# Give your yo-yo a blast finish using your dryer **URL:** \ **Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance\ **Created:** [February 8, 2019, 7:46am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626 "2019-02-08T07:46:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 7:46am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/1 "2019-02-08T07:46:54Z")
I thought this was super cool! Check out the before and after pic: [https://www.instagram.com/p/Btj5xFah9ra/](https://www.instagram.com/p/Btj5xFah9ra/) Details on [how](https://www.reddit.com/r/Throwers/comments/any4j4/stonewashed_g2_tihawk_might_be_my_favorite/efwz5tv/) it was done: > Sure thing! I used Whink Rust/Stain Remover to remove the anodization on each half with the pads/bearing/axle removed by submerging each side in it in a glass jar for about 15 seconds. > > The stonewash was pretty easy. I put in some cheap pads and a bad bearing to protect the important parts, and assembled the yoyo. Then I took a plastic jar with screw on lid, enough small aquarium stones (washed to remove dirt) and added them while damp to fill the jar about half way, tossed in the yoyo, and closed the container. I wrapped the container in a couple of towels, taped it up, and tossed it in the dryer on the no heat setting with some loose towels for about 2 hours. Washed off all the debris, replaced the pads and bearing, and it’s good to go. > > You have to be careful to not stonewash for too long, or you can end up with a more shiny appearance, kind of defeating the purpose of the treatment. > > I wouldn’t do this with an aluminum yoyo b/c the softer metal will likely get some serious dings/dents from the rocks. Titanium works really well to keep it to only small surface scratches that look great in the end. I actually think this _would_ work fine with an aluminum yo-yo, if you stick to smaller, less dense “rocks”. Maybe even sand? I’m really intrigued by the idea of putting your aluminum yo-yo in a plastic container, partially filled with sand-ish stuff, wrapping it in a towel or two, then letting the dryer run on “no heat” mode for a few hours. You just created your own blast finish! ---
**Author:** ![yoyospirit](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/yoyospirit/32/219875_2.png) [@yoyospirit](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/yoyospirit)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 7:48am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/2 "2019-02-08T07:48:19Z")
Well, his choice of a username is very fitting. ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 7:51am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/3 "2019-02-08T07:51:02Z")
It’s funny how the blasted version looks like such a different yo-yo – even though it’s obviously identical – because you can see the shape better, the shiny isn’t reflecting everything all over the place. ---
**Author:** ![yoyospirit](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/yoyospirit/32/219875_2.png) [@yoyospirit](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/yoyospirit)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 7:53am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/4 "2019-02-08T07:53:03Z")
Tumblers are actually pretty cheap. You can get one for $40-$50 from Harbor Freight, could mess around with different abrasives then. ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 7:54am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/5 "2019-02-08T07:54:40Z")
But as he pointed out > Yeah, I’m not looking to spend 100$ on something I’ll use a few times. This worked just fine for me :+1: If the dryer works, it’s free, and easy to experiment with. I expect it WILL be noisy though… ---
**Author:** ![MarkD](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/markd/32/40845_2.png) [@MarkD](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MarkD)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 2:29pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/6 "2019-02-08T14:29:14Z")
> [@codinghorror](#): > > If the dryer works, it’s free, and easy to experiment with. I expect it WILL be noisy though… CLONK CLONK Just doing the laundry… CLONK DING ---
**Author:** ![13atman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/13atman/32/42229_2.png) [@13atman](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/13atman)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 6:14pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/7 "2019-02-08T18:14:28Z")
When I stone wash, I do it by hand for a few hours a day over a weekend. I usually end up inhaling about pebbles worth of stone dust when finished. Yes…I’m crazy. ---
**Author:** ![LinksLegionaire](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/linkslegionaire/32/886_2.png) [@LinksLegionaire](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/LinksLegionaire)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 6:44pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/8 "2019-02-08T18:44:47Z")
I think I have some raw aluminum yoyos lying around. But more interestingly, I have a bag of very fine brass wire (the scrap from an EDM that I run at work). I wonder what would happen :thinking: ---
**Author:** ![Myk\_Myk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/myk_myk/32/63087_2.png) [@Myk\_Myk](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Myk_Myk)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 6:55pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/9 "2019-02-08T18:55:33Z")
> [@codinghorror](#): > > Sure thing! I used Whink Rust/Stain Remover to remove the anodization on each half with the pads/bearing/axle removed by submerging each side in it in a glass jar for about 15 seconds. What anodization? This is a Ti Hawk, correct? I didn’t think they were anodized… You can see the one he Stonewashed has been sparked. I might try this on my Ricochet. > [@codinghorror](#): > > I’m really intrigued by the idea of putting your aluminum yo-yo in a plastic container, partially filled with sand-ish stuff But then it might be difficult to get the sand-ish stuff off your yo-yo, and you’ll have to be a bit rough with your cleaning. After that, your yo-yo might become a little sand-offish! 🤓 ---
**Author:** ![smileypants707](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/smileypants707/32/19045_2.png) [@smileypants707](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/smileypants707)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2019, 8:30pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/10 "2019-02-08T20:30:55Z")
> [@Myk\_Myk](#): > > After that your yo-yo might become a little sand-offish! 🤓 I am a dad, and I approve of this dad joke :+1: ---
**Author:** ![Dathedral](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/dathedral/32/1538_2.png) [@Dathedral](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Dathedral)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2019, 4:53am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/11 "2019-02-09T04:53:52Z")
Seems like that sort of finish would turn a yo into a real string eater. It’s still pretty awesome. Reminds me of my old YYF VK, had such a rough bead blasting that even nylon strings would end up actually breaking after a few weeks. ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2019, 4:54am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/12 "2019-02-09T04:54:53Z")
> [@Dathedral](#): > > Seems like that sort of finish would turn a yo into a real string eater. You would need to mask off the response areas and the axle holes for sure. I’d probably do it with hot glue to make sure nothing gets in there! ---
**Author:** ![MarkD](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/markd/32/40845_2.png) [@MarkD](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MarkD)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2019, 10:53pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/13 "2019-05-06T22:53:07Z")
![IMG_20190506_183444](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/b/2/6/b26cce0b32a026d1fadba87f878ca2b6aaddbffc.jpeg) ![IMG_20190506_183607](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/yoyoexpert1/original/4X/2/8/6/286c9b7151ef7294ea65289313e4a8b5bfa6c448.jpeg) Tried this with my trusty d\_\_runner. Turned out ok, but I definitely used rocks that were too large. Should have gone with aquarium stones instead of garden rocks. All the small details stayed polished. I masked off the entire guts with hot glue around an already-bad bearing. (Lots of water still leaked through the glue into the bearing, making it even worse!) ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2019, 11:25pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/14 "2019-05-06T23:25:08Z")
This is awesome! But I have a question, why use _water_ at all? I think sand plus some slightly larger-than-sand rocks should suffice? ---
**Author:** ![TheThrowingGnome](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/thethrowinggnome/32/14231_2.png) [@TheThrowingGnome](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/TheThrowingGnome)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2019, 11:42pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/15 "2019-05-06T23:42:39Z")
Did doing this cause any vibe issues? I’ve been considering partially filling the cups of my ti cadence with river sand (sand with tiny pebbles) and home blasting just the cups but have been reluctant as I didn’t want to induce vibe in a smooth Ti. ---
**Author:** ![MarkD](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/markd/32/40845_2.png) [@MarkD](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MarkD)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2019, 12:07am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/16 "2019-05-07T00:07:20Z")
> [@codinghorror](#): > > But I have a question, why use _water_ at all? I think sand plus some slightly larger-than-sand rocks should suffice? The instructions above said to leave the rocks just a bit wet. > [@TheThrowingGnome](#): > > Did doing this cause any vibe issues? None whatsoever, even though the applesauce container fell out of its towel for a bit in the dryer. Pretty sure the applesauce container has some vibe now, though. ---
**Author:** ![adamantiumpops](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/adamantiumpops/32/198285_2.png) [@adamantiumpops](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/adamantiumpops)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2019, 5:13pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/17 "2019-05-21T17:13:10Z")
OK when you guys say ‘aquarium rocks’ do you mean the brightly colored gravel, or the decorative glass-lookins stones? ---
**Author:** ![MarkD](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/markd/32/40845_2.png) [@MarkD](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MarkD)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2019, 6:49pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/18 "2019-05-21T18:49:01Z")
The tiny rocks, not the glass. ---
**Author:** ![adamantiumpops](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/adamantiumpops/32/198285_2.png) [@adamantiumpops](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/adamantiumpops)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2019, 7:04pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/19 "2019-05-21T19:04:15Z")
Dope. May try it this weekend. ---
**Author:** ![codinghorror](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/codinghorror/32/8052_2.png) [@codinghorror](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/codinghorror)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2019, 1:29am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626/20 "2019-05-23T01:29:03Z")
I’m gonna do this either tonight or tomorrow with my “heat bronzed” Vayder. > [@MarkD](#): > > Should have gone with aquarium stones instead of garden rocks. All the small details stayed polished. Do you think _sand_ would be better? I’m not sure aquarium rocks are gonna be small and fine enough? [Next page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/give-your-yo-yo-a-blast-finish-using-your-dryer/298626.md?page=2)