Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive
(Hard Chrome Plating)
by Randy Taylor, Advanced Tooling Corporation
April, 2006Blasting A Motorcycle Engine
Q. I would like to shine up my old motorcycle engine by blasting it. What media should I use?
A. Chances are, your motorcycle engine is made of cast aluminum. This material is quite soft. Dry blasting will dull the original finish. I assume the finish is corroded and stained. If a dull, matt finish is what you want, try a commercial grade "glass bead" blast media, at a low air pressure (25-40 PSI). Use even strokes left to right at a constant nozzle distance of 6 to 10".
It is best to try this technique on a scrap piece of similar material first.