What chemicals are corrosive to car finish?

H

hwt

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Oct 5, 2009
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I have an attached garage. As such, it's a depository for household cleaners and associated chemicals, auto supplies, yard materials, tools, liquids, sprays, etc., as well as functioning as a workroom. And it's small.

I only recently (duh) discovered that some types of brake fluid can be corrosive to a car's finish, even if cleaned up soon after exposure. I'm careful whenever I embark on a project, whether car or otherwise-related. However, one can't always be perfect, even if one knows all the properties of what one is working with. There have been some instances where an aerosol spray of some sort has drifted onto something and, when wiping it off, even immediately, I discovered an adverse effect.

What types of sprays, chemicals, cleaners, whatever, are definite "no-nos" for using around or on a car, or with which one has to be especially careful?

Thanks in advance.
 
hwt said:
I have an attached garage. As such, it's a depository for household cleaners and associated chemicals, auto supplies, yard materials, tools, liquids, sprays, etc., as well as functioning as a workroom. And it's small.

I only recently (duh) discovered that some types of brake fluid can be corrosive to a car's finish, even if cleaned up soon after exposure. I'm careful whenever I embark on a project, whether car or otherwise-related. However, one can't always be perfect, even if one knows all the properties of what one is working with. There have been some instances where an aerosol spray of some sort has drifted onto something and, when wiping it off, even immediately, I discovered an adverse effect.

What types of sprays, chemicals, cleaners, whatever, are definite "no-nos" for using around or on a car, or with which one has to be especially careful?

Thanks in advance.
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I'm not the right person to explain the scentific aspect of how everything works.

I can tell you what does and doesn't though. With that, I ask you exactly what chemicals/products do you have in mind?
 
sprayable paint stripper comes to mind, also a mad ex-girlfriend? perhaps mistress? :laughing:
 
What about APC diluted 4:1 on the front bumper(painted bumper not plastic),

Is that corrosive? Would it remove any wax or sealants?
 
Flip said:
What about APC diluted 4:1 on the front bumper(painted bumper not plastic),

Is that corrosive? Would it remove any wax or sealants?
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Depends on which APC. I haven't had a chance to use as many as some have, but Castrol Super Clean or Purple Power is safe to remove bugs. Simple Green I would stay away from

Yes, they will strip wax/sealants if you leave them on there to long


*Edit...No APC will cause corrosion on a plastic bumper, but some can sure jack up the paint ;)
 
I'm glad to see the entire Simple Green line. I need several of the products and definitely trust Simple Green to do the job the right way.
 
This is an old thread, but for people reading this thread in the future I thought I'd post this information on Purple Power Industrial and include some photo's of the label.

Also, if someone does an Advanced Search and types in "Purple Power Industrial", then they will be given links to these threads where this product is discussed and hopefully see the product labels and the warning about using this product on paint.

Flash Gordon said:
.. but Castrol Super Clean or Purple Power is safe to remove bugs.

*Edit..., but some can sure jack up the paint ;)
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Purple Power Industrial could jack up your paint. See the quoted post below.

Hoytman said:
PurplePowerLabel01.jpg



PurplePowerLabel02.jpg


EDIT:


Mrs. Bagwell, the lady I spoke with, expressly stated not to use it on painted surfaces.
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I believe the one "chemical" that is the major cause for the deterioration of materials, including the oxidation process of electrochemical-corrosion of metals, happens to be: Water


:)

Bob
 
Flash Gordon said:
Depends on which APC. I haven't had a chance to use as many as some have, but Castrol Super Clean or Purple Power is safe to remove bugs. Simple Green I would stay away from

Yes, they will strip wax/sealants if you leave them on there to long


*Edit...No APC will cause corrosion on a plastic bumper, but some can sure jack up the paint ;)
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Super Clean is my No. 1 go-to uber-strength cleaner - especially if it's oil/grease based. It does an incredible job! HOWEVER... you have to be extra careful when using it near clear coat as it is not safe for it and it says so right on the label: NOT SAFE FOR CLEAR COATS!
 
Anything not designed for paint, shouldn't be used on paint IMHO. Acids, strong bases, brake clean, brake fluid, APCs, and most solvents are probably best left away from paint. Of course, you will get anecdotal data from some guy saying "I use Wheel Bright and Brillo pads on my paint and it's great". It's your decision to try crazy stuff like that or not. Let us know how it works out if your try any "unconventional" products.
 
Coach Steve said:
Super Clean is my No. 1 go-to uber-strength cleaner - especially if it's oil/grease based. It does an incredible job! HOWEVER... you have to be extra careful when using it near clear coat as it is not safe for it and it says so right on the label: NOT SAFE FOR CLEAR COATS!
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I use super clean, walmart has a 2.5 gallon container for 20 bucks I cut it 50/50 and only use it for wheel wells and tires.
 
swanicyouth said:
Anything not designed for paint, shouldn't be used on paint IMHO. Acids, strong bases, brake clean, brake fluid, APCs, and most solvents are probably best left away from paint. Of course, you will get anecdotal data from some guy saying "I use Wheel Bright and Brillo pads on my paint and it's great". It's your decision to try crazy stuff like that or not. Let us know how it works out if your try any "unconventional" products.
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The thing is that most people on here will be using several of those things on their paint. More than that, many people who are not, will still be using them because the fancy product they paid extra for... could actually be considered to be on that list, if they only knew the chemistry.

Whilst I say that, the only way for the public to know is to follow what the manufacturers say. Whilst it is clear to an expert that much of the advice given to the public is nonsense or driven by marketing, it is implausible for a non-expert to know for sure.

From my perspective, the big nasties are the strong acids (like HCl/HF) and the caustic bases (hydroxides). This is not always the case but it is the best guide to give.
 
tpr1634 said:
I use super clean, walmart has a 2.5 gallon container for 20 bucks I cut it 50/50 and only use it for wheel wells and tires.
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Yup, those are the only places I use it on a car and I've got to say, I have not found another cleaner that even comes close to cleaning as well as it does. I love watching the brown goo start to melt opff the tires the second you spray it on. It just cuts through grease, grime, road dirt, etc. faster and better than everything else I've ever seen/used. I don't dilute it though.
That 2.5 gal. jug is only $17.00 here. :D
If you go to their site and submit a couple of things you use it on, they'll send you a hat. Last month, I got a hat and a rain parka in the mail completely unexpected. Inside the box was a letter thanking me for supporting the product and for submitting my uses on their site.
 
FUNX725 said:
I believe the one "chemical" that is the major cause for the deterioration of materials, including the oxidation process of electrochemical-corrosion of metals, happens to be: Water


:)

Bob
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Good one! :xyxthumbs:
 
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