I'm looking to spot blast a few body panels on my Road Runner. I see a few options for blast media. For example, silica, ground glass, glass bead, aluminum oxide, etc.

What's going to be the most efficient media for removing rust and paint while being the least aggressive on the metal? What grit?

Thanks!

Walnut shell or soda is the "softest"

I've used small glass beads with good results in the past.

What ever media you choose don't shoot it straight onto the metal, shoot it from 30 to 45 degree angle to avoid warping the panels is what I've been told in the past

I used #7 glass bead . . . took a bit longer on really really rusty stuff, and using a smallish air compressor, but it left the metal looking great !!!

Thanks everyone for the comments.

I called a local supply house who carries dedicated blasting media. They offer 20/30 grit silica and 70 grit silica at $6.99 for 100 pound bags. No glass media available. While on the phone I was able to talk to a manager who is familiar with body work and sand blasting. He recommended a lot of the same things I've read here; hold at an angle and don't concentrate too long in one area to avoid warping. He also said 70 grit is going to be my best bet on thinner sheetmetal applications like body work. If I can, practice on a test panel before starting the project. He also said if the 70 grit is not cutting well enough, I can mix in a little 20/30 grit to get more aggressive if need be, again being extra careful with my blasting methods.

So I guess this is one economical option for me that will get the job done. If I want to pursue other options, it will go up exponentially in price.

Does this seem reasonable or am I off track?

Dustless blasting is an option. There are small outfits that will come to your house or business. Kinda pricy but fast and efficient. I'm making one up now with a pressure washer and media tank from HF, wand fron Northern tools. A few vids on u-tube about how it's done. I'm going this way because of the dust and media flying all over the place. I have the whole dress up gear but the dues on the vids wear nothing but glasses. They use sand but other types of media can be used. Once the weather brakes I'll be testing each type to use on rust-paint.

I know this is an old thread but how did this turn out for you?

Wet blasting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-rSJHjaWoE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywbLmPbqrkM