Sandblasting

Just got hold of a pressure washer and some wheels I'd like to tidy up and paint. I heard you can get attachments to use them for sandblasting and I have never done any before so I was wondering ..

Would it work well for this?
Does it make a massive mess?
What sand do I need to use?
How much sand does it use?
Do I need a facemask?

All hints and tips appreciated. Oh and what paint can you guys suggest to finish them off with? Spray or brush?

Cheers guys

years ago i bought a pot sandblaster which used compressed air and that made a terriable mess but an excellet job of stripping back my old S3, even greasey axles

But i've noy used the pressure washer one and i would assume that the dust would be eliminated because of the water, however a few basic precautions should still be taken, as were still talking about abrasives working at high pressure.

I would recommend ...

Good pair of waterproof gloves, Some decent rubber ones will suffice
Eye protection - Most important
I don't think you'll need a mask, it would depend on splashback and how your doing it, but have one handy
Decent waterproofs, as you will be getting WET!!

As for the sand, there are a range of abravises which you can buy, and dependant on what your stripping and the type of finish you want, You need to do a google for this, and remember you need to keep the bucket with the sand in dry, otherwise it will clog up in the pipework.

As for Mess, No normally than a jetwasher with sand thrown in for good measure, Just remember to sweep up when the ground is dry.

The blaster will leave a good finish ready for painting and for ally panels you will need a decent etching Primer, avaialable from decent car spares stores

Thanks so much that was so helpful, I'll let you know how I get on, maybe even some piccies

id be interested to know how you get on , i know it says all K series - i have a karcher K2 and suspect it might be a touch weedy for this job ....

would be nice to do my chassis and bulkhead before repair

O damn I've done it again .. sorry MHM. Is it possible to move it so I still have the replies in the new place?

Thanks, PM sent to ratty