Media Blasting

[Liquid Asset]

Do any of you all have a preferance for what to blast the bottom with? It is time to remove all the old paint, and there are a lot of different types of blasting to have done (Sand, Soda, Water). If so, let me know what you think and if you have any recomendations for people on the west coast of Florida

 

[Boss Lady]

Sand is the most aggresive, and will definitely make for additional work if it knocks any gel coat loose. Walnut is more gentle and pretty fast. Soda blasting makes its own problems, and almost polishes the surface making adhesion problematic for some boats, it is also slow (more labor, and more media=$$$) and is pushed as the best choice because they can charge more. Do your own research, call some of the suppliers of equipment and ask them, you will get a different answer than the guys doing it (especially in the marine industry). Wet blasting is best, eliminates the dust and is less hazardous to the blaster, but you have to find someone with the equipment. I paid $1200 to have my 48 sandblasted, it only took them 5 hours.

 

[Capt K]

Look for someone in your area who uses The Farrow System. It is a "wet" system that uses low pressure and the operator has a choice of grits he can use. When the blasting is done, the bottom is usually ready for barrier coating without any further prep.

K

 

[thoward]

From what I have read the walnut shell is the best for boats. I was reading about corn cob too but that may not be agressive enough.

 

[67hat34c]

Todd, do you think soda or walnut shell would be best for scott to get the rest of the white off.

 

[Capt K]

Todd, do you think soda or walnut shell would be best for scott to get the rest of the white off.

Be careful with the soda blasting. As stated above, it leaves the surface too smooth and also leaves a residue that must be removed. Not only is it expensive, but it requires more work after the process is completed.

K

 

[Boatsb]

Be careful with the soda blasting. As stated above, it leaves the surface too smooth and also leaves a residue that must be removed. Not only is it expensive, but it requires more work after the process is completed.

K

But will it leave me with a nice complexion?

 

[Capt K]

But will it leave me with a nice complexion?

Nothing could hurt that complexion of yours! Actually, soda blasting could probably be used for your skin exfoliation, it is SO gentle. Not good for paint adherance.

K

 

[Liquid Asset]

This sounds stupid, but I can not find anyone who does any type of "Wet Blasting". Is there a specific name for that type of product? or is that the propper name. Thanks

 

[Capt K]

This sounds stupid, but I can not find anyone who does any type of "Wet Blasting". Is there a specific name for that type of product? or is that the propper name. Thanks

Call Mark Davis at 617-513-2098. Tell him Kevin from Ct told you to call him. I think he can give you the name of someone down your way.

K

 

[bobk]

One of our club members was in the business and recommended a product called Black Beauty. I never asked, but suspect it is a low density or pourous mineral like lava rock.

Bob