Sandblasting Stone
One of the most effective ways of removing peeling paint or graffiti from concrete, masonry or stone surfaces is to blast it away with sand. Similar to using industrial strength sandpaper, using a sandblaster allows the small sand particles to reach even the tiniest nooks and crannies where old paint or debris can hide. With the proper equipment and safety procedure in place, you can operate a sandblaster and renew the surface of your stone. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Observe strict safety rules. A sandblaster shoots fine particles of sand at high pressure and if the sand stream contacts human skin, severe injuries may occur. Only an adult should operate the machine and he or she must wear protective clothing when doing so. A sandblasting hood is a requirement. (See Resources)
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Use only the type of sand recommended by the sandblasting manufacturer. Often, fine-grade silica sand, sold in large bags, is the suggested choice. Some sandblasters use common sand for projects that are very large but a fine-feed sandblaster will clog if the sand grit is too rough.
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Test the sandblaster on a hidden area of stone before starting on the visible portion of the project. Larger grit will remove paint and debris quickly but it may etch soft stone. Adjust the size of the grit and the pressure valve until you are removing the paint or debris but leaving the surface of the stone intact.
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Begin at the top corner of the stone and work your way downwards and sideways, using even sweeps of your arm with the pressure wand. You may have to go back if cracks or creases contains a build-up of old paint but try to use a uniform method for the smoothest finish.
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Move closer to the stone if the debris is hard to remove and move back if the sand stream is etching the stone. Keep the same relative distance for the entire project once you find the correct spot. Even though you may not see slight variations in the stone, when the project is finished, they may be visible from a distance.
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Clean the sandblaster screen if you’re using regular sand and the pressure of the sand diminishes. These screens filter out small sticks, leaves and other debris and the dirtier the sand is, the more often you will clean the screen.
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Combine Aluminum Oxide with the sand if you need a boost in cleaning power. Sold by the bag, you can mix the Aluminum Oxide into the sand mixture at a ratio of one-part sand and one-part oxide.
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Tips & Warnings
Cover adjacent windows and doorframes with sheet metal before sandblasting.
Keep children out of the area. Sandblast dust may carry in the wind and is hazardous if inhaled.
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