Bead blasting tank

Hi Zedders!
Couldnt find what I was looking for in the archives. Has anyone had success with bead blasting a tank. Obviously you would have to use a low grad bead and low pressure, but still, would this damage the tank (all wavy and stuff)?:blink:

It will probably give the tank a textured, sandblasted look. Great for removing paint but difficult for a smooth paint job for later.

Thanks mate, me thinks i'm lazy! Best to spend some time and sand it. I think I knew all along what this would do, so thanks for making up my mind:) Cheers Oz

try some of this with the right nozzle

I bead-blast mine and then use primer/filler and then sand before I paint. I always sand primer to get a better base anyway so this type primer is thick and fills in minor low spots that blasting it MIGHT leave behind. Saves time in the long run.

racer54 wrote:

I bead-blast mine and then use primer/filler and then sand before I paint. I always sand primer to get a better base anyway so this type primer is thick and fills in minor low spots that blasting it MIGHT leave behind. Saves time in the long run.

When u say bead blast ,what are u useing,Glass? can u get away with sand?

I believe it was glass bead but not sure. Been awhile since I have used it. Sand or anything that takes the paint off would work. Of course, use the least abrasive that will work but the use of primer/filler will fill in the rough finish.

If you are going for paint removal, burn it of at 550-600 in an industrial oven, not you house oven, then media blast then prime-base-clear. glass bead, depending on size, polishes metal. If you want media to remove paint, use plastic bead, walnut shells, etc. I have seen refinishers remove paint from aircraft wings with plastic bead and not scratch the metal beneath. DO NOT glass bead the inside of the tank to remove rust, it takes forever to get out. other methods like phosphoric acid work better and without the cleanup of glass beads. I have painted four motorcycle tanks using this method and phosphoric acid to remove rust. I works pretty well.

glass bead,sand is too coarse especially if your lazy.

Glass will not remove any metal, cleans pretty good. use a good grade of primer and wet sand the primer with 320 before the top coat. comes out sweet.

I found a 2" plumbing test stopper fits the tank hole really tight so not to get any grit inside.

dman

Do not use walnut shells to blast anything that you plan on painting. There is oil in the shells that will stick to the metal. Walnut shells are great for blasting aluminum because it gives it nice shine and also helps seal the surface.

try paint stripper,safe and cheap wont warp metal.:laugh: