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How to Remove Rust With Sandblasting

Rust is caused by the oxidization of metal. Rusting can occur in any environment and in any climate, but it is exceptionally common for rust to affect metal objects that are exposed to any moisture, including moisture in the air. If left untreated, rust can ruin object such as cars, tools and appliances. There are many ways to remove rust, including sandblasting. Sandblasting involves high pressured air that shoots fine sand at rusty areas, stripping the rust away.

Things You'll Need

Steel wool (optional)
Gloves
Goggles or face mask
Boots
Sandblaster
Fine silica sand

Instructions

- 1
  Determine how bad your rust problem is and whether or not the rust can be removed with less harsh methods such as scrubbing. If scrubbing with steel wool does not work, then sandblasting should. Be cautious about what you choose to sandblast, as the process may damage delicate metalwork and paint.
- 2
  Put on safety gear to protect yourself form the sandblasting. Wear goggles or a face mask to protect your face and eyes. Put on thick gloves, preferably leather working gloves, to protect your hands, and boots for your feet.
- 3
  Adjust the settings on your sandblaster. If you need to cover a lot of space that is laden with rust, set your sandblaster setting to wide. If the rusted area is small or extremely rusty, set the spray pattern to narrow for a more concentrated stream.
- 4
  Fill the sandblaster with sand. For most rusting jobs, including for removing rust from cars, use fine silica sand. Follow the directions on your particular sander to fill it with sand. Plug in your sander.
- 5
  Aim at the rusted area, not at any person or anything that you do not want to get damaged. Pull the sandblaster trigger and carefully move the blaster along the rusted area. Stop by releasing the trigger to examine the rusted area. If there is still more rust, keep sandblasting the area.

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