Beads and other blasting media

[JHertzman@xxxxxxx]

In AD7-380 Jerry in Houston, responding to a paint-stripping question, writes
"I would recommend getting them bead blasted.  Similar to sand blasting, it
uses a plastic bead that will take off the paint safely and with no loss or
damage to the metal wheel.  Used safely on the soft aluminum skin of aircraft,
etc.  Check the yellow pages  The company here in Houston is called
"Softstrip" and they may be a franchise."

Not quite correct. Bead blasting is with glass beads, not plastic, and the 
plastic process is generally called "plastic media blasting". The (glass) bead
blasting will abrade metal surfaces slightly, but much less than sand
blasting. The "plastic media blasting" will not harm windshield gaskets,
glass, or fiberglass and can be used gently enough to not cut Bondo. It is a
much more controllable process, and more time-consuming, which adds to the
cost.

The Eastwood catalog (well worth having, 1-800-345-1178) lists five abrasive
media- glass beads, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, walnut shells, and poly
abrasive- with a handy chart of which is good/better/best for six categories
of projects.

John H.  
Raleigh, N.C.

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