Masking for Sandblasting

[rugludallur]

I wonder if those of you with experience in sand/slurry/soda blasting can share any tips on masking/covering/protecting areas.

From what I understand rubbery materials are best in order to "bounce" grit/shot off, for smaller grit and stencil work I noticed a lot of people use vinyl tape ranging from 0.2-0.4mm but what about larger grit/shot and more heavy duty blasting?

For my current project I'm contemplating using rubber hoses for railing/tubes/pipes and for larger items air tubes from car/bicycle tires along with vinyl tape.

What do you guys use when you have mirror finish stainless welded to structures that need to be blasted?

Jarl
http://dallur.com

[alan white]

Sheet rubber, sold as swimming pool/garden pool liner. About 70 cents a square foot.