Introduction: How to Mask Off an Area for Aggressive Sandblasting
In this Instructable, I will show you how to mask off a particular area prior to sandblasting to protect it, in this case I will be masking off the emblem on a bike frame. This type of masking is ideal for aggressive sandblasting at a close range for long periods of time.
Step 1: Cover Area With Vinyl
Cover the area you would like to protect from sandblasting with vinyl (with adhesive on one side). Use enough vinyl that it covers more than the area you wish to mask.
Step 2: Shape Mask
Using a sharp blade, cut away the excess vinyl around the shape you are masking off.
Step 3: Cover Area With Electrical Tape
Mask the area again over the vinyl with electrical tape. Electrical tape will absorb a lot of energy which will prevent the tape itself from being sandblasted away. Without the vinyl underlayer, the adhesive on the electrical tape will embed itself into your metal which can be removed by hand sanding. I use the vinyl underneath because the adhesive on the vinyl does not get embedded as easily.
Step 4: Shape Mask Again
Cut away the excess electrical tape like you did with the vinyl previously.
Step 5: Sandblast Area
With these two layers of masking material, your project is ready to be sandblasted. Remove both layers after you are finished completely with your sandblasting.
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27 Comments
Hi everyone
The best way is just buy Plasti-dip and a small pint brush. 4 coats and it peels off like a sunburned skin.
Thank you to all, for all of your input, tips, suggestions, I sincerely appreciate your helpful comments.
Jack G
When retexturing areas of injection mold after repairs, welding etc. I have used hotmelt glue with great success,good to cover edges of detail that must remain crisp and heavy enough to deflect aggressive grits and wears well, but above caveats about gun position apply and are critical to success. Build it up layer by layer as heavy as you need close to edges , then trim as needed to sharpen edges. just another way when other methodsnot as available or feasible.
It's a small internet! I work in blow molding. However, we just use duct tape to mask the molds and use a razor blade to trim to the pinch offs.
I've thought of using the same masking material that they use when they sandblast gravestones for "etching" in the names.
blanchae
What masking material would that be? and were can I find it? Please.
It is called sandmask - http://www.hartcoservice.com/sandmask
Thank you I'll try it out on my next project
where is the result, we'd all like to see it......you know, proof it worked and such
The final picture shows the result... a well blasted surface and the masking material is still intact. Whether he shows the project itself painted/finished is a moot point as this is not about painting, bicycles, etc
The Instructable is indeed helpful to those of us who sandblast. I didn't know that vinyl/electrical tape was capable of absorbing/deflecting the blast media. I'll definitely be using that combo in the future.
Question: Would a couple layers of electrical tape work (without the vinyl layer)? Likewise, would a few layers of vinyl work?