i am in the process of writing a proposal for a project and i would really like to include sandblasting and repainting vintage frames.
has anyone any experience of this type of thing? or any advivce they would like to impart please?
Sand / grit blasting can be harmful if you've an old (fragile) frame, or one with very thin tubes. Car restorers use crushed walnut shells to remove paint / rust as its less damaging. A very light blast does provide a good key for new paint though.
as above - be careful. Soda or shell blasting is a lot gentler.
Depending on the material you may also be able to get it acid dipped.
media blasting is the collective term. There is an inherent problem with grit or sandblasting on ally frame in that it generates minute sharp pits that are perfect fatigue stress raisers. For surface fatige resistance you need shot blasting.
The best is vapour blasting, very effective and very gentle, but tends to be more expensive as it required more expensive kit.