Question about wet sandblasting

[trooper1954]

Hi All,
I have a utility trailer that needs sandblasting and re-painting....last time I did this ten years ago I did it all with a wire wheel, but I'm now thinking I would try wet sandblasting this time.
The problem seems to be that my pressure washer is 3000psi and 2.5 gpm....I cannot find a wet sandblasting set-up that would specifically work with these parameters...they all seem to need more PSI and a greater GPM minimum of 4. Has anyone modified any of these systems to work with lower psi/gpm?
I'm thinking that maybe reducing nozzle size or feed hose diameter may improve performance on the lower gpm units...it seems the problem is in the venturi, and the lower gpm's don't have enough flow to **** up the media.
Anyone's thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

 

[rslaback]

This is the one I have. I think it should work for you as my washer isn't much different than your specs. It is rated up to 3500 and 8.0 but it does not require those amounts.

https://www.northerntool.com/products/powerhorse-high-pressure-abrasive-blasting-kit-3500-psi-8-0-gpm-model-2100439-49153#hotbar-description

A couple of tricks, make sure to keep your sand bucket dry and under a cover. Wet sand doesn't **** up easily. Similarly, make sure that you don't set the gun down when you move a piece or stop blasting. The water will work down the sand tube and plug it up. Have a way to hang the gun up so the water in the gun doesn't drain down the sand tube.

 

[PCustoms]

I'd have to look at the kit I bought, but my gas PW was marginally in the range for PSI and flow.

It worked OK.

It used A LOT of clean, dry sand. Hundreds of pounds. And I ate plenty of it, even with the face shield.

A prep disc on a grinder was faster for larger areas.

 

[trooper1954]

From a bit of research, it seems GPM is the key....and it should be a minimum of 4gpm and 4000 psi to work effectively.
Guess I'll give it a try, and if it's not working properly I'll rent one with the appropriate specs.
You'd think with most homeowner washers being in the lower category, someone would come up with an attachment that would work for the lower gps and pressure....would be good marketing