What type of sand should i use when sandblasting paint off wood?

Question

i have bought a sandblaster as a last resort to do my stairs banister.

the places were very hard to reach with sanding machines, and it is too thick to be removed with regular sand paperand again is in too bad of a position to put any strength into it.

i tried chemical stipper, but it couldn't do the job propery, i tried a heat gun, but it wouldn't reach in those hard to get area's.

what should i use with my sandblaster...please no smartass comments, its my last resort.

thanks.

Answer 1

Along with crushed walnut shells, another option (believe it or not) is baking soda, and lots of it.  Its earth friendly. do it outside, then let mother nature wash it away, just make sure you can catch the paint in some fashion (it's not earth friendly).

Answer 2

crushed walnut shells work very well and are commercially available for sandblasting

Answer 3

Probably silica sand. Hope you realize that you will be replacing the banister since the sand will shred the wood surface.

Answer 4

A sandblaster is gonna make a huge mess, both with sand all over and with the destroyed banister.  Have you tried sanding cord?  There are also detail sanders that can get into small places.  I don't recommend sandblasting, last resort or no.....

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=...

Answer 5

they say corn husk is more gentle on the wood instead of sand....not sure where u can get it ...might be able to get it the same place as the sand