Anyone ever tried sandblasting on wood?

[siliconbauhaus]

I'm in the middle of trying to finish off a bird feeder. It's all assembled and stained but I'm not very happy with the finish. I have areas where I've had the stain collect in some of the fiddly areas.

I have a local place that does sand blasting while you wait so I was considering taking it down there to have the stain taken off so I can spray the finish with the earlex unit I just picked up.

Has anyone here tried sandblasting on wood to remove the finish?

[Martin]

sandblasting on wood

stop by a custom frame shop and look at some examples of sandblasted wood frames. They are quite common in this area.

[pelligrini]

I haven't tried it on purpose, but it's happened.

I doubt you'd get a finish like you would want. In my little experience with shooting sand on wood the wood ended up with a weathered and pitted look.

[siliconbauhaus]

Well I was after stripping off the finish so I can spray it properly. I could sit there and sand the bloody thing but it has so many intricate pieces it will take a long time.....unless I can convince the missus to let me buy the little proxxon belt sander

[cabinetman]

There's many different types of medium that can be used. There's likely a very fine abrasive that will do what you want.
.

[Tom Slick]

sandblasting is usually done to give the wood an antique weathered appearance. it makes the softwood go away and leaves the hardwood grain raised.
like this
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thum...wood_grain.jpg

It's the way a raised lettered wood sign is made.

[dlminehart]

You might look into the Behr deck/fence renewers. They have a 2-in-1 product (so-called) that might do what you want. Costs $15 for a half gallon, though.

[SARGE..g-47]

As others.. I have seen it done on purpose to give a weathered look as that is what it's going to give. If you aren't looking for that and I suspect not.. go another route.

Good luck..

[jabe]

When ever I want to strip the finish or stain from a project, I mix lacquer thinner & denatured alcohol in equal parts and apply it with a # 3 or 4 steel wool. I usually mix 8 oz. at a time (4 oz. of each) as you do not want to store this mixture. Rinsing the steel wool in the mixture as the finish starts to soften and clogs the steel wool. Lightly rub in the mixture with the steel wool going with the grain of the wood. To get into tight areas or inside corners of the project, use a scrap peice of wood shape like a 1/4" wood chisel or wedge, wrap the steel wool over it then you can get into those areas. Work in a well ventilated area with no sparks or flame nearby, this mixture is extremly flamable. Use chemical resistant gloves, safety glasses and a respirator. Do a final rinse with just lacquer thinner, rub it lightly with the steel wool. Because you're not using any water or water base stripper, you will not raise the grain of the wood. Let it dry 24 hrs. do some light sanding and you're good to go.

[siliconbauhaus]

jabe...thanks for the info, I might try that if all else fails.

[wardprobst]

There is a variety of media available for blasting from ground corn cobs and walnut shells to glass beads. The media is available in various grits. By adjusting the blast pressure and media you should be able to remove most of the paint fairly easily though you may have to do some touch up sanding by hand. Harbor Freight sells the beads and walnut shells, TP Tools sells all kind of media.
DP