Thread: which blasting media to use?

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I've just picked up some old polished mag wheels that have seen better days. Instead of trying to polish them up, I want to cabinet blast them to achieve a cast look. My question is, which media should I use to get that "as cast" look. It has glass bead right now but I think that will leave too fine a finish. Would regular sand work? Any help is appreciated.

Glass Bead or Walnut Shells are good, Aluminum Shot is best.

Jack up the rear of your truck, remove one wheel and tire and bolt the bare wheel on. Crank the motor and drop it in low gear or reverse. Using WD40 as a lube, sand the wheels with 80 grit emery cloth. Wash throughly with detergent and dry 'em off. You won't believe how beautiful they come out with a spun aluminum finish.

I'll give both versions a try, see which one I like better. Thanks.

i use stuff i get at menards .like a home depot. looks like black glass black shot it works good and it is cheap ,try test with this first like the back of the rim it works great on old aluminum intakes i do rusty engine heads with this stuff and work good for this to .i got tired of paying $$ for glass bead

Check the EASTWOOD company.