Need Help Blast Mask

[AKA TRE]

I have a client that is wanting to sandblast a logo of just block lettering onto a stainless steel counter and they are asking for a blast mask. I am not worried about adhesion so much as a product that will hold up to the blasting, leaving nice clean lines around the letters. Any product out there that someone could recommend? Would just regular intermediate self adhesive vinyl work?

 

[unclebun]

You use sandblast mask to make the mask. You'll need a different blade for your plotter to cut it if you use one of the rubber ones. Oracal has Oramask 831 which is just a vinyl .23 mm thick. I've never used one that thin. Anchor and Hartco make a variety of different mask materials.

 

[VizualVoice]

I've successfully used both 3M series 50 and Avery paint mask in my blast cabinet with a VERY light touch and not dwelling too long (etching some glassware). Have to drop your pressure and make sure you're straight-on so you don't get lifted edges, also nothing too small (like the center of an "a" or "e" depending on the size. If you eff it up, it's gonna be a PITA to fix, so spending a few extra bucks for actual sandblast mask material is probably the right way to go on this one. I think US Cutter sells it by the foot or yard.

 

[James Burke]

20-year sandblast stone engraver here. This is not a job to experiment on.

Your media type, pressure and grit size will ultimately dictate your end results. And it ultimately dictates your blast mask.

Coarse grit will leave a bright, highly textured surface. Fine grit will leave a darker, dense and velvety smooth matte surface.

What are you using?

A side note: a logo blasted onto stainless will be susceptible to scuffs, depending on where it is relative to daily use. But no problem if it's on a vertical surface that is out of reach.

JB

 

[VizualVoice]

Coarse grit will leave a bright, highly textured surface. Fine grit will leave a dark, smooth matte surface.

That's interesting. I wouldn't have thought about that but it makes sense from the size of the areas creating the specular reflections.

 

[James Burke]

That's interesting. I wouldn't have thought about that but it makes sense from the size of the areas creating the specular reflections.

I forgot to mention that the abrasive "profile" also dictates surface profile.

Some abrasive particles are rounded...like microscopic river pebbles. Others are sharp and angular, like microscopic shards.



JB

 

[VizualVoice]

I forgot to mention that the abrasive "profile" also makes a big difference.

Some abrasive particles are rounded...like microscopic river pebbles. Others are sharp and angular, like microscopic shards.



JB

That I actually knew! Surface profile is very important for coating preparations.