Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

[sailsmanship]

I am going to have the bottom paint on my 30ft. Searay blasted off as I am going to barrier coat it in the spring. The company that is going to do it uses either corn cobb or silica sand as media. What would be the better media to use to lessen damage the gelcoat? Corncorb?

 

[rngale]

Re: Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

There are several water based paint removers specificly for removing old bottom paint from a boat on the market. i have had great success with some of them and no need for blasting you might want to invetigate that option before blasting. I have blasted before and used silica with pressure washer made by honda witha sandblasting attachment. works great and no dust.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

You definately want a soft media. There are different grades of walnut shells that work. If the sandblaster doesn't know what to use, get another sandblaster.

 

[sailsmanship]

Re: Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

He said they would use either. Corn cobb is the softer but more expensive at 19.00/bag vs. 10.00/bag. The price doesn't matter, just want to use the best for the job.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

also baking soda

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

You do NOT want to blast with sand!!
It will tear up the fiberglass right through the gel coat.
If your baster doesn't know this, as Chris said, get someone else.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

There is a process I have heard of called powder blasting instead of sand blasting. It consist of baking soda and a pellet that will disintegrate upon impact. The process is used on many antiques with different medias with very little evidence of the process.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Corn Cobb or Silica Sand

also baking soda

+1 on Baking Soda