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Sandblasting my frame

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Sandblasting my frame

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flag cfordrider
Posted: Mar 1, 2008 at 12:21 Quote
i am repainting my frame and have access to a sandblasting booth. what are some tips/ advice for this. also, is there a step like cleaning or something before applying primer to my aluminum frame?
flag srobinson
Posted: Mar 1, 2008 at 14:49 Quote
I would not use sandblasting as it will pit the aluminum and may comprimise the integrity of the frame. Paint remover is probably easiest, but there are alternatives. search, there have been many topics on this before
flag dirtjump-derek
Posted: Mar 1, 2008 at 15:05 Quote
Do not sandblast your frame! The sand will damage your metal and could ruin it. If you have to blast it, use media blasting (different types of media like plastic pellets) or better yet, use baking soda if you can.
flag draco
Posted: Mar 1, 2008 at 15:14 Quote
You know, I'm not so sure its even a problem.

I sandblasted a frame for a friend, we used like a black glass, called black beauty.. it did wonders. But that was removing some pretty tough paint.

I do NOT think it will damage the frame, unless you use like metal shot or something.

You would have to get so damn gung-ho crazy to remove or actually damage the frame structurally.

just remember when you are done, to keep the frame dry and warm and do not touch it barehanded or anything. Any air moisture will get in and make the paint lift, any grease will do the same, and humidity is a problem.

carry on tho!
flag srobinson
Posted: Mar 1, 2008 at 17:09 Quote
^ Was that on an aluminum frame? I've never blasted alu, but i would think it would tear it up good as it's pretty soft. Also the black glass that i've used is super coarse, but I don't know if it's all like that. If you are going to a shop to get it done, I would recomend seeing if they have any used silica sand becuse it is realtivly fine and much of it turns to dust after the first or second use so it would be much easier on your frame. It also comes out of the gun way better.
flag cfordrider
Posted: Mar 1, 2008 at 18:54 Quote
great. i think ill still sandblast it, after what Draco has said. he seems to know his stuff (im not saying that the rest of you dont its just i trust him more). and, instead of making a new thread, what are some tips for painting it. im using spray paint, because i dont have access to a booth and there isnt one around here. what are some brands of spray that you guys would reccommend. also, i was told i had to etch the frame before primer, because its aluminum. what does that consist of? any other tips or anything please post up.
flag srobinson
Posted: Mar 1, 2008 at 19:06 Quote
cfordrider wrote:
great. i think ill still sandblast it, after what Draco has said. he seems to know his stuff (im not saying that the rest of you dont its just i trust him more). and, instead of making a new thread, what are some tips for painting it. im using spray paint, because i dont have access to a booth and there isnt one around here. what are some brands of spray that you guys would reccommend. also, i was told i had to etch the frame before primer, because its aluminum. what does that consist of? any other tips or anything please post up.

I don't blame you, draco knows what he's talkin about. I wouldn't do it to my frame but i guess you never know until you try. As for paint the it's called etching primer. After sandblasting you don't need to use it. It is mainly used becuse i you use paint stripper, the alu is very smooth and the primer "etches" the metal to give it something to hold on to. It can't hurt to use it though, but it may be more expensive. As for spray paint I like using rust-oleam(SP)it goes on nice and has a deece finish. I don't know much for duribility as i've olny used it at work. If you have the coin and acess to a spray gun Pacific Endura 2-part paint is hard as a rock, but extremely hard to put on smooth and will set you back about 40-60 bucks a quart.
flag jonbikes
Posted: Mar 2, 2008 at 14:16 Quote
draco wrote:
You know, I'm not so sure its even a problem.

I sandblasted a frame for a friend, we used like a black glass, called black beauty.. it did wonders. But that was removing some pretty tough paint.

I do NOT think it will damage the frame, unless you use like metal shot or something.

You would have to get so damn gung-ho crazy to remove or actually damage the frame structurally.

just remember when you are done, to keep the frame dry and warm and do not touch it barehanded or anything. Any air moisture will get in and make the paint lift, any grease will do the same, and humidity is a problem.

carry on tho!


You must be using some pretty fine stuff, with low pressure/volume.

Any time I have ever sandblasted something, mostly steel on vehicles, it pits fairly easily, but even if it doesn't "pit" it still becomes very rough.

I wouldn't doubt that you could make it turn out ok if you used plastic pellets, as others have said, but a true sandblasting is likely not a good idea.
flag cfordrider
Posted: Mar 4, 2008 at 15:00 Quote
alright, so i started blasting the frame today. its turning out really well. now, i just need to know some good paints for aluminum. like, brands. ive searched the interent and nothing so far. ohh, and it needs to be spray paint btw.
flag ezekiel
Posted: Mar 4, 2008 at 16:00 Quote
For paints, use a self etching primer not just a basic red oxide one. It bonds better. For brand names, I used Duplicolor paints on my last 2 bikes and got really good results.
flag jonbikes
Posted: Mar 4, 2008 at 16:03 Quote
If you are only using spray paint, go with dupli color. I believe they have their colors named after cars (ie honda civic gray). I used that stuff to do my frame, turned out quite well, not that hard to spray, and looks sharp. The paint is supposed to be touch up paint that is going to be used on something bigger than a scratch (something like a rust patch). It is quite cheap to, It think I spent like 20 for everything, primer, paint, clear, and sandpaper...give or take.


P.S. I just read ezekiel82's post (posted while I was typing mine) and the self etching primer is most definitely a good idea, although it may cost you a little more than regular red/gray oxide will. If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks, it is definitely worth it.
flag onemanarmy
FL
Posted: Mar 4, 2008 at 17:16 Quote
I'd recommend SEM self etching and high build primers.

then pick a good paint and clear. PPG, etc.
flag ornithology
Posted: Apr 24, 2008 at 7:17 Quote
One thing to note is remember to let the paint cure for at least 24 hours or it will easily "smudge" because the paint is still soft. If you have clear-coat that would be great, however, it doesn't really create a strong hard surface to protect the bike. Havn't found one yet and not sure where in Vancouver they sell a coating that will not react to Duplicolors Lacquer paints.

Oh yeah, Duplicolor works wonders, it's a great paint and the nozzles are excellent.
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