I was just reading Phil's thread and was reminded of the previous threads I've read regarding decontamination kits and wanted to inquire some information about it. I've never used a decontamination kit before and not sure what the underlying circumstances must be in order to deem a decontamination kit necessary. Is this very much different from doing a pre-wash with a citrus-based product followed up by a thorough claying and wash? What vehicle conditions would deem a decontamination kit necessary? Can anyone help me understand this correctly? Thanks in advance. :worship2:
So they chemically neutralize plus get more than just the tip of the iceberg. More insight... http://fk1usa.com/testimonials/Car Wash Magazine March 2003.pdf
Paint Decontamination and Acid Neutralization System Studies by vehicle manufactures and OEM paint suppliers have shown that failure to remove environmental contaminants from a paint film surface can cause premature degradation of the paint system. While clay products are useful for overspray, they cannot deep clean the surface and pores of the paint. This can only be accomplished with a thorough chemical decontamination system. There is no wax, natural or synthetic, or any chemical treatment that can prevent or protect against this contamination. Compounding with an abrasive polish may remove paint contamination but it can only be performed a few times before removing too much of the top, clear coat finish. Auto International’s Paint Neutralization System is a three step neutralization and wash system formulated to remove industrial fallout, rail dust, hard water deposits, acid rain residue and other forms of pollutants. * Benefits: Leaves paint surface uncontaminated for application of wax, polish or sealant. Allows for correct repair of superficial paint damage, reduces buff time on pre-owned vehicles. Signs of Paint Surface Contamination- •Dark colored specks •Brown or Orange (rust) colored stains or specks •Yellow stains •Small metal colored flecks •Rough texture •‘Water spots’ or marks •Surface etching •Oxidation Detailer’s clay is formulated to remove surface contaminates from the paints, it contains abrasives (i.e. silica sand, calcium carbonate, alumina, ceramics, quartz, or silicon carbide) in an applicator (the malleable clay bar) the clay lubricant is doing the same thing for the clay's abrasives as the oils in a polish, which is providing surface lubrication. Contrary to popular belief it does not pull the metallic particles from the paint surface. The abrasives 'shear' the surface contaminates, the sheared particles are then encapsulated by the clay (i.e. the top of the metallic particle leaving the rest imbedded in the paint, which acts as a conduit for moisture to the various paint layers, allowing it to continue generating corrosion damage) [I've edited the original post, but it's buried, so I've included some of the update here]
From reading that it would seem a decon kit would be in order for new clients and/or really bad vehicles.
Everyone of this side of the boarder calls it "fallout" When I was in high school and detailed at a dealership we used this stuff on basically every car. In the product we used oxidic acid was the chemical in it, and it worked really well. Buy a respirator made for organic vapors if you are going to use it cause it burns the lungs...bad
I have no idea, If I remember correctly, we used to spray it on the car with a garden sprayer, and then let it crystallize on the finish, and then wash the car with normal shampoo. It did a really good job at taking off the rail dust and water spots especially on black cars. Never had any problems with it damaging the paint, weather stripping, or plastics and that was over a 3 year span. Maybe used regularly it might have some damaging effects?
Hmm, I could have used this in the past on my Aunts Honda...should have asked since it took 5 hours to clay that thing -.-"
Good thread Denzil, have you figured out how many decons you could get out of the gallons? Could be a good upsell for you
Yes it is, FK no longer uses it and Auto Int never did [' Studies have shown that the use of oxalic acid ferrous-metal removers may actually contribute to further damage to an automotive paint finish's resin system that will create long-term damage. The danger is that it may not be evident until month's later. Furthermore, oxalic acid can damage some exterior trim and even soften some paints.'] http://fk1usa.com/testimonials/Car&#...rch 2003.pdf Interesting negative marketing as they were the original user of Oxalic, and then changed their formulation
[ 'Kit Contents (will treat ten to fifteen vehicles) •One Gallon of Acid Neutralizer /Product A •One Gallon of Alkaline Neutralizer /Product B •One Gallon of Detail Wash /Product C •Two 9x9 Wash Mitts •One 12 oz. Dispenser Bottle for Product B •Product B application pad / Part #VG-IS •MSDS for each of the products. •Instructions for use.' ] [AutoInt website]
I understand there are some trade service bulletins (TSB) that recommend a decontamination treatment for vehicle’s that have been on a lot for any length of time or any that show signs of surface rust spots
