Sandblast A Cabinet In 5 Steps

An alternative method to refinishing is to sandblast a cabinet. To prevent damage, this process must be done very carefully, but is definitely a suitable task for anyone with the proper tools and a do-it-yourself attitude. A sandblaster can be expensive, so if you do not own one, consider renting one at your local hardware store to complete this project. Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area or one with a dust collection system to prevent irritation and breathing issues.

To sandblast your cabinets, here is what you need and the 5 easy steps to get it done:

Step 1 - Protect the Area

Begin by protecting all surrounding areas by laying down a ground cloth to catch the blasting media. Secure the cloth with tape. Put on all your protective gear before beginning, including your face shield, hood and dust mask. Also, be sure to wear gloves, long sleeved pants and shirt and boots to protect your skin. Be very aware that anything in the area is going to be covered with media and dust so take the extra time to protect or remove or cover any valuable items in the room before beginning.

Step 2 - Ready Your Equipment

Fill the blast bucket with media and set the air compressor to 100 psi.

Step 3 - Sandblast the Cabinet

Maintaining a 5 inch distance from the cabinet, move in smooth sweeps across the surface while blasting. Be sure to pay close attention to any soft areas in the wood because more material will be removed from these places. Blast the entire surface of the cabinet, making sure not to hold the blast nozzle in one area for any period of time so that you don’t create a low spot.

Step 4 - Touch up Any Imperfections

If there are any low spots or imperfections after completing the entire cabinet, fill the spots with wood filler. If you are planning on staining the cabinet upon completion, be sure to use a wood filler that is stainable.

Step 5 - Finish the Cabinet Surface

Finish the surface of the cabinet off with a final sanding using 220-grit sandpaper.

Step 6 - Clean Up

When you are done, sweep up the room as much as possible and dispose of the paint waste as you would any other hazardous material through your city’s hazardous waste disposal dump site.

Sandblasting a cabinet is a project that takes a moderate skill level, but one that can easily be accomplished in an afternoon. It is a great way to refurbish old cabinets and breathe new life into them. Gather your supplies, print out these easy steps and get to changing the look of some old cabinets in your home.