Sandblasting a Sword?

Jeff D · 20th September 2009, 10:57 PM

Thanks guys I will give it a try.

Jeff

Jeff Pringle · 22nd September 2009, 10:37 AM

Archaeologists use the technique, here is a Swedish article that cites the use of a microblaster with aluminum oxide abrasive to clean up & reveal details on a couple swords:
http://fornvannen.se/pdf/1980talet/1981_016.pdf
You can find very fine abrasives on line, I once got some 40μ glass beads from a company that supplies equipment for cleaning up dental castings.

Gunnel Werner
“Konservering av tre vikingatida svärd med inläggningar”
“Med hjälp av mikrobläster (aluminiumoxid som blästermedd) frilades de fragmentariska inläggningarna av tunna koppar- och bronstrådar på hjälten och knappen.”

Ferguson · 22nd September 2009, 02:37 PM

Jeff, I use a mild chemical called Evapo-Rust. Don't know if it's available in B.C. though.
http://www.evaporust.com/evaporust.html
It will, with soaking, remove serious rust. But it's not a harsh chemical like Naval Jelly. It does remove all the patina though. I buy mine at Pep Boys auto parts store.

Steve

p.s.
Here are the distributors in B.C. if you're interested
http://www.nicks.ca/ER.dist.html

ward · 22nd September 2009, 02:48 PM

Sandblasting antiques is a bad idea. It ruins the value of a piece giving it a pebbled finish that can not be repaired. Also the dead gray appearance is disturbing. I would strongly suggest using milder options. Leaving patina in crevaces is what gives a piece some character not a factory overcleaned appearence.

Jeff D · 22nd September 2009, 04:11 PM

Thank-you Jeff, Steve and Ward for your replies.

I was able to get the glass beads (not sure of the size) and walnut shells yesterday, and will try to get the Evapor-Rust (by Steve's link there is a local distributor). Time to bring out the rusty square again and do a side-by-side comparison of the different methods.
My concerns are as exactly stated by ward, I do not want a dull over cleaned result, but, the problem is I really don't like the rusted appearance either. I suspect the rust is also hiding marks and information as well. I will accept the rust over destroying the piece however.
It may take me a week or two try all the methods and I will post the result when I am done.

Thanks again everybody!
Jeff

ausjulius · 30th September 2009, 06:17 AM

please do not sand blast any antique or for that matter new cutlery,, it will damage the finish and only premotes rust, unless your making tactical finished military style knives sand blasting has no place...

20th September 2009, 10:57 PM	#1
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Thanks guys I will give it a try. Jeff

22nd September 2009, 10:37 AM	#2
Jeff Pringle Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 189	Archaeologists use the technique, here is a Swedish article that cites the use of a microblaster with aluminum oxide abrasive to clean up & reveal details on a couple swords: http://fornvannen.se/pdf/1980talet/1981_016.pdf You can find very fine abrasives on line, I once got some 40μ glass beads from a company that supplies equipment for cleaning up dental castings. Gunnel Werner “Konservering av tre vikingatida svärd med inläggningar” “Med hjälp av mikrobläster (aluminiumoxid som blästermedd) frilades de fragmentariska inläggningarna av tunna koppar- och bronstrådar på hjälten och knappen.”

22nd September 2009, 02:37 PM	#3
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	Jeff, I use a mild chemical called Evapo-Rust. Don't know if it's available in B.C. though. http://www.evaporust.com/evaporust.html It will, with soaking, remove serious rust. But it's not a harsh chemical like Naval Jelly. It does remove all the patina though. I buy mine at Pep Boys auto parts store. Steve p.s. Here are the distributors in B.C. if you're interested http://www.nicks.ca/ER.dist.html

22nd September 2009, 02:48 PM	#4
ward Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 637	Sandblasting antiques is a bad idea. It ruins the value of a piece giving it a pebbled finish that can not be repaired. Also the dead gray appearance is disturbing. I would strongly suggest using milder options. Leaving patina in crevaces is what gives a piece some character not a factory overcleaned appearence.

22nd September 2009, 04:11 PM	#5
Jeff D Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 473	Thank-you Jeff, Steve and Ward for your replies. I was able to get the glass beads (not sure of the size) and walnut shells yesterday, and will try to get the Evapor-Rust (by Steve's link there is a local distributor). Time to bring out the rusty square again and do a side-by-side comparison of the different methods. My concerns are as exactly stated by ward, I do not want a dull over cleaned result, but, the problem is I really don't like the rusted appearance either. I suspect the rust is also hiding marks and information as well. I will accept the rust over destroying the piece however. It may take me a week or two try all the methods and I will post the result when I am done. Thanks again everybody! Jeff

30th September 2009, 06:17 AM	#6
ausjulius Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: musorian territory Posts: 444	please do not sand blast any antique or for that matter new cutlery,, it will damage the finish and only premotes rust, unless your making tactical finished military style knives sand blasting has no place...