut shells are used for certain applications. The problem with Sandblasting is that it is like using sandpaper to remove the paint from the surface. It not only removes the paint and rust, but can also do surface damage to the material, by pitting it, warping and possibly stretching it. I remember we used a Sandblaster once using the Silica Sand to remove the finish on a concrete slab we had poured. The dust was bad and we used bags and bags of Silica Sand to do the job. I would not to use this system on an old Classic Car.

Now days most Restoration Professionals use what is called Media Blasting. This is similar to Sandblasting with a few differences. The first is the difference in pressure, with Sandblasting it is typical to use 60 to 100 psi, but with Media Blasting 14 to 40 psi is used. The need for a lower psi in Media Blasting is because softer reusable matter with plastic particles is used. Being that a softer material and lower pressure is used, it is able to remove the paint and rust without causing damage to the underlying surface. It can even be used to remove paint from aluminum, fiberglass and even plastics. There are five major types of media used in Media Blasting, polyester, urea, melamine, acrylic and clear-cut.

When doing a Restoration on an old Classic, you could just rough up the old paint and repaint over it. But some of the new paints perform questionably when applied over the old painted surfaces. With the use of Media Blasting the surface, you not only get down to the bare metal, you will also find hidden area's of rust and area's where body filler was used. Getting the surface down to the bare metal will insure that you have a fresh start and are then able to do an exceptional restoration project.

Author: Mike Hanson