Summary for vapor honing media Discussion
Vapor honing media for a fine satin firearm finish is discussed as a wet abrasive process, not truly dry blasting. In the question, Larry Brooks asked what fine blast media and grit would produce the soft satin look seen on polished stainless pistols and revolvers, after a local shop that called its work “dry vapor hone” closed. The answer explains that, by definition, vapor honing is done wet with water and abrasive, usually glass bead; “dry vapor hone” is a misnomer and dry blasting should simply be called blasting. The reply says a small tabletop cabinet can be used, and that fine glass bead can work dry if desired, but the cabinet supplier should advise on bead size. It also cautions that a good air compressor, dust mask, ventilation, and thorough cleanup are needed to remove all residue.
Q. Hello, I am new here and found this sight after searching “Vapor Hone”
I do firearm repair and had a local shop that as they called it a dry vapor hone applied fine satin finish to polished stainless steel pistols for me. They closed their shop and I am wondering if I purchase a small table top blast cabinet, what type of fine blast media & grit would I need for getting a “not coarse sand blasted look” — the fine satin finish seen on many pistols like S&Ws 625 revolvers and some stainless semi-auto top slides. Thanks for any help,
Larry Brooks
Huckleberrys – Spring Grove
2007
 | A. I may be wrong, but there is no such thing as a “dry” vapor hone. A regular abrasive blast cabinet can come close to the same finish with a fine media and a good operator. James Watts A. Dry Vapor Hone is a misnomer. Vapor honing, by definition is done wet, with a mixture of water and abrasive, usually glass bead. Dry blasting is just called blasting. Sure, you can do your own, and it can be done dry with fine glass bead. Ready made small cabinets are available, and the supplier should be able to advise you on the appropriate glass bead size. Remember you’ll need a good air compressor [adv: air compressors on or Amazon [affil link] , dust mask, ventilation, and a way to clean everything afterward so all the abrasive glass bead residue is removed.
|
A. You can try several media (i.e. aluminum oxide or silicon carbide 220 or 320 mesh). This will leave a totally matte aspect. For a semi bright gloss, blast with fine glass beads.
Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
I rarely disagree with Mr. Marrufo, but both 220 and 320 will give far more etch than a true Vapor Hone. If you go with glass bead, use the smallest that you can get.
James Watts
– Navarre, Florida
Totally agree with you, Jim. I should have suggested 600 at least which is the finest we can still get. No 800 here anymore.
Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico