Deuce Stevens SASS#55996 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 What blasting media gives the darkest finish on a stainless gun? Have used glass bead which does a nice job of dulling the high gloss but would like a darker finish like I have seen on some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Fill 'Em 67797 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Sand would give it a coarse finish, I think that would make it darker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remo, SASS #17644 Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I have done glass and sand. Sand gave the darker finish by a good bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomy newton Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 I,ve been thinkin on this, how does this blasted finish affect clean up if any? T. Newton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Cent Posted October 16, 2011 Share Posted October 16, 2011 Sand cuts the metal. As in takes it off. A sandblasted finish will hurt your knuckles. A beadblasted finish is similar to a really fast little guy with a ball pen hammer . The sandblasted finish will mar easily. Little sharp edges, The beadblasted is more lasting. If you beadblast and spray lightly with a clear coat it will become darker. The sandblasted metal will be difficult to clean. I would not sand blast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubious Don #56333 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 What blasting media gives the darkest finish on a stainless gun? Have used glass bead which does a nice job of dulling the high gloss but would like a darker finish like I have seen on some. Aluminum oxide either straight or mixed 50-50 with glass beads. Sand is too rough IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Houston # 35508 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Why mess up a Perfectly Good Shiny Pistol??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Bullweed Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Another option is soda blasting. This is commonly used on older cast furniture that has been painted over the years. It removes the paint without damaging the cast surface that has often air-hardened over the years before it weas painted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cabalero Chuck Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Glass bead peens the surface of the metal, closing up the pore structure. Aluminum oxide etches the pores open. The etched surface can retain dirt and discoloration more readily but also provides "tooth" for a surface protectant or paint/ clear coating to adhere to. The surface will appear slightly darker than a bead-blasted finish. If you intend to use aluminum oxide, 180 grit is what I used universally to prep all metal parts for the aerospace coatings that I applied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Kiowa Jones #6765 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I use 180 grit aluminum oxide. TU-TONE 454 CASULL 92 TU-TONE 454 AND 480 TU-TONE RUGER VAQ After blasting the parts get scrubbed with 4/0 steel wool and WD-40. This soften the texture slightly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Gregg Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I like to use glass beads over sand. The abrasive sand cuts into the surface. The round glass beads peen (pound on) the surface. On some of our K-Vaqueros, I have done the topstrap area and front sights. Mustang Gregg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunslinger SASS 10706 Life Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I use #5 white sand at 65-75 psi. air pressure. After cleaning all the sand off and out of the pieces, wipe down with Zep 45 if the gun is SS. This produces a beautiful grey matte finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Gatlin, SASS 10274L Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Deuce asked me this question... a mix of aluminum oxide and blast media is all our guys could think of - I also offered this solution, and can get a free sample if anyone wishes to try it... http://www.epi.com/pages/stainless-steel-blackoxide GG ~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocWard Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I have a question. I do like the look of the matte finish that Nate shows. What does that do to the writing on the guns? Specifically, I got a reasonably good deal on a couple of Taurus Gauchos, and I would love to get rid of the large TAURUS on them. In addition to the look, would that do it? If not, IS there a way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Kiowa Jones #6765 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 I have a question. I do like the look of the matte finish that Nate shows. What does that do to the writing on the guns? Specifically, I got a reasonably good deal on a couple of Taurus Gauchos, and I would love to get rid of the large TAURUS on them. In addition to the look, would that do it? If not, IS there a way? Blasting won't remove lettering unless it's really coarse blasting media and shallow letters. If those are stainless guns the lettering will need to be buffed off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocWard Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Blasting won't remove lettering unless it's really coarse blasting media and shallow letters. If those are stainless guns the lettering will need to be buffed off. How does the finished product look if done by someone who knows what they are doing (NOT someone like me)? Would blasting after help or harm the final look? What is the cost of the two procedures? Feel free to PM me, I tried to PM you, but it says you can't receive new messages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Kiowa Jones #6765 Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 How does the finished product look if done by someone who knows what they are doing (NOT someone like me)? Would blasting after help or harm the final look? What is the cost of the two procedures? Feel free to PM me, I tried to PM you, but it says you can't receive new messages. Not sure what that's about but I'll PM you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Cent Posted October 17, 2011 Share Posted October 17, 2011 Deuce, they won't run any faster. Matter of fact, sandblasting may create wind drag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deuce Stevens SASS#55996 Posted October 17, 2011 Author Share Posted October 17, 2011 Deuce, they won't run any faster. Matter of fact, sandblasting may create wind drag. They will provide a contrast for my sight picture, which means I can acquire the sight faster, so they will kinda run faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.