sandblasting media for plexi?

i want to sandblast/ etch some plexi . for asystem that im doing. i was going mask the area with vinyl. mow omly prob that i cant find out is what type o sandblast media to buy. i knows thers all types like glass bead, walnutshells,etc. anyone can tell me which is the best type o use and where to get it. also i have a handheld sandblaster with a gravity feed hopper on top

i think silica would work fine, i think thats what they use with pc case modding for etching.

i thought silica was bad to put thru sand blasers?

silica sand is whats typically used for sandblasting.

why would it be bad?

use glass bead. when you get it it looks more like powder, the beads are smaller than salt and sugar by at least 1/8th. you'll have a hard time finding it and getting it, so just go to a local friendly automotive machine shop that remanufactures/rebuilds engines and ask if they use glass bead in their rebuilding process. if so ask to just purchase a couple of cups worth. unless you are doing a big project, you wont need more and usually the only way to get it is in 50lbs bags that cost near $80. if they say they use steel shot just pass......steel shot will leave a "gray" look on plexi.

ok great.i found glass bead on ebay $35 for a 25lb bag shipped. is ther a certain way of doin it

not really. just dont get crazy with it, it wont take much to get the desired effect. if you go too crazy youll start to blast into the vinyl. i suggest trying some practice things first on some thin stuff just to see how it goes and also play around with the air pressure into your gun. get an adjustabe regulator like for a paint gun and play around with that till you get it just how you want, then you'll be set for the actual piece you want to do.