The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Media Blasting

My new project has extensive surface rust. In researching Media Blasting I have ben told to have the panels Soda blasted with baking soda as this media will not create the heat generated by more aggresive medias and thus not distort the metal panels. However, I find that the companies supplieing this media say that it will not remove rust. What is the standerd these days for rust removel and what should I be looking for when I search for a company providing these services. Also I live in northest Massachusetts, know any reputable shops that provide this service.
gelee

Media blasting will definitely not remove surface rust. I had my hood done to remove paint and then used my D/A to take the rust off. I also sandblasted the center strip area (underneath) at home on real low pressure to make sure all the rust was gone. Mine was pretty clean anyway, so it didn't take much. Sandblasting the thin metal in the open areas will warp it. Whatever you do, do so with reasonable caution.

Soda blasting would be a feasible option to remove the surface rust on panels without fear of warping them. I have witnessed the process and it did a very good job on light rust. The deeper and heavier rust had to be worked out with more agressive media but the surface was left in a great condition for further treatment.

The soda blasting can be done wet or dry. In this case it was done "wet" with a very small amount of water included in the blast stream. I was told this neutralizes the rust and prevents flash rusting of the blasted panel. Futher treatment of the bare metal with a phosphate solution was recommended for neutralization of the sodium-bicarb residue on the metal. After which an epoxy primer could be applied.

Chemical dipping is also another means of getting rid of the rust and would get to the back side of those cowl panels and door pillars that cannot be reached otherwise.

There are vendors with trailer mounted soda blasting rigs that can come to you to clean your metal. Check around in your area. I would suggest calling some marinas to see if they have someone who does this as the process is used to clean boat bottoms.

man i love the old blaster it saves so much time and i could never get it as clean with anything else i just got a 60. unit off ebay and one hurkin big commpressure im set couldnt have done the job with out it takes the frame down to shiny new metal not many tools will do that