http://sandblaster-parts.com/sandblasters-sodablasters-sandblaster-parts/sandblaster | Learn how to make beautiful engravings using sandblasters.

1. Stone Engraving with Sand Blasters
How Can I Use It and What Is It Anyway?

2. Select the
Material to
Engrave
Most any material except
diamond is suitable for
engraving.
Here are some options:
• Rock
• Tile
• Metal
• Wood
• Brick
• Some plastics

3. Select the Pattern to Engrave
• Patterns can be anything you like.
• Vector images are ideal.
• You can get images off of the Internet or create
your own using Photoshop.

4. Positive versus Negative Etching
• Most engraving by sandblasting is called "positive etching."
• This means that the design is blasted away, leaving the background.
• "Negative etching" is when you leave the image and blast away the
background, creating a negative image.

5. What Is "Weeding"?
• Weeding is the process of cutting away the parts of
the pattern to be blasted.
• The stencil used is called "resist" material, because
it is the part of the pattern that will resist the
blasting of the sand while the image carved out of
the pattern is blasted away.
• The pattern you print will be transferred to a
stencil, which is usually made of tough rubber or
vinyl to withstand the blasting.

6. Transfer the Pattern to the
Material to Be Engraved
• Print your pattern.
• Attach the pattern to the stenciling
material with tape.
• Cut away the image, cutting through the
pattern and stencil.
• Remove the pattern from the stencil.
• Attach the stencil to the material you
plan to blast.
• Most stencils designed for sandblasting
have adhesive backing to keep it in place
during blasting.
• If your stencil doesn't have adhesive
backing, hold it in place with duct tape.

7. Blast the Design
• Sandblasters use a mixture of
compressed air and sand to blast
away the engraved image.
• The sand used for sandblasting is
made of aluminum core. It is not
ordinary beach or play sand.
• A blast cabinet keeps the blasting
sand confined, so that it doesn't
blow into your eyes, onto your skin,
or all over the room.
• The blast cabinet operates much
like a containment work unit in a
laboratory. You can stick your
gloved hands and arms through and
work inside, while keeping the
inside sealed off from the outside.

8. Remove the Stencil
• After blasting, remove the stencil from your
material slowly.
• Examine the etching as you remove the
stencil.
• If you missed any spots, now is the time to
replace the stencil and re-blast the item.
• If you completely remove the stencil before
examining your etching, it's harder to get the
stencil back in the exact place.

9. Tips for Sandblasting
• To engrave glass, choose glass pieces at
least 3/16 to 1/4-inch thick.
• Glass companies often have broken or
irregular-sized pieces lying around that
they'll give away for free.
• Etch on plastics with caution. Plastic is
significantly softer than most other
materials, and can be blasted away easily.
• Get some free or inexpensive "throw away"
materials to practice on before investing in
nice metals, glass, tiles, or stones.

10. About Big A’s Place
• Big A’s Place Sandblasting Supplies offers an extensive selection of sandblasters and
sandblasting equipment, including portable sandblasters, stationary sandblasters, rental
units, pots, popup valves and seals, and blasting lights. With a variety of sizes, you can get the
perfect sandblasting machine for any application. These high-quality Pirate Brand machines
are all made in the USA.
• For more information, visit sandblaster-parts.com.

11. Sources
• http://buildmakecraftbake.com/2009/03/how
-to-tuesday-sandblasting-with.html
• http://www.sandcarver.org/introduction.htm
• http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/sand
blasting-zmaz82jfzglo.aspx#axzz3GQ0g8wyI

12. Summary
• Engraving with a sandblaster is a fast and easy way to create beautiful pieces of art. From
stone to wood to tiles, there are so many materials you can use. With a little practice, you
can be a true engraving artist!