The Finishing Touch for Engravings: the Vaniman Mobile Problast

When you think “concrete guy,” you might not usually think “artist.”

But then again, you might not know Mark Handeland of Handeland Concrete.

He’s been in business for 30 years (!!) and his work is exquisite. Just a quick glance at his concrete creations tells you he knows exactly what he’s doing, and the longer you look at it, the more impressive you realize it is.

But what really sets Mark in a league of his own is his engraving work. He engraves on concrete and large boulders, and you don’t often see the perfected detail he’s able to achieve. It really is something!

He does work from individuals (memorials) to businesses of all sizes (signage) and even some sizeable organizations (including the Veterans Memorial Wall in Fremont County, Colorado).

…How does he do it?

Well, we don’t know ALL his engraving secrets, but he did tell us that for those extra-care detail touch-ups, clean-ups, and errant paint removal, he turns to his trusty Vaniman Mobile Problast. He doesn’t use it all the time, but he does describe it as a major tool in his arsenal.

Vaniman’s professional grade microabrasive sandblasters provide both the power and precision needed for this kind of work. Removing paint without damaging surfaces or cleaning surfaces without altering their form demands specialized equipment, and Vaniman has it covered.

The Mobile Problast has no cabinet, so you can move it wherever your compressed airline can reach. And with a six foot tube from tank to handpiece, you can get above, below, and in between all kinds of shapes.

You can set your PSI anywhere between 10 and 90 PSI, so depending on your needs, you can be gentle or extra-aggressive.

These blasters can also handle many different types of blasting media. For gentle paint removal and surface cleaning, Mark uses glass beads. But if you need to remove actual material, you can switch to sodium bicarbonate, aluminum oxide, or dealer’s pick of tougher, sharper media. The blaster can handle it all.

Need inspiration?

Do yourself a favor and check out Mark’s handiwork up on the Handeland Concrete Facebook page. He’s got photos and videos galore, and if you’ve got a creative itch but don’t know how to scratch it, this should help you lock it in and get started!

Vaniman Mobile Problast Setup and Maintenance

David Schulte Glass Etching with a Sand Blaster