K-2 (Potassium Sulphate)

More commonly known as K-2, this is a fairly new blasting media and it amounts to nothing more than potash garden fertilizer.

Advantages
K-2 has many of the advantages of baking soda in that it is environmentally and worker friendly, is water soluble and is non sparking. Additionally, K-2 is Ph neutral and is more aggressive in nature reducing the amount of time required to strip the item. When compared to baking soda, K-2 leaves an increased profile, leaves no residue, and reduces stripping time and the amount of media used. Tests have shown K-2 to be as fast as seventy grit silica sand without pitting the metal underneath or any of the health concerns related to silica sand.

Disposal
While water soluble, it is not recommended that K-2 be washed away. It should be gathered up and disposed of in the local landfill. If hazardous materials have been removed, appropriate disposal techniques must be followed.

Disadvantages
Dry blasting creates dust that may have to be contained. While considered non-hazardous, K-2 will irritate the skin and eyes and requires the use of additional personal protective equipment. Ingestion of large quantities have also shown to irritate the digestive tract. As it is similar in nature to fertilizer, large quantities left on the ground will damage vegetation –proper cleanup and disposal techniques are necessary. K-2 is not suited for use on softer substrates such as fiberglass.