July 28th, 2008 by SB Editor

If you’re looking at buying a sand blaster, first consider this. Sand is not the only media to blast with. Sure it’s the oldest and most well known, but there’s also aluminum oxide, walnut shell, glass beads, corn cob and baking soda, just to name a few. Each have different properties making them uniquely valuable for different applications. Don’t get stuck using only one blasting media.

For instance, aluminum oxide is harder, sharper and leaves a smoother surface than sand, it can also be recycled many times. Glass bead blasting is a slower process than blasting with sand and aluminum oxide, but it leaves a smoother finish and doesn’t remove a significant amount of the base metal. Walnut shell is a soft blasting media which still has impressive stripping abilities without damaging the substrate, and is biodegradable.

SodaBlast Systems makes a blaster that can use any of the most common types of blasting media, so you can choose the best option for each project. In addition to well known blasting materials, SodaBlasters ™ are perfect for blasting with sodium bicarbonate (Baking Soda), and more. The Blasters also include a complex moisture separation system, for uninterrupted use with any blasting media.

So if you’re making the investment for a blaster, make sure you cover all your bases with the versatile multi-media blaster by SodaBlast Systems. Check out SodaBlastandMore.com for more information.

July 15th, 2008 by SB Editor

Anyone who’s ever been to an auto show knows the importance of a great paint job. An amazing paint job can turn heads even from a distance. But what about when you get a little closer? Even with the most dazzling colors and the most aesthetic designs, your ride can’t have that glassy, glossy, perfect show-car shine without the proper surface preparation BEFORE the paint is applied.

A “Classic” car is only classic because of it’s age, but with that age comes at least one older coat of paint, with possible chips, weathering and rust. If you’re about to spend your hard earned money and time repainting your vehicle, it’s important to make sure you do all the necessary surface preparation beforehand. Removing all old paint and rust rather than painting over it will make a night and day difference in the finished product. But what’s the best way to remove the relics of your cars former life?

When you think about removing paint, sandblasting often comes to mind first. Sandblasting has been around for decades and can have decent results, but there are downsides to the sandblasting method. Sand is a very harsh abrasive that can warp or stretch sheet metal, as well as damaging any rubber seals or chrome. Not to mention that the mess left over afterwards can cut into precious cruising time. Sandblasting works fine for thicker metal parts with rust, but why not save yourself some hassle and use the same blasting media for all areas of the car?

1936 Dodge before & After Photos

Soda blasting is a similar but better process for this application. Instead of sand, it uses baking soda, which is 100% natural and non toxic. Blasting with Baking Soda will not warp metal, and will not damage glass, chrome, or rubber.

For more information visit: www.SodaBlastCars.com