There are many different areas of an automobile (or truck or van or …) that need to be blasted to remove paint and rust prior to re-finishing the vehicle. Each area of the car can handle different types of media blasting.
Frames are very durable and can be stripped with aggressive media without worry about metal warping. Thin body panels can be damaged (i.e, warped) if the media generates heat during blasting. Engine parts typically require a more aesthetically critical surface finish requirement.
Here are a few blasting media options for stripping the different areas of a vehicle:
Aluminum Oxide – Quick stripping; aggressive; generates heat during blasting; extremely durable and reusable; generally used in a cabinet
Glass Bead – Unique, peened surface finish; smooth, uniform finish on steel and aluminum; generates some heat; recyclable; used in a cabinet
Walnut Shell Grit – Slower strip rate; softer media; no heat or warping on thin panels; reusable 2-4 times; will remove paint and rust; excellent general, multi-purpose media
Crushed Glass Grit – Moderately aggressive stripping; generates some heat and potential warping; consumable (not reusable); used in portable blast systems
Plastic Abrasive Media – Specialty, abrasive stripping media; no warping; moderate strip rate; very reusable; will not remove rust; used in both portable and cabinet systems
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