Aluminum Restoration

Glass Bead vs. Aluminum Oxide Blasting for Aluminum Restoration

There are multiple blasting methods available to use in the aluminum restoration process, two of the most common being glass bead blasting and aluminum oxide blasting. These methods are widely used in aluminum restoration applications, especially in settings within the automotive industry. Restoring aluminum strengthens the metal and allows for parts to be painted, polished or otherwise finished in a uniform, repeatable way.

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Glass Bead Blasting: The Gentle Approach

Glass bead blasting is the process of propelling very small beads of glass against an aluminum part that is contained in a specialized blasting cabinet. The operator uses a blasting gun that uses high pressure to project the glass media against the part. This is a highly precise technique that results in a polished, uniform surface. After using glass bead blasting on aluminum parts, the original color of the part will be lighter and the overall finish will be brighter. 

Advantages of Glass Bead Blasting for Automotive Restoration

There are a number of advantages of glass bead blasting when it comes to aluminum automotive parts, including: 

• Gentle cleaning

• Surface smoothing

• Light deburring 

• Preserving aluminum&#;s integrity and overall aesthetics 

• Uniform, polished finish

Limitations of Glass Bead Blasting for Automotive Restoration

While a useful technique, there are some potential drawbacks to glass bead blasting aluminum automotive parts. Some of the main issues include:

• Less effective against paint and parts with heavy corrosion

• Not a great preparatory process for further finishing or painting

Aluminum Oxide Blasting: The Stronger Alternative

Unlike glass bead blasting, aluminum oxide blasting uses grit-shaped, abrasive blasting media. The process is similar, the operator uses a blasting gun and the part will still go in a durable blasting cabinet, but the resulting finish will not reflect light, giving it a more matte appearance. When aluminum is blasted with aluminum oxide, the surface area of the metal increases slightly, making it more adhesive and receptive to further finishes after the blasting process.

Advantages of Aluminum Oxide Blasting for Automotive Restoration

Aluminum oxide blasting is excellent for many applications within the automotive restoration sphere, and performs especially well at the following: 

• Removing corrosion and paint

• Creating surfaces suitable for adhesion 

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• Improving the durability and integrity of the aluminum

  
  

Limitations of Aluminum Oxide Blasting for Automotive Restoration

When choosing your blasting method for aluminum automotive parts, it&#;s worth considering some of the potential drawbacks of aluminum oxide, including: 

• More aggressive abrasion can lead to some slight alterations to the parts

• Surface preservation is slightly sacrificed for better preparation for additional finishes

Expert Insights from Eaglemaster

At Eaglemaster, we take the time to understand exactly what process will serve you and your unique parts best. We have been in business since , and we use that wealth of experience to recommend the perfect blasting methods for a wide range of automotive restoration parts. Our expert team is also able to take on and complete projects efficiently, with most only taking between five and 14 business days. Our combination of proficiency and efficiency means your parts will be finished and back with you quickly, ready to play their part in your restoration projects. Interested in working with us? Contact us today for a quote and free sampling!

Summarizing the Debate: Glass Bead vs. Aluminum Oxide Blasting

When considering the best methods for blasting aluminum parts for automotive restoration, it is vital to keep in mind the end use and desired finish for the part. For a clean, polished

aluminum

finish and added extra durability,

glass bead blasting

is the way to go. If the parts are going to be painted or if matte finish is required, choose the more

abrasive aluminum oxide blasting

. For additional information on our various blasting services and more, don&#;t hesitate to reach out today!

Which cleans better and leaves a better polish?

My glass bead is getting worn, and thinking about replacing it with something different.

Alum Oxide costs a little more, but I've heard lasts longer.


To clean painted and dirty parts, I usually use a pressure pot with Black diamond 30/60 grit (I run it in the blast cabinet) - and then swap out the media and use glass bead to polish it. Using the syphon setup with glass bead alone doesn't strip finishes very well.

Ideally I would only need one media to use in the cabinet - It's obviously a pretty big pain to swap media back and forth.

Will aluminum oxide clean better than glass bead?