[BigWave]

I know, another newb question. Is there any type of "guide" available anywhere online or elsewhere that gives a pretty good suggested media for different applications?
My blasting service is designed for pool waterline tile/stone applications. That can be ceramic glazed tile, glass tile, quartzite, slate, etc. Most out here are using #10 glass beads for the glazed tile.

I'm hoping that I can diversify at some point and do different surfaces to keep busy. Graffiti removal from block walls/bldgs., fountain and waterfall calcium removal off of natural stone, etc.

Just curious if anything is out there as far as a guide? Thanks all for the input!

 

[BigWave]

Yeah, kinda what I figured. I've searched online and found a few "suggested" stuff, but still pretty general info. I just want to make sure I don't do any damage if possible.

I'll plan on testing any surface before getting too crazy on it. Thank you!

 

[BigWave]

The online "guide" is a great idea though. It seems to me this forum has the documented projects, media application and expertise needed to create such a document. It would be great if we could put together a panel of the most experienced blasters here to contribute information to creating such a document. We have the people, experience, and information here. Would be nice to put a spreadsheet together as a kind of "rule of thumb" document. Obviously, ever job is different with it's own set of dynamics. Having said that, a general guide would be a great starting point. Especially so for newbies like myself. Anyone that's greatly experienced care to participate?

Absolutely!! Thats about what I was hoping actually existed somewhere. I actually looked through the "show your work" thread on here. Some of the guys show their work and tell what they used for the job. I've gotten some good info from that.

 

[BigWave]

You guys are not going to find what you are looking for. There just isn't one answer. Everyone has their preference but what one guy does great with glass another or the same guy can do just as well with garnet if that's what you happen to have on hand. It comes down to abrasive or non abrasive and then which grit size. Don't get hung up on garnet vs glass vs slag. They all work. It depends quite a bit on what you have available to you at a reasonable shipping cost. You'll try out all kinds of media and brands. All you have to know is don't hit windows with abrasive and don't try to take out rust with soda. That's kind of the short version. New guys always want to have the whole thing in one shot. Relax and try things. When I was newer I painted the block in my booth and hit it with everything I had to see. I shot pallets with shell and soda and glass...

Thanks Glen! I understand what you are saying, but I think what us newbs are trying to understand is just a "general" start for a guideline of recommended abrasives for a given surface.

I have found a lot of good info by going through this;

http://www.contractortalk.com/f95/come-share-some-pictures-your-work-75854/

Some here (yourself included) have posted pics of their work, media used and sometimes some other details about the surface, time spent, etc. Very helpful info for sure, at least to me.

I'm finding that MOST of what I'll be doing can be done with crushed glass and glass beads as I will mostly be doing pool tile, quartzite, slate and some natural granite (boulders). At some point I hope to diversify so that I can keep my machine running as much as possible and from what I get, it looks like the same crushed glass I'm using can be used for many other surfaces as well. Sheet metal, steel frames, concrete block walls (calcium and graffiti removal) etc.

Just trying to learn, and thank you guys for helping!!

Dave

 

[BigWave]

Yesterdays job.....before! Used fine crushed glass. Ceramic tile shot at 80 psi.

 

[BigWave]

After! Happy customer for sure!!

 

[BigWave]

Thank you! Brite Blast 76/100 crushed glass at 80 psi through a 1/8" nozzle. It worked very good. 95' of tile line plus extra work on the spillway. Roll in, blast time, cleanup and seal tile, roll up and on the road in just under 3 hours.

 

[BigWave]

That does look great there Big. I would think they must loose any factory gloss they might have had. Does your sealer bring them back to a shine or were they more of a natural low sheen to start with?

This is a low sheen tile. The sealer ( I give them an add on option):
http://bio-dex.com/products/tps-protectant
doesn't seal the pool tile as ceramic tile obviously can't be penetrated, but it does give a nice shine, and a little protection from future calcium buildup. Any new ish glazed tile I'm using #10 glass beads so far and its working nice!