What is an acid wash?

lunchboxmunchy

lunchboxmunchy

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Hey Geeks. I was asked by somebody the other day if I used an acid wash when detailing cars. I stated that I didn't and that was the end of that conversation. Back to the topic, what is an acid wash? I've never heard or it and I can't seem to find a definitive answer online. I've heard of certain chemicals having an acid in them. Thanks.
 
If I remember, there was an older way of decontaminating paint before IronX called ABC. It was a strong soap, an acid wash, and a basic wash - or similar. I believe its still available and some swear by it. It was to decontaminate or deep clean paint.
 
Oh ABC is still out there, championed by Ford if I remember correctly. :rolleyes:

The other one, Finish Kare I believe is still sold here on AG.

Here's a thread over on Optimum Forums where Dr. G addressed it a few years ago. It's an interesting read. (Didn't want to directly quote Dr. G here, so the link will have to do.) ;)
 
I wonder what the product was Dr.G was talking about in the thread that was never released or why it wasn't released?
 
I've done something similar to this back in the day based on a professional detailers recommendation. Keep in mind this was before getting into detailing. I had a old off road rig with white single stage paint and heavy oxidation. I wouldn't recommend doing this on a new car, but it works great for an older vehicle where you're not expecting perfect paint.

He recommended washing with acid and a feathered tip brush to remove the oxidation. I washed the surface with soap and water to remove excess dirt and debris, sprayed the painted surface with wire wheel cleaner, scrubbed with a feathered tipped wheel brush, and rinsed twice with soap and water to neutralize the acid. Worked on one panel at a time. It worked great!

Passport10.jpg
 
A-train said:
I wonder what the product was Dr.G was talking about in the thread that was never released or why it wasn't released?
Click to expand...

Maybe we could get him to elaborate a bit?

Dr. G.... Dr. G. are you out there? ;)
 
lunchboxmunchy said:
..what is an acid wash?
Click to expand...

IMO it is an antiquated process from days gone by used by those who would never use clay bars on paint.

The last production shop that I saw that regularly used this process ('09) also used wool/compound/rotary on every job regardless of paint condition or system (ss, bc/cc).
 
Lol. So many people ask me about acid washing... its gotta be a local thing like "dri_wash". But i HAVE seen some cars come in with damage from acid wash (per the customer).. namely aluminum & mag wheels being stained big time.
 
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgEfQZ5MqJM]How To Remove Industrial Fallout and Rail Dust / Valugard A-B-C Neutralization Procedure - YouTube[/video]
 
cardaddy said:
Here's a thread over on Optimum Forums where Dr. G addressed it a few years ago. It's an interesting read. (Didn't want to directly quote Dr. G here, so the link will have to do.) ;)
Click to expand...

Elsewhere, I have pointed out the hazards of the acid washing approach. Back in the UK, one company sells large volumes of acid wash to the detailing industry and does not even make mention of a neutralisation step. Unfortunately, as is always the case in detailing (I don't know why objectivity is so frequently absent), fanaticism amongst users means that there is no appreciation and the common (incorrect) understanding is that the product is simply Iron-x without the bleed and without the smell.

I recently pointed out that a water spot removal product was little more than a strong blend of phosphoric acid (another forum). When questioning this (considering other fears from many users, when it comes to other acids), hostility ensued although no logical answer seemed to be produced before I decided I had enough.

On the topic, acid washing remains very common in the transportation industry but, at least in our part of the world, it tends not to be something you hear much about in automotive sectors. Mild acids, used correctly, can do a good job. Unfortunately the average amateur detailer isn't equipped to identify which products are mild and definitely not equipped to use them in an ideal manner.
 
I have used oxalic acid as a decontamination step before, and it worked very well. Just follow the manufacturers directions and you're good.

I used a neutralizing wash after and felt secure. I never had bad results from using it. I've never used it on cars though, just buses.

I would use it on old transportation vehicles for the city of Saint Louis.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using AG Online
 
My recall of an: "acid wash" is when it was better known in some circles as an:
"aluminum brightener"...or, in my jargon back in the day, an: "oxidized wash".

I don't hang around those circles anymore...
Don't know if acid washes are still popular there or not.

:)

Bob
 
FUNX725 said:
My recall of an: "acid wash" is when it was better known in some circles as an:
"aluminum brightener"...or, in my jargon back in the day, an: "oxidized wash".

I don't hang around those circles anymore...
Don't know if acid washes are still popular there or not.

Bob
Click to expand...

Ah yes.... I've used more than my share of that stuff! :eek: Didn't use it on paint, other than truck frames, but bought it 20 gallons at a time! ;)
 
So was an acid wash something that was done before a Woodstock concert back in the days? :dunno: ?

:)
 
Finish Kare does sell the 3-step decon wash that includes the acid wash as step 2. Based on the description, I would say it is similar to the IronX step most of use now. The 3rd step is a neutralizer to counteract the acid and put the paint at pH neutral.
 
wdmaccord said:
Finish Kare does sell the 3-step decon wash that includes the acid wash as step 2. Based on the description, I would say it is similar to the IronX step most of use now. The 3rd step is a neutralizer to counteract the acid and put the paint at pH neutral.
Click to expand...
I've never heard of "decontamination systems", including any "steps" that they may contain,
never-ever-never referred to as "acid washes"...before reading this thread.

Not: IronX, Iron-Out, Purple Rain, and their ilk.

Not: Valugard's ABC Neutralization System...
In fact:
This particular decon-system calls its "Second Step": The Alkaline Neutralizer.
Product description:
-Alkaline Neutralizer deep-cleans painted surfaces to remove alkaline deposits.
-Also dissolves ferrous metal particles (rail dust) while breaking their bond
to the paint so that they safely and easily float away.
Doesn't sound like a: typical iron deposit remover...or "acid wash"

Not even: Finish Kare Paint Decontamination's "Second Step"...
the: SIRR Steel, Iron Rust Remover/Acid Based Cleaner.


Either I'm too old...Or some old acid wash-terminology has been the victim of plagiarization.
OH Yea...Then there's "drying-aid"...old-terminology ripped from the beginning-times of automatic Car Washes.


Man I'm glad I never discarded my old Nehru suit.
It may just come in handy when I'm "wheeled" out someday.


:)

Bob
 
We do acid washing here at our shop.... we use the same acid we use to clean rims only in a much more diluted form 8-1 . It works great at releasing cosmoline build up and enviromental fallout contaminants. Also removes light to moderate water spots as well. Dont apply in direct sunlight ,always wear gloves , and do one panel at a time. Works great to clean out around emblems and moldings to.
 
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