Soda has a short life, turns to dust pretty quickly. Sand, beach/river/playground is silica so not good for your lungs - silicosis!. Garnet works very well but gives a pretty rough finish, ideal for painting over and lasts forever, fine glass beads give an excellent finish, don't harm the surface and seems to last forever also.
For large objects like wheels frames etc, I've used one of those portable, pop up, change shelters with a tarp underneath, keeps the media in a small area, so, easy to sweep up and reuse.
For large objects like wheels frames etc, I've used one of those portable, pop up, change shelters with a tarp underneath, keeps the media in a small area, so, easy to sweep up and reuse.
