Based on a recommendation of another hobbyist, I ordered a Paasche Air Eraser. I plan to use it to remove the factory road name and number from a number of Mantua steamers that I plan to reletter and renumber.
He says you can erase such stuff without damaging the underlying paint. He also said that he uses Baking Powder/Soda as the abrasive. I note on Paasche’s web page that one of the options IS a flour abrasive for light work.
Two questions:
Has anyone used the Paasche air eraser and what was your experience?
Has anyone used the Baking Powder/Soda? If so, which one?
I assume you do this kind of work outside because I would think flour abrasive would thoroughly load up the filters in the typical air brush spray hood.
I’ve got one of the Paasche air erasers, but have only used the fine and medium mediums that were suggested by Micro Mark. The fine works well for removing impossible to strip lettering from plastic cars without destroying the car in the process. I’d assume that the baking powder trick would work a little better, since it’s a softer material than the fine mica I was using. Of course, it might take longer to erase what you’re working on!
You might actually want to consider a small sanblasting cabinet. I’ve seen them as low as $75 at discount tool stores (walk in, not mail order)… I don’t know if that’s a good price or not. The Paasche air eraser makes a hell of a mess. Also, Make sure there is absolutely no moisture in the air line. It Will clog the tip. It also helps, if outside, the humidity is low and there is no wind. You don’t want to be washing every car in the neighborhood.