When it comes to removing

dirt and paint, there aren’t

many tools more efficient

than the sandblaster. If you’re

ready to get rid of an old

coat of paint or to remove

the grime from your exterior

walls, this walkthrough will

help you use a sandblaster on

your home.

Before you start sandblasting your home, cover your windows, roof, and other spots you won’t be blasting with 6mm plastic sheeting and tape. Make sure the tape and masking are secure and snug – loose or poorly placed coverings can detached or be damaged by the sandblaster, which can lead to the material underneath being damaged.

• Using the wet abrasive blasting technique, which uses water as well as compressed air, slows the process down, but also helps contain the mess and improves air quality.

• Sandblasting is a noisy and messy job. Let your neighbors know you’re going to be sandblasting so that they don’t get a rude awakening.

• DO NOT use a sandblaster on stucco or anywhere there might be lead or asbestos.

ALWAYS practice proper safety when using a sandblaster:

• Protect your ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.

• For proper safety, you’ll need more than just a face mask. Keep in mind that professional contractors use ventilation masks on account of the amount of harmful particles sandblasting ejects into the air.

• DO NOT sandblast inside. Only use the sandblaster outdoors.

Start your sandblasting by spraying only a small area of the surface you’re blasting to test your settings. If the sandblaster isn’t effective or is too strong, adjust your settings and/or spraying medium before continuing.

Operating the sandblaster itself is fairly easy. Once the spraying medium has been loaded and you’re ready to start, use the sandblaster on the surface to remove paint, dirt, or grime. Keep spraying until the surface is bare, paying attention to windows and other areas that could be damaged by the spray.

Sandblasting the walls of a house produces a lot of mess, both from the blaster itself and from the removed paint particles and grime. Be prepared to clean up a lot of residue and piles of cast-off paint once the job is done.

• Make sure that run-off doesn’t go into the gutters or public water source.

• Sandblasters can be loud enough that users can get a noise citation from their city. Check online for regulations.

• Offer to clean up any mess that ends up in your neighbors’ yards as a result of using the sandblaster.

BIG A’S PLACE LLC has been selling sandblasters and all related equipment, including sandblasting safety gear, hoses, and

Lindsay style parts, online since 2009. For all your sandblasting needs, visit www.sandblaster-parts.com.

Summary

Sandblasting is an effective tool for removing outdoor house paint, but it can also produce a lot of mess and noise that users will have to prepare for. Keep these tips in mind before starting your sandblasting project.