What is an acid wash?

[lunchboxmunchy]

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.

[swanicyouth]

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.

[cardaddy]

Oh ABC is still out there, championed by Ford if I remember correctly.

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.)

[A-train]

I wonder what the product was Dr.G was talking about in the thread that was never released or why it wasn't released?

[Harry Da Hamster]

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!

[cardaddy]

I wonder what the product was Dr.G was talking about in the thread that was never released or why it wasn't released?

Maybe we could get him to elaborate a bit?

Dr. G.... Dr. G. are you out there?

[Vegas Transplant]

..what is an acid wash?

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).

[jrs1418]

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.

[hernandez.art13]

http://youtu.be/gRH2yr4y7Wg

[VISITOR]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgEfQZ5MqJM]How To Remove Industrial Fallout and Rail Dust / Valugard A-B-C Neutralization Procedure - YouTube[/video]