Best Media for Rust Removal
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If blasting aluminum, plastic media, walnut shell, or glass beads are the best choices. These have a lower Mohs hardness, so the metal surface isn’t devastated. For steel or iron, glass beads or aluminum oxide is a good choice, especially if you want to take it down to bare metal.
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Silicon Carbide for Efficient Rust Removal
Silicon carbide provides an extremely aggressive cutting action that is ideal for fast etching of glass, stone, or other hard surfaces. It also works well for removing rust or paint. Media made from carbon steel is available in shot or grit form.
- Consider Several Blast Media Options for Removing Rust:
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Silica sand: Removes rust from metal surfaces but creates hazardous dust requiring respiratory protection.
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Aluminum oxide: A durable abrasive that effectively removes rust without warping or distorting metal much.
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Glass beads: Ideal for removing thick rust coatings on large metal areas like rusty roofing. They are less expensive than other heavy medias and are easy to clean up. Glass beads also prepare metal for paint or powder coatings by denting it slightly for better bonding.
Can You Sandblast Rust Off?
Sandblasting removes rust from tools effectively without much effort or cost. Old tools rust from exposure to air, water, and other factors but sandblasting can restore them to their former glory. It works well on various materials including wood and creosote, cleaning them thoroughly.
For rust removal from cars, portable sandblasters are efficient for big panels, and the right sandblaster choice depends on the panel size and shape.
Start sandblasting gently to avoid damage, increasing pressure and using more abrasive media as necessary for rust removal. Sandblasting causes less pollution compared to chemical methods.