Can You Sandblast Wood?
Sandblasting is an industrial technique that is very useful. This blasting technique now goes beyond the industrial origin found in different applications. Sandblasting refers to the process of cleaning, shaping, and smoothing surfaces, most especially the hard surfaces through blasting solid particles at high speeds. Can you sandblast wood? Allow us to help you find the right answer to this query. Let’s get started!
What is Sandblasting?
Sandblasting has a similar effect using standard sandpaper, providing a better and more even finish. Yes, you can sandblast wood. It’s very unusual to encounter issues at crannies or corners. The fact is that it’s very common using sandblasting equipment in finishing wooden pieces like doors and windows.
Sandblasting is usually applied to wooden pieces that were previously painted. House redecoration applications utilize an extensively sandblasting technique for this purpose. You can also sandblast wood for creating art pieces. Sandblasting wood is considered a very efficient and effective process.
Starting with a low pressure with the use of soft media, and a steady hand is the key elements for a successful and safe sandblasting. Refinishing metal and wood requires a successful stain and paint stripping. For large stripping projects, this can be time-consuming if done manually.
The use of sandblaster can save your time and effort. While sandblasters are commonly used outdoors, you can also sandblast inside using proper safety precautions to avoid injury and harm to other people and objects in the house. Sandblasting cabinets is only practical in areas having a good ventilation because they also create a huge mess.
Whether to Rent or Buy Sandblaster
Make a decision whether you want to buy or rent a sandblaster. You may want to consider buying a sandblasting cabinet if you are planning to refinish your entire house or paint wood or metal outdoor projects regularly. Otherwise, you can rent sandblasters available at home improvements stores and hardware for your small projects.
Make sure to have a blasting gun, blasting media, blasting bucket, and an air compressor available too. Also, you have to get sandpaper sheets and wood filler. You can ask the salesperson or clerk about the best materials for your project.
How to Prepare the Wood for Sandblasting
Choose a room that is well-ventilated for sandblasting your cabinets. If you can’t open the windows in the room, you can remove them from the wall, then place them in a well-ventilated garage or an open area.
Remove all materials from the cabinets, and ensure that there are no dishes or leftover objects inside the cabinets. Otherwise, they can be soiled or damages during the sandblasting process. Sandblasting the drawers and the doors while they’re laying on a surface achieve a better finish. If you are worried that sand will be difficult to clean in the interior of the cabinet, you can leave
Make sure to cover the surrounding areas with a tarp or a thick drop cloth because wood and sand particles will spread throughout the area. Wear protective clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, boots, a face shield, and safety goggles. A face shield with a hood protects you against wood particle inhalation that causes respiratory problems.
How to Sandblast Wood
Fill the blasting bucket with a sandblasting media. Choose a setting of 100 lbs. Or 45.4kg per square inch or 2.5 cm. The blasting gun is placed at least 5 inches or 12.7cm from the surface of the cabinets. Start on one side of the cabinet, moving horizontally to the other side.
Also, concentrate on utilizing smooth back and forth movements for an even and smooth surface. Repeat this process until the entire surface of the cabinets is finished.
Wipe the cabinets with a tack cloth. Inspect to ensure that the layer of finish or paint is removed. Return to any missed spots and sand portions by hand if you can’t effectively sand them with the sandblaster. Remove the drop cloths and sandblaster. Clean the remainder of the area using tack cloths and a shop vacuum.
Conclusion
Yes, you can sandblast wood. Just make sure you follow the necessary precautions to ensure safety and success. We hope you enjoyed reading this article, so like and share and also give your comment below!
Sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KwdC0fM4rk
https://www.ehow.com/how_7477072_sand-blast-wood.html
https://www.wikihow.com/Sandblast-Cabinets
