Aluminium, fibreglass and the substrates that need a lighter hand

Steel forgives a lot. The other materials on a vehicle do not, and treating them the same is how parts get ruined.

Aluminium

Soft, and it work-hardens differently from steel. Media and pressure both come down. Panels are thin and distort even more readily than steel, so wet blasting is effectively mandatory. Machined and polished surfaces cannot be restored once textured.

Fibreglass and composites

Can be done, carefully. The risk is exposing or damaging the fibre matting under the gelcoat, which is a repair rather than a refinish. Very low pressure, soft media, constant movement, and stop at the gelcoat rather than through it.

Cast and pot metal

Castings are porous and often brittle. They strip well at low pressure but will show every casting flaw that paint was hiding — which is usually fine on a chassis component and disappointing on a trim piece.

Where we say no

• Chrome that is intended to stay chrome.
• Anodised finishes you want to keep.
• Glass, seals, and anything with a bearing surface.
• Plastics and trim — media will texture them permanently.

Common on the boat and trailer work that comes in from Elkwater Lake and the reservoirs around Cypress County, where hulls and panels need the finish off without the substrate touched.