sandblast a 10/22 reciever

[savagelh]

I was wondering if anyone has ever sandblasted a 10/22 or other aluminum reciever. I have one thats polished to a fairly high gloss but I've decided I want more of a matte finish. I was thinking of using about 400 or so grit sand paper but I can't bring myself to do it yet. Any input? I would also like to do the trigger guard and barrel band.

 

[surfclod]

I glass bead blasted mine in preparation for the Arma-Coat finish I gave it. Glass bead blasting is less severe than sand blasting but it still "roughened up" the aluminum a fair bit, which was perfect for what I required but it would be unique to leave it in that form.

Being aluminum you wouldn't have to worry about rust.


The nice thing with bead blasting is that you can turn the air pressure way down and then slowly raise it until you have the surface finish you like.

 

[savagelh]

ah I forgot about bead blasting. Is that a media thats easily obtainable? My sandblaster is just a cheapo spray gun type thing.

 

[#1bcshooter]

ah I forgot about bead blasting. Is that a media thats easily obtainable? My sandblaster is just a cheapo spray gun type thing.

What no Princess Auto in Saskatoon ?

 

[jbmauser]

I glass beaded mine using media and a sand blasting gun from Princess Auto. I left it as it came out of the cabinet. Looks similar to the "stainless" factory receivers.

 

[caygeon]

You should use a walnut media and it should'nt hurt the reciever at all

 

[mmattockx]

Sand is very aggressive and will remove a lot of material from aluminum. I wouldn't use anything more aggressive than glass beads myself.


Mark

 

[Jahred.F]

I would reccomend using an aluminum safe paint stripper first. Any local paint supply store should be able to source it for you. It's most common use is for aircraft. Do not use anything that is not advertised as aluminum safe, it will destroy your receiver/any other aluminum parts.

After stripping the finish, it will be much easier to lightly bead blast the reciever to get the matte look you are after.

 

[savagelh]

thanks for the replies. the finish is already stripped and brought to a fairly high polish. I just want to make it more of a matte than a gloss. I think glass beads are the way to go.

 

[J.P.]

you want the finest grade of recycled crushed glass that princess auto sells. It's almost like powder. It will give a very fine smooth finish and is not very aggressive. It's cheap too. Fancy blast media starts getting pricey in a hurry.