Vehicle manufacturer studies have shown that failure to remove environmental contaminants (like imbedded rail dust, acid rain, industrial fallout and other environmental contaminants) from paint film 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 through a thorough chemical cleaning and acid neutralization.



Surface contaminants



Superficially-adhered surface contaminants as the name implies sit above the surface of the paint. These contaminants become imbedded in the clear coat when the paint is subjected to heat radiation; they comprise; paint residue (oxidation) tree sap and resin, bituminous asphalt (road tar) particles of road dirt (grit) and grime, carbon emissions from catalytic converters, bird excrement, calcium, tar, oil, hard water deposits, calcium or any pollutant type substance that adheres to your paint surface, sometimes invisible the naked eye.



As they are subject to greater abrasive forces than the surrounding surfaces when a surface prep towel is rubbed over them, they are abraded away and removed. You may be questioning at this point will the abrasives in the towel affect the surrounding paint. This can be considerably lessened by selecting the appropriate abrasive level and using a suitable lubricant. But be aware that the surface prep towel may induce surface scratches that should be removed by polishing



Then why not simply use a surface prep towel to remove all surface contaminants; the answer is that a surface prep towel can be used to remove surface contaminant, but a potential problem arises in that organic contaminants (tree resin and sap, honeydew and insect exoskeletons an), which generally comprise much larger particulates than inorganic contaminants (rail and brake dust, bitumen (tar), etc) and therefore have greater potential to cause surface marring between the surface prep towel and the paint as the towel is moved across the paint surface.



Given that some contaminant residue (acid rain, industrial fallout, sintered brake or rail dust) are usually highly acidic and / or will permeate a paint surface, it makes far more sense to remove them chemically and neutralize the paint surface rather than by using an abrasive polish, as dissolving them using a paint decontamination system and then rinsing them away virtually eliminates the risk of causing surface scratches.



Post Decontamination Cleaning / Neutralization



Paint Protection product removal: decontamination products will remove organic waxes; however polymer sealants, silicone, inorganic waxes and most coating are resistant and probably will not be removed



a) Post Decontamination: or surface contamination removal: surface cleaning is very important to the decontamination process as paint protection product residue will negatively impact its effectiveness. Decontamination products should be applied to a surface that is free of wax, oil, silicone, polymers and etc. Chemical solvent paint cleaners are good to use if you want to ‘clean’ the paint surface without abrasive polishing.



b) Neutralization: ValuGard Acid Neutralizer (part of their decontamination system) that is a blend of acids, which deep cleans painted surfaces to remove alkaline deposits and safely dissolves the alkaline salt particles bond with the paint so that they can be rinsed away. Diluted 1:8 and allow product to remain in place for 5-7 minutes (do not allow product drying on paint surface). Rinse thoroughly and then dry paint surface



ValuGard Paint Decontamination System



This system is the most recognized by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) as well as their paint suppliers BASF, DuPont, and PPG, approved chemical neutralization system in the industry. In fact, major auto manufactures have issued technical service bulletins/advisories directing their dealers and port operations to use the ValuGard System for required repairs and pre-treatment for acid rain and industrial fallout repairs.



This system removes, industrial fallout, rail dust, acid rain, oxidation, silicone and waxes, tar and road grime, tree sap, love bugs and other insects, bird droppings, and hard water spots. No other paint cleaning method removes paint contaminants this efficiently. A three step system with a sequence of neutralization and neutralizing wash system formulated to remove industrial fallout, rail dust, hard water deposits, acid rain residue and other forms of pollutants.



The Alkaline Neutralizer (part removes such a broad range of contaminants that it is in a different category from the ferrous iron particulate removal systems (Iron X et al) and is therefore one of the best product out there for ‘everyday’ acid decontamination needs



The acids used in both Finish Kare and ValuGuard decontamination system are phosphoric and sulphuric acids, both strong acids that readily dissociate and are very effective in dissolving the metallic component of brake dust allowing the carbon component to be rinsed away



Vehicle manufacturer studies have shown that failure to remove environmental contaminants (like imbedded rail dust, acid rain, industrial fallout and other environmental contaminants) from paint film 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 through a thorough chemical cleaning and acid neutralization.



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. I would recommend the use of this sytem for new or new to you vehicles as part of your new car prep



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.



ValuGard Decontamination System comprises:



1. Acid Neutralizer - “A” Triethanolamine (TEA) is an organic compound that is both a tertiary amine and a triol (pH10.0) Ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA) acid, is a polyamino carboxylic acid is a colourless, water-soluble solid. This solution removes waxes, storage stains, and any acids which may have been deposited on the paint surface, , an 8:1 solution concentrate /distilled water; allow to dwell for 5-7 minutes before rinsing.



MSDS: http://valugard.net/cms/LinkClick.as...bid=73&mid=412



2. Alkaline Neutralizer - “B” (pH 1.0) removes all waxes, sealant, silicones, road grime, lot stains and storage stains. Neutralizes acids deposited on the paint surface and in the pores of the paint during transportation and storage. Contains Sulphuric H2SO4 and Oxalic H2C2O4 acids, that remove alkaline deposits and ferrous metal fallout, (rail dust), which deep clean painted surfaces so that they can be rinsed away. Allow product to dwell for 5-7 minutes, works well with detailer’s clay to remove contaminants. All necessary safety precautions should be taken whilst using this product (Safety glasses, gloves) Avoid generation of dust.



MSDS: http://valugard.net/cms/LinkClick.as...bid=73&mid=412



3. Detail Wash - “C” premium 128:1 concentrate car wash solution, excellent for everyday use, and also the final step in the Neutralization Process, which ensures any chemical residues, are neutralized and rinsed away.



MSDS: http://www.valugard.net/cms/LinkClic...bid=73&mid=412OEM approved by - GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Nissan, Renault, Saturn and Saab.

Application Directions



Training video - Training Videos



Three simple wash steps, no rubbing; see product containers for more details or visit the web site.

Use separate wash mitt for products A and C, the use of the ValuGard Dispenser trigger spray container for products will ensure correct mix ratio and maximum economy

Automotive paint is porous, by using an acid solution (A) on the paint surface the micro-fissures (‘pores’) are expanded, the acid / water is subjected to an exothermic reaction (heat is evolved when water and acid mix together) This means it agitates and loosens the particles allowing them to be encapsulated by detailer’s clay (as opposed to being sheared off, by abrasion)



The neutralizer ( then enters the subsurface of the paint film and neutralizes any caustic compounds generated by ferrous particles that have penetrated paint film.



Methodology:



Rinse

Completly rinse vehicle top to bottom.

Remove excess soil.

Be certain vehicle surfaces are cool to the touch.



1. (A) Acid Neutralizer (pH 1.0 <)

The acid mixture comprises

1. Sodium Laureth Sulphate, or sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant,

2. Sulphuric a strong mineral acid (H2SO4))

3. Oxalic is a relatively strong acid, despite being a carboxylic acid (C2O4H2) and is used as a cleaning agent, especially for the removal of rust or removal of iron] Oxalic dissolves embedded metallic particles



1. Mix acid neutralizer- 16 ounces of product to each gallon of water.

2. If you are using a proportional, simply dispense 1/2 gallon of solution into bucket.

3. Using a dedicated wash mitt, thoroughly wash vehicle with solution top to bottom.

4. Allow to remain in place 5-7minutes.

5. Do not allow solution to dry on vehicle



Rinse/Dry

1. Rinse vehicle thoroughly top to bottom.

2. Using a waffle-weave towel, dry horizontal surfaces

3. If rinse water continues to ’Bead’ repeat Step 2.



2. ( Alkaline Neutralizer (Acid Wash)

Phosphoric acid, also known as orthophosphoric acid [: a mineral (inorganic acid) having the chemical formula H3PO Used as a rust converter; by direct application to rusted iron particles, it converts iron oxide (rust) to black ferric phosphate, FePO4.]



After treatment, the black ferric-phosphate coating can be washed off, leaving a fresh paint surface. Repeat applications of the acid wash may be required

Using a clean dry sponge or wax applicator pad, apply Alkaline Neutralizer to all paint surfaces including roof, hood, deck lid, and the tops of the fenders and quarters.

Allow to remain in place 5-7 minutes, works well with detailer’s clay to remove contaminants (being an acid it will render the clay unusable after use with this product)

Do not allow solution to dry on vehicle



3. Rinse/Inspect

Rinse thoroughly.

Visually and manually (by touch) inspect for complete removal.

Repeat if necessary.



4. (C) Detail Wash (Surface Conditioner)

Mix Detail Wash-One part product to 128 parts water (i.e. one ounce of product to each gallon of water).

Wash entire vehicle using a clean dedicated wash mitt from top to bottom, including the glass, bumpers, etc.

Repeat if necessary



5. Rinse/Dry

Rinse and dry thoroughly.



Notes:



1. Always use appropriate personal protection equipment with all chemicals

2. Never:

(a) Use on hot surfaces or in direct sun light, do not allow chemicals to dry on a paint surface

(b) Ingest chemical products

(c) Allow products to remain in place longer than is necessary



Tech Tips

1. Always use separate wash mitt for products "A" and "C".

2. The use of the ValuGard Dispenser system for products "A" and "C" will ensure correct mix ratio and maximum economy.

3. Other prep or reconditioning operations should be performed during product to remain in place times for best use of labour time.



Each 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.



Phone / Website: 513-489-7883 – Valugard – Home



MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheets



Note: Thanks to Ron Ketcham (Grumpy) for his valued input on the content of this article



Relevant Articles



1. “Environmental Damage” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...l-damage.html#



2. “ValuGard Paint Decontamination System” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...on-system.html



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