Plastic
Media Blasting
What is plastic media blasting?
To break it down simply, it is the use of reusable plastic
particles propelled by compressed air at relatively low pressure
(14-40 psi) to remove paint or other coatings from a variety
of surfaces. Media blasting can remove the coatings without
etching, marring, pitting, warping or otherwise damaging the
surface being blasted. The plastic media is available in different
compounds to meet the requirements of the surface being prepped.
The granular plastic media used in the process is irregular
in shape, the tiny, sharp edges, of the plastic media will
cut through paint, coatings or build up and lift them off
of the surface, leaving it bare and ready for paint or powder
coating.
PHOTOS OF MEDIA / BLASTING PROCESS
Media blasting can be used on a variety of metals, from
cast iron to aluminum and because of the low pressure and
characteristics of the media, it can also be used on fiberglass
surfaces as well. The use of the media is a much more refined
process than using sandblasting to remove build up media blasting
is performed in a specially modified booth and can be used
on delicate, small areas, or intricate surfaces, even at ranges
as close as 6 inches.
The media is made from non-toxic materials, which can be recycled
and used over and over, plus unlike chemical stripping, it
will leave no residue behind that can cause problems with
paint or powder coated finishes in the future. Another advantage
to media blasting is the amount of time that can be saved,
especially when it comes to stripping and prepping a vehicle
for paint. Readying a vehicle for paint can take professional
body shops two or three days to mechanically or chemically
strip a vehicle (add even more time for an average automotive
hobbyist to accomplish the same job at home). In most cases,
using media to strip a vehicle can be done in much less time.
Media blasting is not limited to just automotive applications,
it can be used to strip coatings from everything from wrought
iron railings, antique toys, farm machinery, tools, brass
items, metal furniture, signs and even old bed frames.
PHOTOS OF BEFORE AND AFTER ITEMS
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