Iron remover on fresh paint

[lawrenceSA]

Are there any concerns with using an iron remover on a freshly painted set of wheels.... let's say paint that is maybe 3 days 'old'?

[Burnt350]

I would have done it before painting the wheels but I wouldn't do it right after painting. I'm no pro but wouldn't feel comfortable doing it on mine or a clients car. I would just use a mild APC to clean them if they are dirty.

[lawrenceSA]

Its for a detail I am doing tomorrow. Client had the wheels repainted earlier in the week, so hopefully they won't actually NEED any iron removal, but just wanted to know if it was an option, should I need to do it.

[jms493]

I would not...do not seal them either. Paint needs to breath for 2-3 months after fresh paint.

[Mike Phillips]

If it were me?

No. Don't introduce chemicals to fresh paint. Wait at least 30 days.

Why?

Not worth the risk in my opinion and after 30 days you can chemically decontaminate. Plus... painting wheels is a huge hassle. Wouldn't want to do it a second time if doing it a second time can be simply avoided.


Here's what I wrote in this article and it "kind of" relates to your situation.



How to Mix IPA for Inspecting Correction Results


It's actually the FIRST paragraph in the article,

WARNING
Do not chemically strip FRESH PAINT. Fresh paint has not fully cross-linked, dried and hardened. Introducing any type of solvent to the surface and allowing it to dwell could have a negative effect on the paint.

[lawrenceSA]

Thanks Mike - really appreciate your input.

....not using any 'solvents' on fresh paints....what are your thoughts on using a dedicated wheel cleaner or APC to clean them up? Would that be ok, or do you suggest just clean with some car shampoo which will be more 'gentle'?

[sharpreflection]

If they are 3 days old why would you bust out all these wheel cleaners or apc just use soapy water if they are not that dirty

[jms493]

Car Wash shampoo and water. Don't mess with 3 day old paint...discuss this with the owner prior to starting.

[lawrenceSA]

If they are 3 days old why would you bust out all these wheel cleaners or apc just use soapy water if they are not that dirty

I wouldn't as a matter of course, but was asking more to know if the car shampoo wasn't cutting it, would it be ok to use a wheel cleaner. I'd rather ask and know one way or the other than guess and get it wrong. I hadn't seen the wheels until the customer dropped the car off about an hour ago. It a BMW X3 that does high mileage and their brake dust is usually a bear, so wanted to be prepared. They are clean enough though

Car Wash shampoo and water. Don't mess with 3 day old paint...discuss this with the owner prior to starting.

Agree 100% - thanks...had a chat with him when he dropped the car off

[LSNAutoDetailing]

As Mike stated, you should wait 30 days before doing anything.
Soapy water will be fine, but even having said that, I wouldn't use dish-washing soap. DW Soap is used to break down oils (hence, on your pots, pans and dishes). Perhaps, Pinnacle Bodywork shampoo.