How To Shot Blast Old Machinery: The Easiest Way to Get Rid of Rust

If you’re like most people, your idea of an ideal weekday afternoon involves sinking into the couch for a long block of time. But for farmers who need to get their machinery ready for planting or harvesting, that same afternoon can result in a lot of stress.

Many farm implements are made from metal, meaning that they often take on a yellowish appearance as rust starts to form. This appearance is known as “rusting” — or more specifically, it’s called “rust staining” when the colour is dark enough to be visible from a distance.

Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent your machinery from rusting and prolong its useful life indefinitely. In this blog post, we’ll explain how you can Shot blast old machinery and get rid of rust stains in the process.

What is Shot Blasting?

Shot blasting is a process that involves using high-pressure air or abrasives to remove a layer of old rust and coatings of oil, grime, and other substances that accumulate on metal.

When the process is done right, the surface will be left with an even and lustrous shine. But if the blasting is done wrong, you’ll end up with a surface that’s dull and hazy.

Shot blasting can be used to clean and restore all types of metal, from agricultural equipment to vehicle parts and even metal walls. The method works best on rusty or lightly rusted surfaces.

It’s also worth mentioning that Shotblasting is a simple and affordable method, so it’s an excellent choice for cleaning out an old rusty piece of machinery that you can’t bear to part with.

Why You Should Use Shot blasting to Remove Rust Stains

Rust stains are a major problem in many agricultural areas due to the amount of time that machinery spends outdoors in poor conditions. You can prevent rusted surfaces from forming by regularly washing the equipment with a degreasing solution and dry lubricant, and applying a coat of anti-rust paint.

If you’re a farmer who needs to Shot blast old machinery, you’ll appreciate that the process is a no-brainer. You won’t have to contend with difficult-to-reach areas, and you won’t have to mess around with a flamethrower or oxyacetylene torch.

Shot blasting can be done right in your shop, using an air compressor and an air hose. You’ll also need a blasting pad, an air hose, and an air nozzle.

3 Types of Metal That Need to be Removed for Rust Blasting

These include galvanized surfaces, aluminium, and iron. – Galvanized Surfaces: If a piece of equipment has been coated with zinc, it will be considered a “galvanized surface.” Galvanized surfaces are not only more likely to take on rust, but they’re also more prone to staining.

The reason for this is that the coating becomes a bit porous, which means that liquid can seep into the surface and cause the colour to change. While you can Shot blast these surfaces, your results will be less than ideal.

Aluminium: Most aluminium surfaces can be Shot blasted, but you’ll have to be careful. During the blasting process, the aluminium will shed a white powder that will be visible from a distance. You can safely Shot blasting aluminium, provided that you follow a few guidelines.

Iron: Iron is another type of metal that’s commonly used in farm equipment. However, it’s not the best choice for Shot blasting. Iron is a very heavy metal, making it difficult to blow into dust particles. As a result, you’ll have trouble removing the stains.

How to Shot blasting Metal

• Cleaning and Priming: Before you start Shot blasting, make sure that your work area is clean and that all of the equipment is primed.
• Cleaning the Surface: If the surface is a new galvanized surface, you’ll want to clean it with a degreaser and then a mild abrasive. You can use standard sandpaper or an abrasive pad. When the surface is clean, you’ll want to wipe it dry with a clean rag to remove any moisture.
• Priming the Surface: If the surface is aluminium, you’ll want to put on a primer coat before Shotblasting. The primer will help the Shot blasting operation and protect the surface from corrosion. To prime the surface, use a primer brush or a rag.

How Often Should You Shoe Machines for Rust Blasting?

If the surface is galvanized surface or iron, you should blast it at least every six months. If the machinery is aluminium, you can probably get away with blasting it every year or two.

And finally, if the equipment is of the bare metal type, you can safely Shot blast it whenever you want. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at One Stop Farm Supply.

Our staff has a ton of experience, and they’ll be able to give you advice on the best way to get your equipment ready for planting or harvesting.

Final Words

If you’ve been experiencing rust stains in your farm machinery, don’t waste any more time. Shot blasting the surface and getting rid of the rust stains once and for all!

The process is fairly straightforward, and it’ll leave your machinery looking like new. To get started, contact Castleblast today.