Vapor honing, a wet blasting technique, employs ultra-fine glass beads and water propelled by air pressure. The result? A sleek, satin finish that’s notably gentler on surfaces compared to dry sand or glass bead blasting methods. Ideal for restoration endeavors, vapor honing rejuvenates metal surfaces, imparting a like-new appearance without the metal loss characteristic of sandblasting.

Noteworthy is its ability to safeguard casting artifacts and stampings, preserving the cherished original aesthetics essential for Concours-quality restorations.

Vapor honing effectively eliminates surface rust and corrosion while safeguarding the intricate details of casting, machining, and stampings.

Witness the striking transformation with a before-and-after comparison of an engine side cover, showcasing over 55 years of exposure.

The vapor honing process bestows upon it a stunning satin finish, all without compromising the integrity of the underlying base metal. Please see the before and after pictures.

What types of metals are suitable for vapor honing? A wide range of metals can undergo vapor honing with great success. We worked on cast aluminum, mild steel, brass, and stainless steel, all yielding excellent results. Particularly, cast aluminum engine parts often showcase stunning outcomes. However, it’s worth noting that ferrous metals are prone to flash rusting post-vapor honing, prompting me to apply a rust inhibitor to safeguard them.

Can vapor honing effectively restore chrome? Vapor honing can indeed eliminate rust and corrosion from chrome surfaces, but it will impart a satin finish, dulling the chrome’s original shine. Thus, we generally advise against vapor honing chrome unless you plan on re-plating it and merely seek to assess the underlying metal’s condition.

Is vapor honing suitable for removing paint or powder coating? Technically, vapor honing can remove paint or powder coating if aggressive media like silicon carbide is employed. However, our setup utilizes very fine mesh glass beads, which are not aggressive enough for such tasks. Yet, if there are remnants of paint or primer after paint remover usage, my process can effectively clean them up.

How long does vapor honing typically take? The duration varies depending on factors like the item’s size and complexity. Generally, we can complete an order within a business day, though larger or intricate items may necessitate more time. Moreover, parts with deep fins require more honing time compared to flat or rounded surfaces. If the item isn’t relatively clean and free from grease/oil, additional time is required for cleaning before honing.

Is vapor honing safe for bearing and gasket surfaces? Absolutely! Vapor honing removes minimal metal, making it ideal for cleaning gasket surfaces without compromising them. However, it won’t eliminate hard, dried-on gaskets, necessitating their removal beforehand to avoid additional labor charges. For bearing surfaces, we can mask them off to preserve wear marks on mating surfaces if you plan on reusing them.

How does vapor honing treat screws? Vapor honing is thread-friendly and effectively eliminates gunk and corrosion without causing harm. While it won’t fix damaged threads or screw/bolt heads, it significantly enhances their appearance without replacement.

Can vapor honing rectify deeply corroded or gouged surfaces? No, vapor honing alone cannot address deep corrosion or gouging. However, employing a sequence of grinding and polishing wheels can mitigate pits, tool marks, and gouges before vapor honing, resulting in splendid outcomes. Feel free to provide images or bring the piece for evaluation.

Can the entire exterior of an engine be vapor honed? Unfortunately, no. Complete disassembly is required as the fine glass beads, under high pressure, can infiltrate every opening. Thus, all parts, including linkages, must be removed before vapor honing components like carb bodies or wheels.

What are the costs associated with vapor honing? Vapor honing labor is priced at $75 per hour. However, most tasks only require a fraction of an hour. For additional pre-work like dirt/grease or paint removal, or for addressing scratches and gouges, the rate is $50 per hour.

What items can be cleaned using ultrasonic technology? Ultrasonic cleaners are versatile tools capable of cleaning a wide range of objects, including carburetors, pocket knives, lenses, watch and clock movements, tools, coins, fountain pens, fishing reels, firearm components, fuel injectors, musical instruments, industrial parts, and certain electrical and electronic equipment.

What type of cleaning solution is utilized? We typically employ a water-based bio-degradable cleaning solution that is gentle on the skin and safe for hard, non-absorbent materials. This solution effectively eliminates oils and other contaminants without causing corrosion to the underlying metal. For ferrous parts, we apply a rust inhibitor after rinsing to prevent flash rusting.

While the water-based solution is suitable for most items, we can utilize alternative solvents for smaller parts as needed. Please use the contact form below for more details.

What are the size limitations for cleaning? We have the capacity to handle parts that fit within our cleaner or can be disassembled into components that fit. Our cleaning basket dimensions measure 20.9 inches in length, 12.8 inches in width, and 7.9 inches in depth. Parts exceeding the 8-inch depth may protrude from the cleaning solution but can still be cleaned using multiple steps, such as turning the part over to reach the portion extending above the solution during the initial pass.

What are the pricing details for Ultrasonic Cleaning? The duration of ultrasonic cleaning typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours or may require overnight treatment depending on the specific parts involved. We do not apply hourly charges for ultrasonic jobs; instead, they are priced on a per job basis, which is usually quite affordable. For further assistance and to inquire about pricing, please feel free to email us, and we’ll be happy to assist you promptly.