Removing slight rust etching.

[Rustynuts]

Before ANY coating I would use K-Phos as a rust killer and etch/primer for the coating. I've even wiped it on as a rust preventer before. The stuff will neutralize rust before your eyes. I did a blast before finishing a shotgun and before I was done, there was flash rust forming (this IS Florida!). Didn't woory about it and sprayed on the K-Phos and the rust magically disappears! Phosphoric acid solution. Works like Naval Jelly. The microscopic acid etching also helps bond the coatings to the metal.

https://www.kgcoatings.com/index.php...d&productId=21

[TheGreatDane]

Originally Posted by RexDart

A question about sand blasting: I hear aluminum oxide, 120 grit, is the best for metal prep for most spray-on finishes. What, if any, steps must be taken to prevent mangling the roll marks on the slide when blasting?

bead blast!

[Rustynuts]

I've heard bead blasting is not the best. Tends to "peen" the steel smooth and not give the coating anything to bite onto. Then you get delamination failures. Best to go with fine grit otherwise you end up with a slight texture to the finish. Although that can be nice as well. I used som medium grit Black Diamond blast media and it worked great, but I'd go fine next time.