Aluminum Oxide

[416stroker]

Where do you guys get it. I need to blast some parts before I use gunkote

[JamesY]

Harbor Freight for 70 grit and broadwaylifts for 120 grit.

[416stroker]

ok thanks

[Gowking]

James, what are you using the 120 on and how do you like the finish compared to the 70?

-G

[JamesY]

120 if you want a finer, smooth coat (when I use duracoat or gunkote). 70 if I leave it parked. I'll post a pic to show difderences when I get home.

[JamesY]

On the top, I used 70 grit AlOx, parked, then painted with gunkote. Has a somewhat of a smooth surface.
The bottom had 70 grit AlOx just straight parked. It has a rough texture to it.



For the top one, I used 120 grit AlOx, parked and then gunkoted. Notice this is more shiny (the camera's flash has an effect on it while the other two don't). It also has a very smooth surface. The middle and bottom are the same ones as the pic above.

[JamesY]

I got a few messages about my refinishing process. Here it is:
- completely degrease (if you think it's degreased enough, you haven't done enough. Do it again!). I will put the part(s) in boiling water for 20 min and then let the water evaporate as I blow compressed air into it. Then, I like to soak in acetone overnight. THEN, I'll throw it in a hot bath of VERY hot water and a Dawn dish soap and agitate every once in a while. THEN, soak in acetone overnight again.
- Sand blast. I use 120 grit aluminum oxide for a finer finish, 70 grit for a rougher finish. Make sure you don't half as* this part as you want the whole thing creamy white like this:

- Parkerize. I use duracoat manganeze phosphate as per directions
- Water washdown. To stop the parking process, I was down/soak the part in water for a good minute.
- Dry. I use compressed air to dry out the part.
Either paint, or leave parked. if I leave it parked, I just spray WD-40 on the part. Keep it wet with WD-40 for the next couple of days as this gets the park hard. If you paint, I usually paint it with the first coat immediately after parking so that it doesn't rust. I usually put 4 LIGHT coats of finish on it. Depending on the paint you use, you either bake it or let it air dry for weeks.

Voila, done.