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The other day at the lumber mart I saw some purple heart wood, and it looks so cool. Has anybody ever sandblasted this wood for signs? I was thinking a clear stain would really bring out the beauty of the "purpleness" along with gold leafed letters. It seems a little too hard though for a good blast.. anybody ever used it? thanks
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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I have used it befor, but never to sandblast. It will darken considerably if exposed to light, almost turn black in some instances. It is beautiful wood though. Keep us posted.
Maybe clear it with an exterior poly with some UV blockers (to keep it from darkening too much) even if you keep it inside. Bob
-------------------- "The 3-4 minute mark of "Freewill" by Rush.
Bob Kaschak Artisan Sign And Design Peru New York Posts: 1875 | From: Upstate NY | Registered: Jul 2002
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Thanks Bob for letting me know about the darkening. I think I will try a couple address signs with it. The grain and color are beautiful!
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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I've used alot of purple heart in the past and my experience with it tells me that it will be difficult to blast. I sandblasted a red oak sign once and blasted what seemed like forever to get a mere 1/8 inch depth. Purple heart is a dense hardwood which I believe would blast similar to oak. The above post is also correct about purple heart turning dark. It might work for an interior sign though.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5400 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Can't be any tougher to blast than granite rock and a heck of a lot easier to keep the resist on since you should have a smoother surface. Good luck and keep us posted
Please take extreme precautions (respirator and body condom) when working with Purpleheart. My father-in-law (Dad) informed me that this wood's dust is very bad for you. Hate to see something bad happen to you...
Have a great one!
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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Thanks for all the tips and precautions guys. I don't blast my own. I think maybe I will stick to the redwood and cedar. Have a great day!
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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Cheryl, I have never seen purple heart wood. What kind of tree is it and where do you get it? I wouldn't mind trying to blast a test peice. Thanks.
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Hi Steve, I saw it in my local lumberyard. It was only about 4.50 per foot. It is a beautiful wood. I may try some other type of sign using it, but since I don't blast my own signs, I know it would get expensive. PLus they have a 60.00 minimum. If you can't find any, let me know, I could send you some. thanks.
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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