Try our new info resource - "Aladdin's Cave" (Main menu)Just added a separate link to Ash's Dropbox thread (shortcut)
Ash, vapor blasting is a finish. If you are going to paint a part there is no need to vapor blast it first. I do engines, so they come in different levels that need cleaning. some i can get away with soda blasting but, they are non-finned engines. The rest start off in the wash, then get bead blasted. Then it is down to customers requirements.Aquablasting will leave pitting in aluminum.
Ash, it depends on what kind of finish you are looking for, and what state the metal/aluminum is in. I had the idea of blasting up a hub, to get it ready for polishing. Used a load of different media but, just could not get it to the finish required for polishing and ended up painting it. A lot of people take parts for vapor blasting, not understanding that to vapor a part, it needs to be totally cleaned first.Dry bead blasting is ok. If you are going to paint after or example: Bead blast a head before vapor. If aluminum wheel rims, then soda blast before polishing. Hubs are a sod, and would commend paint in the form of powder coat.