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We all want our cars to be in their best shape. Aside from the regular engine maintenance checkups, we also want to make sure that our car’s exterior looks great. And that’s the time when you need to have your car sandblasted.
Sandblasting cars is a great way to get rid of rust and old paint, so you can breathe new life into them. This process is especially helpful if you’ve been planning to give your car a whole new look.
If you love DIY car overhaul projects or are in the business of car renovation and restoration, you know how important it is to own a sandblaster for cars. But with all the options out there, looking for the right one can seem tough and overwhelming.
Luckily for you, we have gathered and reviewed the 11 best sandblasters for cars to help you make the right decision. Continue reading for our honest thoughts.
Comparison Table Of Best Sandblaster For Cars
| Product Image | Title | Brand | Review | View On Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Le Lematec Sand Blaster | Lematec | 4.3 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | TITAN 19450 Sand Blaster | TITAN | 3.7 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | Neiko Air Sand Blaster | Neiko | 4 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | AS118 Sandblaster | Lematec | 4 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster | WIOGW | 4 Out of 5 | Click Here |
  | Campbell Hausfeld | Campbell Hausfeld | 4.3 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | Portable Pressure Pot Blaster | Cyclone Manufacturing | 4 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | 61200 AIR Sand Blaster | XtremepowerUS | 3.9 Out of 5 | Click Here |
  | M1114 Benchtop Sandblaster | Shop Fox | 4 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | G0707-24" x 37" Blast Cabinet | Grizzly | 4.8 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
  | TCP Sand Blaster | TCP Global | 4.1 Out Of 5 | Click Here |
Buyers’ Guide
Before we head on to discuss the best sandblaster for cars, we want to first give you an idea of the factors you have to consider before buying one.
Build and Quality
One of the first factors that you should consider is the sandblaster’s build and quality. This will help you determine whether the item will be able to withstand regular wear and tear without easily falling apart.
Metal is known to be great at withstanding high amounts of pressure, making it the best choice. But, you have to consider that metals can be heavy, which makes them hard to work with. So, out of all the metals out there, aluminum is one of the best materials for its construction.
Since metals can be expensive, durable plastics can be a more affordable alternative. Just make sure that it can take on the pressure it has to work with.
Type of Sandblaster
The type of sandblaster you will use is also an important factor to consider. The different types of sandblasters have different advantages and disadvantages, and knowing which one you’ll use often will lead you to the practical choice.
We’ll give you an in-depth discussion on the different types of sandblasters later.
Maneuverability
When it comes to sandblasting cars, maneuverability is key. This will help you gain full control of the blaster to give you smooth and even results.
For beginners, it’s best to start with a lightweight unit because it’s easier to carry and does not easily cause wrist fatigue. As your skills progress and you learn more techniques, you will be more comfortable with using heavier blasters.
Ease of Use
Working hand-in-hand with maneuverability is its ease of use. It’s best to choose a sandblaster with an intuitive interface, so you don’t have to guess how to operate it.
Among its many configurations, a blaster that’s easy to operate will allow you to control the air pressure without worries, so you know you get full control over your work.
Versatility
You should also determine the different uses that the sandblaster can be used for. Some blasters can remove old paint, while others are strong enough to get rid of corrosion and rust.
For others, it can be used for other purposes outside car restoration. In this case, it’s best to stick with a versatile device that can be used on various sandblasting projects.
Budget
Of course, a good sandblaster for cars doesn’t have to be expensive. If you simply need a blaster for your home workshop, you can find a decent device for a good price.
But if you’re in the business of car restoration and repair, it’s best to invest in a heavy-duty blaster that can deliver the best results with maximum efficiency.
11 Best Sandblaster for Cars: Reviews
Now that you know what factors to look out for, here are the best sandblasters for cars for you to choose from. We guarantee that all of these items offer a great performance to help you finish every project.
Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit
First on our list is the Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit. With its versatile functionality and powerful performance, it’s easy to see why it’s such a crowd favorite.One of the key features of this device is its duality – it can be used as either a gravity-fed sandblaster or as a siphon blaster. That allows you to work on multiple projects, ranging from rust removal, engine cleaning, paint removal, and so much more.
Switching between these two blaster modes is also quite easy. It also features a shut-off switch to prevent any sandblasting accidents. If you plan on using this at your home workshop, this is a feature you don’t want to miss out on.
Another notable feature of the Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit is its portable size. This makes it easy to grasp, so control won’t be an issue, either. While it’s not the most lightweight blaster gun we’ve tried, it’s one of the most manageable, making it perfect for beginners and experienced professionals alike.
Despite being a compact blaster, it can still pack up a punch. It can take a maximum air pressure rating of 150 PSI, which is quite impressive by itself. But for its best performance, we recommend sticking to around 60 to 125 PSI.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 60-125 PSI
- Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
- Types of Media: Multiple
- Weight: 3.45 pounds
- Material: ABS housing
Featured Specs
The Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit comes with a 10-foot hose which allows us to work away from the workstation. That means that you can work with it around your car without limiting your movement.
Extra Feature
Its best feature is that it can be used as a gravity-fed blaster and a siphon blaster. This versatility allows its use with various media and various purposes, giving you the best value for the money.
Buying Advice
Considering its efficiency, reliability, and versatility, we believe that this is the best sandblaster for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists. The only limiting feature about it is its small hopper, which makes it perfect for small to medium projects only.
Pros & Cons
The Verdict
All things considered, we are quite impressed by the Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit. With its dual blaster functionality and convenient shut-off switch, it’s easy to see how well-engineered it is. That’s why we think it’s one of the best sandblasters for cars. And for its price, you’re getting more than what you’re paying for.
FAQs
How many tips does this sandblaster come with?
The Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit comes with two tips.
Can the Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit remove surface rust?
Yes. The Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit is a powerful blaster that can use different media to effectively remove surface rust.
What media size works best with the Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit?
Considering the size of its nozzle, any fine medium will work with this gun kit.
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Titan 19450 Sand Blaster
Thanks to its aluminum construction, this sandblaster can easily take on an air pressure of up to 90 PSI. it is also capable of handling a variety of abrasives such as sand, glass beads, silica, and pecan shells, among others. That goes to show how sturdy its interior construction is.
But admittedly, the Titan 19450 Sand Blaster is among the heavier sand guns we’ve tried because of its aluminum construction. Nevertheless, experienced hobbyists won’t have a problem maneuvering such a weighty device.
Speaking of maneuvering, this sandblaster comes with a convenient 15-foot hose. That guarantees that you can reach tricky areas with ease. And that ensures a job well done.
This gravity-fed blaster is specially engineered to deliver a constant media flow to ensure an even performance. You don’t have to worry about going back and forth – which could cause too much damage to the car’s metal.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 90 PSI
- Types of Media: Multiple
- Weight: 5.2 pounds
- Material: Aluminum
Featured Specs
The 15-foot hose allows us to work in areas that can not be normally reached by hoses of shorter lengths. As a result, we are allowed to move freely as we work.
Extra Feature
The Titan 19450 Sand Blaster boasts a highly portable design, and that allows us to work wherever the compressor can be taken.
Buying Advice
If you’re looking for a reliable sandblaster for minor cleaning and other small projects, we believe that this is the perfect unit for you.
Pros & Cons
The Verdict
When it comes to the best entry-level sandblaster for cars, we believe the Titan 19450 Sand Blaster takes the cake. It’s easy to use and offers decent versatility for a variety of small sandblasting projects. It’s also affordable, so you know it’s the perfect blaster you can simply have at home in case you need one.
FAQs
What CFM is required to run this sandblaster?
The Titan 19450 Sand Blaster functions at its best with 90 CFM.
What types of media are compatible?
The Titan 19450 Sand Blaster can be used with a variety of media such as steel grit, sand, silica, pecan shells, and glass beads.
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Neiko 30068A Abrasive Air Sand Blaster Handheld Gun
Aside from being lightweight, this sandblaster also offers versatile performance. It can work with most media such as sand, baking soda, aluminum oxide, glass beads, and walnut shells, among others. As a result, you can use it for various projects – not just for getting rid of rust and paint on your car.
This gravity-fed sandblaster is known to have a working pressure of around 90 PSI, which is a decent number for most DIY jobs.
We also love the compact design of this device. This makes it comfortable to grip and easy to take with you anywhere. It’s also quite sturdy since it can take on media with grits of up to 100. Now that’s impressive.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 90 PSI
- Types of Media: Multiple
- Weight: 1.28 pounds
Featured Specs
The Neiko 30068A Abrasive Air Sand Blaster Handheld Gun is an extremely lightweight sand gun that’s easy to maneuver while also being easy on the wrists.
Extra Feature
The Neiko 30068A Abrasive Air Sand Blaster Handheld Gun is powerful enough to work with media with grits up to 100. That makes it reliable and versatile at the same time.
Buying Advice
If you have a home workshop where you do DIY sandblasting as a hobby, we strongly recommend getting this versatile unit. You can finish a variety of small projects with this sandblaster.
The Verdict
For those who are in the market for an affordable yet durable sandblaster for your car, look no further because the Neiko 30068A Abrasive Air Sand Blaster Handheld Gun has got you covered.
FAQs
Will this sandblaster help strip off the paint?
Yes, one of the key functions of the Neiko 30068A Abrasive Air Sand Blaster Handheld Gun is stripping off paint.
What is the air consumption rating on this sandblaster? 7scfm
To ensure the best performance, the sandblaster should have an air consumption of at least 7 SCFM.
Will it work with large car frames?
Yes. While the Neiko 30068A Abrasive Air Sand Blaster Handheld Gun is most compatible with smaller devices, it can also work with larger frames. However, you may have to keep reloading the hopper with sand, and that can be troublesome.
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AS118 Sandblaster and DAR03B Digital Air Regulator Bundle
Aside from being a powerful sandblaster, this unit is bundled with a convenient digital air regulator. This allows you to make specific air pressure adjustments within seconds. As a result, you’re guaranteed to achieve your desired results thanks to its unmatched accuracy.
Because of its impressive air pressure range, there’s no doubt that you can finish multiple projects with this sandblaster and regulator bundle. Whether it’s a DIY project, a home improvement task, or a car restoration job, the AS118 Sandblaster and DAR03B Digital Air Regulator Bundle have got you covered.
Specification
- Operating Pressure: Up to 150 PSI
- Types of Media: Multiple
- Air Regulator: Digital
Featured Specs
The digital air regulator allows you to control the air pressure that goes into the sandblaster with the utmost accuracy. It can also be used with other items that require air pressure such as paint guns, so you’re guaranteed to get good value for what you paid for.
Extra Feature
The AS118 Sandblaster and DAR03B Digital Air Regulator Bundle come with a ¼-inch quick connector, so you can use it with most of today’s compressors.
Buying Advice
Both items in this bundle are versatile and can be used for different purposes. Even if you don’t have a lot of car sandblasting projects, you can still use both items – so it’s quite a good investment.
Pros & Cons
The Verdict
The AS118 Sandblaster and DAR03B Digital Air Regulator Bundle is a powerful unit that boasts versatility beyond compare. The bundled digital air regulator makes the job a lot easier, making it perfect for people who have to work at specific pressures while sandblasting.
FAQs
Is this sandblaster easy to use?
Yes. Aside from being easy to maneuver, the AS118 Sandblaster and DAR03B Digital Air Regulator Bundle also feature a digital air regulator that makes accurate pressure adjustments with ease. You can never make a mistake with this unit.
What can I use this sandblaster for?
You can use it to clean rust, get rid of dirt, remove paint, and treat the surface to prevent corrosion.
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Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun
This gravity-fed sandblaster comes with a 510-milliliter hopper which is enough to help you get rid of tough rust stains and discolorations from your car. Considering its 5-millimeter nozzle size, it is effective at spot treatments since the air and media are densely packed to ensure proper yet even cleaning.
Thanks to its reinforced plastic body, the Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun is surprisingly lightweight. That makes it easy to maneuver, and that allows you to work with accuracy and efficiency.
Specification
- Operating Pressure: 90 PSI
- Nozzle size: 5mm
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Material: Reinforced plastic
Featured Specs
One of the key features of the Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun is its 5mm nozzle size, which allows for a smooth yet concentrated flow of air and media to ensure accurate spot blasting.
Extra Feature
The Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun comes with a large hopper, which is big enough to contain media to get rid of several spots.
Buying Advice
If you need a spot blaster for minimal work that needs to be concentrated sandblasting, the Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun is perfect for you.
The Verdict
If you find yourself frequently working with rust spots and stains that are hard to get rid of, the Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun would be the best investment.
FAQs
What is the recommended air compressor capacity?
Since the Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun is quite a powerful sandblaster, we recommend using it with an air compressor with a capacity of 80 gallons or above.
Can you use 100-grit media with this sandblaster?
Yes, the Performance Tool M545 Abrasive Spot Blaster Gun can be used with 100-grit media. But for the best results, stick with media with grits between 40 and 60.
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Campbell Hausfeld AT122601AV
Despite its cheap price tag, it’s not one with features that can be considered cheap. It has a durable build quality that allows it to work with multiple media, such as sand, aluminum oxide, steel grit, silicon carbide, and so much more.
And since it’s a siphon sandblaster, it attaches to a separate sand reservoir, and that allows you to work for hours on end. That makes it perfect for professional sandblasting work.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 90 PSI; Depends on the compressor used
- Types of Media: Multiple
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Hose length: 10 feet
Featured Specs
The ceramic nozzle on this unit guarantees a smooth flow of the media, regardless of its material. It’s also corrosion-resistant, and that allows it to stay usable for a long time.
Extra Feature
The Campbell Hausfeld AT122601AV comes with a pickup tube and an Allen wrench, which allows us to make easy adjustments whenever necessary.
Buying Advice
This versatile device can be used for various projects, whether big or small. That’s why it’s perfect for more serious users.
The Verdict
The Campbell Hausfeld AT122601AV offers the best value when it comes to a heavy-duty sandblaster for cars. As a result, we believe it’s the best entry-level sandblaster out there.
FAQs
What is the size of the nozzle?
The Campbell Hausfeld AT122601AV comes with a 9/16-inch nozzle.
What is the recommended grit size?
Media with a grit size of 40 to 80 is ideal for this device.
What is the minimum recommended compressor size?
The Campbell Hausfeld AT122601AV can be used with a compressor with a capacity of at least 40 gallons.
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Cyclone Manufacturing PT-100SK Portable Direct Pressure Pot Blaster
With a minimum performance of 23 CFM at 80 to 100 PSI, it’s easy to see that this sandblaster is one powerful unit. That allows you to get rid of paint and rust effortlessly, so you can get the job done faster. And with its large 100-pound sand capacity, you’re bound to clean the whole car frame without needing any refill.
If only this sandblaster wasn’t so expensive, it could easily be the best sandblaster for cars out there.
Specification
- Operating Pressure: 80-100 PSI
- Air Capacity: 23 CFM
- Types of Media: Multiple
- Weight: 70 pounds
Featured Specs
This sandblaster uses pressure blasting to clean out the surface of the car you’re working on. It’s one of the most powerful types of sandblasters out there.
Extra Feature
Despite its heavy-duty and bulky construction, the Cyclone Manufacturing PT-100SK Portable Direct Pressure Pot Blaster has a portable design, thanks to its convenient handle and built-in wheels.
Buying Advice
No other sandblaster is as powerful and as heavy-duty as the Cyclone Manufacturing PT-100SK Portable Direct Pressure Pot Blaster.
The Verdict
Considering how pricey it is, we recommend this unit for businesses that frequently use sandblasting. You won’t regret investing in such a powerful and reliable unit.
FAQs
Is this sandblaster easy to operate?
Honestly, this pressure blaster can be quite tricky to operate. We recommend it for more experienced users.
What is the nozzle size on this sandblaster?
The Cyclone Manufacturing PT-100SK has a nozzle size of 3/8 inches.
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XtremepowerUS 61200 AIR Sand Blaster 10 Gallon
Another high-capacity sandblaster to consider is the XtremepowerUS 61200 AIR Sand Blaster. With its bright red design and 10-gallon sand tank, this unit is hard to miss.
As its name implies, this extremely powerful machine can effectively treat large surfaces no matter how rough and stuck the coating may seem. That makes it perfect for heavy-duty sandblasting work, whether for businesses or DIY projects.
Despite being a bulky unit, the XtremepowerUS 61200 AIR Sand Blaster comes with a handle and a set of wheels to make it portable and easy to work with.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: Depends on the compressor
- Tank Capacity: 10 gallons
- Weight: 39 pounds
- Hose length: 9 feet
Featured Specs
The special pressure design allows it to forcibly spray media with high air pressure to ensure a thorough surface treatment.
Extra Feature
The built-in air-water separator guarantees a dry sandblasting process to deliver the best results.
Buying Advice
If you need something that can deliver a high-density surface treatment, the XtremepowerUS 61200 AIR Sand Blaster is your best option.
The Verdict
Considering how powerful it is, the XtremepowerUS 61200 AIR Sand Blaster comes with a surprisingly affordable price tag. You’re getting more than your money’s worth with this unit.
FAQs
Does it come with a built-in compressor?
No, you need a separate air compressor for this unit to work.
Is it easy to assemble?
Unfortunately, the XtremepowerUS 61200 AIR Sand Blaster is one of the trickiest sandblasters to assemble.
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Shop Fox M1114 Benchtop Sandblaster
This unit comes with an industrial-grade sandblaster that can work at around 60 to 100 PSI. This range allows you to work on multiple projects – as long as it can fit inside the cabinet.
Since it’s not a standalone unit, you have to mount it on top of your work area. But even so, it’s quite compact, so it won’t take up much of your space. This feature also makes it portable, so you can work anywhere as long as there’s a compressor nearby.
Specifications
Operating Pressure: 60 to 100 PSI
Abrasive Capacity: 10 pounds
Air Supply: 5 to 14 CFM
Featured Specs
The large 9-inch viewing window allows you to see what you’re working on without exposing yourself to all that flying debris.
Extra Feature
The sealed rubber gloves are comfortable and do not restrict movement. Thus, accuracy won’t be an issue.
Buying Advice
If you don’t like the thought of a messy workspace, the Shop Fox M1114 Benchtop Sandblaster is perfect for you.
The Verdict
If you need to work on smaller car parts and accessories, this is the sandblaster you need. It’s also quite powerful, so no surface can’t be cleaned.
FAQs
What is the recommended minimum air supply?
It is recommended to use the Shop Fox M1114 Benchtop Sandblaster with a minimum air supply of 5 SCFM.
Does this unit leak?
Unfortunately, this unit tends to lead after a while.
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Grizzly Industrial G0707 Blast Cabinet
This heavy-duty sandblaster comes with a built-in blast cabinet where you can work on your projects neatly. It comes with a foot pedal that you can use to control the pressure, so your hands are free to work on your project.
Interestingly, this unit also comes with a built-in dust collection system. This makes it easy to clean while also making recycling a possibility. As such, not only will the Grizzly Industrial G0707 Blast Cabinet help you get the job done, but it’s also committed to saving the environment.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: Up to 125 PSI
- Air Supply: 25 CFM
- Types of Media: 8
- Weight: 231 pounds
- Material: ABS housing
Featured Specs
It comes with two blasting nozzles that you can use for different types of projects.
Extra Feature
The built-in regulator and pressure gauze allow you to make accurate adjustments to the air pressure with ease.
Buying Advice
This is an expensive unit that boasts heavy-duty performance. It may not be the practical choice if you’re only working on small-scale projects but will be quite helpful for tough-to-remove stains and rust.
The Verdict
The Grizzly Industrial G0707 Blast Cabinet is a great option for businesses and serious hobbyists who are willing to invest in a heavy-duty blaster with a built-in cabinet.
FAQs
Can it be used with walnut shells?
Yes. The Grizzly Industrial G0707 Blast Cabinet is quite versatile and can be used with different media.
Is it easy to use?
No. The Grizzly Industrial G0707 Blast Cabinet is an industrial-grade sandblaster that is best used by professionals.
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TCP Global Gravity Feed Sand Blaster Gun Kit
Despite its price, this gravity-fed blaster offers a decent performance that’s best for home use. We also love the balanced feel of this unit, because that makes it easy to work with.
Speaking of ease of use, the TCP Global Gravity Feed Sand Blaster Gun Kit comes with an intuitive interface, so beginners won’t have a problem with its operation.
And with an impressive air pressure range between 44 and 116 PSI, there’s no doubt that this sandblaster is also among the most versatile.
Specifications
- Operating Pressure: 44 to 116 PSI
- Air Consumption: 88 to 10.6 CFM
- Tank Capacity: 900 ml
- Weight: 1.83 pounds
Featured Specs
The 5mm ceramic nozzle on this device helps ensure a smooth flow while also preventing clogs as you work.
Extra Feature
It has an adjustable control valve to ensure that the right amount of pressure will be used for each project.
Buying Advice
If you’re simply looking for a sandblaster in your toolbox for a variety of projects, you can’t go wrong with the TCP Global Gravity Feed Sand Blaster Gun Kit.
The Verdict
The TCP Global Gravity Feed Sand Blaster Gun Kit offers a decent performance that makes it best as a home-use sandblaster. And for its price, you’re surely getting the best bang for your buck.
FAQs
Can you buy replacement nozzles?
Yes. The brand makes it easily accessible to buy replacement nozzles.
What is the recommended grit size?
You can use media with grit sizes of up to 14 with this sandblaster.
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How does a sandblaster work?
At this point, you’re already familiar with our 11 best sandblasters for cars. For those who are new to sandblasting, you might be curious as to how such a device works.
To put things simply, a sandblaster works by shooting high-velocity media using highly compressed air. This is responsible for creating an abrasive effect that can remove tough layers of grime, rust, paint, and similar materials from any surface.
Uses of A Sandblaster
Now that you know how a sandblaster works, you must also be curious about what you can use it for. Depending on the type of media you use with your blaster, you can use it for a variety of purposes. Here are just some of its most common uses.
- It can clean out the surface of cars to get rid of paint, corrosion, rust, and grime.
- It can clean car engines and other small and rusty parts.
- It can prepare a metal’s surface for any succeeding treatment.
- It can smooth out rough surfaces.
- It can be used to create art.
- It can get rid of scratches and stains.
- It can get rid of oil stains.
- When a sandblaster emits highly concentrated amounts of media, it can also be used to etch on certain surfaces like wood.
- It can be used to clean concrete to prevent dirt build-up and mold growth.
- It can be used to restore bricks and similar decorative stones.
And the list goes on. Thus, it’s easy to see how useful a sandblaster can be – not just for cleaning and treating our cars.
Now if you are interested in more, you can visit this article “What is sandblasting used for”.
What is the best sandblaster for a car frame?
When it comes to sandblasting the car frame, you need a powerful sand gun that can strip off paint, corrosion, and rust from the frame’s surface. With that said, we believe the powerful Cyclone Manufacturing PT-100SK is the best sandblaster for car frames.
This unit is not only powerful, but it also has a massive sand tank that can contain enough media to finish the job. Thus, these features make it a convenient choice for professionals and car restoration businesses.
Types Of Sandblasters
Previously, we have mentioned that the different types of sandblasters come with varying advantages and disadvantages. To gain a deeper understanding of these differences, here is a comprehensive discussion of the different types of sandblasters in the market.
Gravity-Fed Sandblaster
The gravity-fed sandblaster is among the most popular of these types. As its name implies, this blaster takes advantage of gravity to feed sand or other media into the barrel, which is then aggressively sprayed to the target surface.
This type of sand gun is characterized by a hopper that’s located on top of the unit. Because of this design, gravity-fed sandblasters can be quite heavy, depending on the hopper capacity. Thus, it is ideal for small sandblasting projects only.
Siphon Sandblaster
Another popular type is the siphon sandblaster, owing to its affordability. This setup involves connecting the sandblaster to an air compressor and a separate sand tank. Once you turn the air compressor on, the sand is vacuumed into the blaster barrel, which is then sprayed to what you’re working on.
Aside from being affordable, it can also take on stronger pressure, which results in a better performance. Since it doesn’t have a hopper mounted on top, it’s easier to maneuver, and the larger sand tank allows it to work on bigger projects.
The only downside is that you would need an air compressor and a separate sand tank – and that can take up a lot of space in your workstation.
Pressure Blaster
And finally, we have the pressure blaster. This type of sandblaster uses a pressurized container that houses both the sand and the pressurized air. That container is connected to the gun, so pulling the trigger releases both the air and the sand.
A pressure blaster is one of the most powerful types of sandblasters, which is why it’s a popular choice among professionals and businesses. However, it can be quite pricey, so you would have to save up for such an investment.
Safety Precautions
We have previously established that sandblasting is relatively safe for your car. As abrasive as it is on the surface, it’s only strong enough to get rid of the specific layer you want to clean.
However, this is not the same for its users. Sandblasting can cause us to inhale its media waste, and that can easily lead to respiratory conditions. To prevent such complications and similar health concerns, always observe the following advice while sandblasting:
- Do not forget to wear your protective gear during this process. These include protective helmets, goggles, respiratory masks, working gloves, and earplugs.
- Whenever possible, opt to use a sandblasting cabinet to keep the debris from flying all over your workspace.
- Read the instruction manual that comes with the sandblaster. That will teach you the basics of handling this powerful item, including specific safety advice and other useful tips.
- Do not point the sandblaster at anyone. Also, make sure that there are no unauthorized personnel in your work area before you operate this device.
- Once you’re done using the sandblaster, make sure to store it away from the reach of curious pets and children.
Tips for Using a Sandblaster
If you’re new to using a sandblaster, here are some tips that you might want to consider to ensure its best performance.
- Pick a sandblaster that works well for the type of job you want to do on your car.
- Before operating the sandblaster, make sure you’re using a hose that’s the right length to ensure a thorough cleaning. Noticing that the hose is too short later on is not only time-consuming but could also lead to inefficiency.
- Make sure you’re using the right air pressure that the sandblaster can handle.
- While using the sandblaster, tilt the unit so that the nozzle is around 45 to 55 degrees from the direction of the surface. This will help you clean it out better, compared to pointing it directly at the surface.
- Always clean the nozzle before and after you’re done sandblasting. This is to prevent any media build-up at the tip that could prevent its performance later on.
Sandblaster Elements
We believe that to fully understand your new sandblaster, you would have to be familiar with its elements and their corresponding uses. That’s why we also included it in this discussion.
Sandblaster Filter and Nozzle
Two of the key elements of a sandblaster are its filter and nozzle.
The filter takes away any moisture or oil that could mix with the media. You see, when the sand or other media isn’t completely dry when it’s blasted from the gun, it decreases its abrasive properties. Thus, it won’t be as effective.
On the other hand, the nozzle is located at the tip of the blaster, and it is the part where the sand or other media exits the gun. It is the part that you have to point to the surface of what you’re working on to ensure accurate results.
Material
The material used in constructing the sandblaster can either be durable plastic or lightweight metal. Regardless of the material, it’s necessary that it could contain the air pressure and media inside the gun’s barrel without causing it to fall apart.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the sandblaster also matter. A good sandblaster must have a handle that comes in a comfortable size to make it easy to grip. Also, the weight should be manageable, so you don’t have to suffer from fatigued wrists after work.
Portability
A portable sandblaster is one that you can take with you everywhere. If you’re working with a car, make sure it’s something that you can easily carry or pull with you around the vehicle. Otherwise, you might not effectively get the job done.
Speed & Torque
This element refers to the sandblaster’s removal capacity. While high speed and torque are ideal, you have to factor in that not all surface cleaning jobs require that much power. The key here is to make sure that the sandblaster offers enough speed and torque for your cleaning needs.
Ergonomics
Another important element is its ergonomics. This depends largely on the sandblaster’s overall design. As much as possible, it should have a well-balanced feel that should allow you to work with it with ease. Even if you’re reaching through tough spots, a sandblaster with excellent ergonomics won’t make it feel as tricky.
People Also Want to Know
What is the best media to sandblast a car?
The answer to this question depends largely on what you’re planning to use it for. For example, sand is best for getting rid of mild corrosion and rust, a plastic abrasive is best for getting rid of paint, and steel grit is best for extremely tough rust.
These are the best media to use to sandblast a car, depending on what you intend to clean.
What is the best sandblaster to buy?
Out of these options, we believe the reliable and versatile Le Lematec Sand Blaster Gun Kit is the best buy for DIY projects or hobbyists. But for businesses that have to use their sandblaster frequently, the powerful Cyclone Manufacturing PT-100SK is your best bet.
How much does it cost to have a car sandblasted?
Getting a car sandblasted by a professional depends on the kind of work you want to get done. The rate usually runs between $50 to $75 per hour. The bigger the work to be done, the longer it takes to be sandblasted, and can largely add up to the cost.
Thus, expect to pay around $1000 to $2000 for professional sandblasting.
Can I sandblast a car?
Yes. A sandblaster can be used to get rid of rust, paint, or any corrosion on a car’s surface, or any of its metal parts.
Is Sandblasting a Car Safe?
Yes, sandblasting a car is generally safe. Just make sure that you’re wearing the proper safety gear to protect your eyes, hands, and lungs from all the debris.
Conclusion
Now that you know our best sandblaster for cars, you can easily decide which one to get. But if you still can’t pick one, you can always refer to our buyer’s guide for more information.
Nevertheless, always remember that a good sandblaster is of high quality and guarantees reliable performance. It should not clog as much; but when it does, clearing out the sand won’t be a problem. That allows you to work as efficiently as possible.
But when it comes to the best sandblaster for you, make sure that it’s easy for you to operate and is powerful enough for the types of projects you work on. Otherwise, buying an incompatible sandblaster will be a waste of money.