Can you Sandblast marine running gear. i.e. Rudders, props, thru-hulls

Question

Can I blast the above items with .2 mm (20 micron) silica sand? What protective coating would you put on rudders and other running gear. THis is a salt water appliaction

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I much prefer Water blasting.  You really need to talk to the marina first.  Boat bottoms are painted with toxic materials, and yes even the c**p you get on running gear can be toxic.  Barnicals can have arsinic in the shells.  So, you need to protect the work area, and any ground water run-off.  You also need to protect you!!!!!!  I know a worker who almost lost his eyes because sweet ran under his goggles and he used his gloved hand to wipe it away.  The poison in the bottom paint dust infected his eyes.  So, rethink this cleaning!

Answer 3

Id go with the soda blasting as glass beads and even small micron sand can do a lot of damage....Before you paint, I'd use a GOOD self etching primer base, high build if you would like, and paint it the color you choose. I dont know if it would or would not be worth your while to clear coat it...But do go with a good industrial finish or a good laquer IMHO

Answer 4

Protective coatings two part Epoxy based paint. And it depends if the material is brass aluminum or pot metal. I would recommend a industrial paint shop show you your options. Bearing surfaces cannot have any sand residue left inside them. I prefer glass beads but fine sand will remove old paint and varnish just as well. Wear respirator do not get silica sand dust and paint dust into your lungs and goggles and face shield and thick rubber gloves. Thur hull surfaces need to be smooth you might want to use a belt sander.

Answer 5

When blasting thru hulls don't remove the bedding or the fitting could leak>& close the valve or the sand will enter the boat like sinks then the clean up is a mess inside> If you do the stuffing box & rubbers packing than unwanted sand will be in the packing & rub on the shaft when launched causing damage> I won't myself>

Answer 6

It depends on what your "running gear" is made of. Don't sand blast anything unless it is made of steel or cast iron.

You can have soft metals and fiberglass soda blasted at a larger boat shop, but it's expensive.

epoxy boat paint will hold up the best in underwater applications.