What media for sandblasting

badlander · October 4, 2008, 12:05 PM

It is time to finish my 1911 project. Thinking of parkerizing.Not sure what efects diferent abrasives have on the finished product. I already have Dupont Starblast will that work or should I get glass beads?

Smoke & Recoil · October 4, 2008, 02:11 PM

Baking soda will give you a nice smooth satin finish. Just google
"sand blasting", or "media blasting".

Scorch · October 4, 2008, 02:28 PM

Glass bead gives a nice satin finish, shot peening gives a relatively smooth finish, sand blasting gives a very matte finish. For 1911 slides, I like either sand blasting or graining with 150 or 180 grit. Originally, the matting on 1911 slides and frames was done with wire wheels at the factory.

October 4, 2008, 12:05 PM	#1
badlander Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2008 Location: So. Fla Posts: 344	What media for sandblasting It is time to finish my 1911 project. Thinking of parkerizing.Not sure what efects diferent abrasives have on the finished product. I already have Dupont Starblast will that work or should I get glass beads?

October 4, 2008, 02:28 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Glass bead gives a nice satin finish, shot peening gives a relatively smooth finish, sand blasting gives a very matte finish. For 1911 slides, I like either sand blasting or graining with 150 or 180 grit. Originally, the matting on 1911 slides and frames was done with wire wheels at the factory. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 4, 2008, 02:11 PM	#2
Smoke & Recoil Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: East shore of Lake Michigan. Posts: 714	Baking soda will give you a nice smooth satin finish. Just google "sand blasting", or "media blasting".