Touching up factory bead blast finish?

[cgt4570]

Anyone know some specifics about the factory's method of bead blasting stainless revolver parts? I need to touch up a spot. What size media and what pressure?

I tried 80 grit glass (all I have on hand) at various pressure and distance on a scrap piece. It didn't even come close to looking like the factory stuff. I assume they use something much finer.

Thanks

 

[terrancemc]

Glass beads

Chris, I get mine from Brownells, their number is 084-063-270 for 50 lbs. They are #270 sieve size which is really fine, feels like the sodium bicarbonate media. The size of the beads range from .0021 to .0005 which is really fine. If you get them remember that the gun has to come completely apart and be clean and dry before you blast it and even then you have to rinse it off and run pipe cleaners thru all the holes to be sure all the beads are out or you have a gritty mess. I put the gun and all the parts to be blasted in an ultrasonic cleaner first to get all the hidden dirt out. I have been doing this for my dealer for over 10 years so if you have any other questions feel free to ask. Good luck, Terry

 

[Swabby]

+1 on the Brownells 270 grit @ 50 PSI. If you want a more matte finish, but not rough, do your 60-80 grit first, then do a blast with the 270 grit. Different grits and pressures all give different results. It was smart of you to try a test piece first. I've been doing police trade-in 3rd Gen autos for friends and myself. The 270 grit is a really nice finish, but may be a bit too bright for the area between the sights. Basically, it's trial and error. Keep testing until you find the color/texture you want. Good luck with your project.

 

[stang1911]

Factory beadblast

I use cheap white play sand at 80-100 psi. No need to take gun apart, just mask(cover)entire gun except for area to be touched up. Found to be real close to factory finish. I to would like to know what the factory process is? Look's like it's a glossy silver plated beadblast.

 

[tomcatt51]

I to would like to know what the factory process is? Look's like it's a glossy silver plated beadblast.

I thought they tumbled the parts, it wasn't a glass bead finish.