Gunsmithing Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
- Thread starter lilhank
- Start date
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
I normally use 120 grit alox but have used 80 in the past. Blast a small piece of scrap and finish it see how it looks and decide for yourself
I normally use 120 grit alox but have used 80 in the past. Blast a small piece of scrap and finish it see how it looks and decide for yourself
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
It will work fine. Some finishes, like Moly Resin, recommend 60-80 grit. I use 70 grit successfully.
It will work fine. Some finishes, like Moly Resin, recommend 60-80 grit. I use 70 grit successfully.
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
Just be sure it is NEW media and not used before for ferrous metals. Don't want rusting to lift the finish. JMHO
Just be sure it is NEW media and not used before for ferrous metals. Don't want rusting to lift the finish. JMHO
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lilhank</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going to do some bead blasting on my rifle so I can cerakote it some time this weekend.I have some black aluminum oxide 70 grt and was wondering if that was to abrasive.If so what grit/media would you recomend?Thanks,
Jason </div></div>
I would recommend Aluminum Oxide 100 or 120 grit or Garnet in 120 grit. When you blast the surface, you don't want to be too aggressive. What you are trying to do is very finely etch the surface to provide the best bond possible for the coating. If you etch it too deeply or use something like glass beads or a media that peens the surface, you run the risk of having a rough surface. The ideal Cerakote layer is .5 - 1 mil in thickness. Good luck with your project.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lilhank</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going to do some bead blasting on my rifle so I can cerakote it some time this weekend.I have some black aluminum oxide 70 grt and was wondering if that was to abrasive.If so what grit/media would you recomend?Thanks,
Jason </div></div>
I would recommend Aluminum Oxide 100 or 120 grit or Garnet in 120 grit. When you blast the surface, you don't want to be too aggressive. What you are trying to do is very finely etch the surface to provide the best bond possible for the coating. If you etch it too deeply or use something like glass beads or a media that peens the surface, you run the risk of having a rough surface. The ideal Cerakote layer is .5 - 1 mil in thickness. Good luck with your project.
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
100-120 aluminum oxide for Cerakote. Too fine will burnish and it won't stick as good as it can. To rough and the coating will be thin over the peaks and will scratch easy. Get it right and it is the most durable finish you can buy.
100-120 aluminum oxide for Cerakote. Too fine will burnish and it won't stick as good as it can. To rough and the coating will be thin over the peaks and will scratch easy. Get it right and it is the most durable finish you can buy.
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
Either will work fine. Degrease for 10-15 minutes in Brake Clean and blast. Then bake at 250 for 20 minutes, this will bring any excess oil to the surface, if there is any. Remember that preparation is the most important part of the process. Refer to NIC Industries web site for more detailed instructions. Good Luck.
Either will work fine. Degrease for 10-15 minutes in Brake Clean and blast. Then bake at 250 for 20 minutes, this will bring any excess oil to the surface, if there is any. Remember that preparation is the most important part of the process. Refer to NIC Industries web site for more detailed instructions. Good Luck.
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
Thanks for the info,got 120 ordered today.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gvanhyning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Either will work fine. Degrease for 10-15 minutes in Brake Clean and blast. Then bake at 250 for 20 minutes, this will bring any excess oil to the surface, if there is any. Remember that preparation is the most important part of the process. Refer to NIC Industries web site for more detailed instructions. Good Luck. </div></div>
Thanks for the info,got 120 ordered today.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gvanhyning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Either will work fine. Degrease for 10-15 minutes in Brake Clean and blast. Then bake at 250 for 20 minutes, this will bring any excess oil to the surface, if there is any. Remember that preparation is the most important part of the process. Refer to NIC Industries web site for more detailed instructions. Good Luck. </div></div>
Re: Blasting/aluminum Oxide?
I use 70 grit whenever I cerakote something. It makes for a very flat finish. If I was going to painting something shiny I would use a finer grain.
I use 70 grit whenever I cerakote something. It makes for a very flat finish. If I was going to painting something shiny I would use a finer grain.
