Lets start off and say sandblasting is a messy job. It can also be somewhat dangerous so when you attempt to remove rust or paint from metal you need to take some precautions.
In this HowTo we will show you how to use a handheld sandblaster to remove rust from some tree climbing bucks. The same principles would apply if you were 
stripping rust and paint off an old car or preparing a metal railing for paint.
Sandblasting tools come in a variety of sizes and styles from the handheld model we are using to larger portable tank systems and for engine and small parts preparation they have dedicated booths that will contain the sand or media within the enclosure.
Requirements
Your work area must be large enough that the airborne sand won’t damage other surfaces or get into other items or you must have an enclosed work area.
Air Compressor must be larger then expected. Small and Medium sized compressors under 6HP probably won’t be able to serve a blaster larger then a handheld model.
Blasting Media should be matched to the material you will be working on. Sand is good for steel and cast iron but plastic media will provided better results on soft metals and fiberglass.
Protective Clothing is a must not specifically because the high pressure sand coming out will come in contact with you but a protective hood or very good tight sealing goggles are necessary to protect your eyes and long sleeves and a taped or closed neck line will definitely be a needed if you are not working in an enclosure. You will basically be working in a miniature sand storm.
Blasting Media
Until not too long ago the only material used for removing rust and paint was Sand and so they call the process Sand Blasting but with the extended use of plastics and fiberglass and aluminum in cars boats and other items it quickly became apparent that sand had limitations. First prepackaged Play Sand, Quarried or Beach Sand which most people were using had no consistent abrasive rating. You just shot the stuff and hoped for the best but after a while people began using other products for blasting old cars that couldn’t hold up to the regular sand.
Plastic Media is often used on Plastics and Fiberglass and sometimes soft Aluminum.
Glass Bead is used to prep engine parts without causing damage.
Walnut Shells are a favorite of Classic Car Restorers because it performs the paint and rust removal without eating into the metal.
Aluminum Oxide was long used for coating Sandpaper and is now available by the bucket for blasting.Play or Bagged Sand This is one of the most common products used for sandblasting but it does require some preparation and screening.