Page 1 of 5 12345 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 63
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Green Bay, WI
    Posts
    2,887
    Post Thanks / Like

    Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    I am once again reaching out to my fellow Autopians suggestions on which ferrous iron removers they prefer, any experience and methodologies they have in using them, and any comparisons they may have been different manufacturers of these iron removers.

    I do have some question concerning their use:
    1) Do they take the place of 3-step decontamination washes, like that from ValuGard or Finish Kare?
    2) Can they be used in conjunction with a clay bay, and if so, how is that done?
    3) Is this iron decontamination done before a vehicle wash, with a vehicle wash, or after a vehicle wash?

    I ask this because occasionally I detail newer vehicles that seem to have an excessive amount of iron present which is especially noticeable on light colored vehicles. My "traditional" method has been to clay the vehicle and then polish it to remove marring that occurs from the somewhat aggressive "rubbing" required to remove such contaminants. My reason for asking about ferrous decontamination chemicals is to see if excessive claying could be reduced by "properly" using such a chemical or if this ferrous decontamination chemical is a better way to remove iron completely and more effectively time-wise and effort-wise. I assume some work better than others or some may be more coast-effective, hence my question about the comparisons of those manufacturers at the beginning.

    Thanks in advance for your suggestions and opinions from your experiences.
    GB detailer

  2. #2
    JustJesus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,534
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Hi Lonnie,

    Like some others, I prefer the lower cost options of Iron Removers. I`ve tried 4 so far and all are effective in removing iron. Of course, there may be some YMMV with this, or even personal preference.
    - IronX by CarPro is just way too stinky for me. I won`t buy it again
    - Gyeon Iron is one that I would buy again. Doesn`t stink as bad and is effective
    - 3D BDX is a tad stinkier than Gyeon, and about the same effectiveness. I picked up a gallon on sale.
    - Wolfgang`s new Iron Remover doesn`t smell as bad either, and works pretty fast. A bit pricey, though.

    1) Not sure. Accumulator knows about those better than me.
    2) I`ve done that once, and the iron remover tore through the clay bar. it`s possible, but you will need additional clay bar, depending on how bad the contamination is. However, Britemax Claymax is supposed to chemical resistant.
    3) I tend to do it before a vehicle wash. Different schools of thought on this.

    In my experience, I have found that mechanical decon following the chemical does make for a faster process. If I plan to clay, I definitely try and use iron removers.

    Here`s a link to a process I used recently with decent success. Iron Remover, followed by wash, with a clay mitt mixed into the wash process. The clay step wasn`t aggressive and therefore added some time. But then, time was saved in that I didn`t have to polish out any marring.

    Review: BLACKFIRE Clay Mitt
    Likes Lonnie, rlmccarty2000 liked this post

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Posts
    1,139
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Quote Originally Posted by JustJesus View Post
    Hi Lonnie,

    Like some others, I prefer the lower cost options of Iron Removers. I`ve tried 4 so far and all are effective in removing iron. Of course, there may be some YMMV with this, or even personal preference.
    - IronX by CarPro is just way too stinky for me. I won`t buy it again
    - Gyeon Iron is one that I would buy again. Doesn`t stink as bad and is effective
    - 3D BDX is a tad stinkier than Gyeon, and about the same effectiveness. I picked up a gallon on sale.
    - Wolfgang`s new Iron Remover doesn`t smell as bad either, and works pretty fast. A bit pricey, though.

    1) Not sure. Accumulator knows about those better than me.
    2) I`ve done that once, and the iron remover tore through the clay bar. it`s possible, but you will need additional clay bar, depending on how bad the contamination is. However, Britemax Claymax is supposed to chemical resistant.
    3) I tend to do it before a vehicle wash. Different schools of thought on this.

    In my experience, I have found that mechanical decon following the chemical does make for a faster process. If I plan to clay, I definitely try and use iron removers.

    Here`s a link to a process I used recently with decent success. Iron Remover, followed by wash, with a clay mitt mixed into the wash process. The clay step wasn`t aggressive and therefore added some time. But then, time was saved in that I didn`t have to polish out any marring.

    Review: BLACKFIRE Clay Mitt
    1. Iron-X is the most effective, but most expensive.
    2. Meguiar`s Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner is by far the most inexpensive and covers the most area with it being somewhat of a jell and its wide sprayer.
    3. 3D BDX is the most effective when it comes to buying the gallon size.

    If money was no option for me, I would be buying the Iron-X every single time. To me they all stink, so I am not going to play the game of which one stinks less when they are ALL undesirable. If had the use for a gallon, I would love to get my hands on Meguiar`s new D1801, which is supposed to be more of a jell than ULT AWC and stronger, too.
    Likes VitreousHumor liked this post

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Reisterstown Md.
    Posts
    3,075
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    I use Griot’s iron and fallout remover, as for agitation I use the ergo wave sponge. I’ve used it both in the pump up foamer and with the foam cannon depending on how much surface to cover. As far as odor, very minimal.
    Likes Oneheadlite liked this post

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Green Bay, WI
    Posts
    2,887
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike lambert View Post
    I use Griot’s iron and fallout remover, as for agitation I use the ergo wave sponge. I’ve used it both in the pump up foamer and with the foam cannon depending on how much surface to cover. As far as odor, very minimal.
    Mike:
    Your point about application methodology for the area being covered is well taken. I was assuming that a good hand sprayer would suffice, BUT if one is covering the entire vehicle, that may be a stretch to accomplish by a hand-trigger spray bottle. My thought was that the ferrous iron remover needed only to be applied on lower vehicle panel fenders and rockers and the entire back hatch or truck, including the rear bumper.

    Edited

    I am also "concerned" that there is some overlap as to what may be used on wheels for decontamination and what may be used on clear coated paint. A wheel cleaner, to me , is just that: for wheels only; whereas iron removers could be used on paint OR on wheels.
    GB detailer

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Reisterstown Md.
    Posts
    3,075
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    You are correct as far as a hand sprayer, hence the pump up foamer. As far as how much of the vehicle, that depends on what you find during evaluation.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Apex, NC
    Posts
    327
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    The new OTC Meguiar`s clay bar that says `Improved` holds up to iron removers. It does not seem like the normal clay bar and is some type of poly clay. I use IronX Snowfoam as a clay lube with it and it holds up through the whole car.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    86,975
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Quote Originally Posted by Lonnie View Post
    I am once again reaching out to my fellow Autopians suggestions on which ferrous iron removers..

    I do have some question concerning their use:
    1) Do they take the place of 3-step decontamination washes, like that from ValuGard or Finish Kare?
    Lonnie- You undoubtedly know my position on this one, so I`ll spare you a rehash.

    At the risk of being a pedantic [jerk], note that an Iron/Ferrous Contamination Remover isn`t really different from ABC, it`s one third of ABC (the second step). So IMO it`s not an either/or, but rather "which". And you can clay while such stuff is dwelling, but it`ll dissolve/etc. the clay really fast and it shouldn`t be necessary unless the contamination is really bad.

    Oh, and IIRC the FK stuff isn`t around any more..which might be OK as it was considered scary-potent by people who know from such stuff.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    13,224
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Quote Originally Posted by Accumulator View Post
    At the risk of being a pedantic [jerk], note that an Iron/Ferrous Contamination Remover isn`t really different from ABC, it`s one third of ABC (the second step). So IMO it`s not an either/or, but rather "which".
    Is that really true? The B or 2 step was/is (I`ve only used the FK) an acid so it would also remove water spots which the bleeders won`t touch.

  10. #10
    BudgetPlan1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    2,662
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Have used Optimum Ferrex, partly because it mentioned "Furthermore, FerreX will dissolve and remove other surface contaminants such as tar and wax at the same time.", CarPro Iron-X cuz it seemed the de facto popular choice when I started all this, Sonax Fallout Remover and Gyeon Iron. Finally stuck with Gyeon Iron as I like the squarish 4L jug format and when using from the 1000ml Gyeon Iron, it is much easier to use for me for whatever reason. I tried Sonax Fallout remover out of a pump sprayer and it seemed a little thick, didn`t work so well.

    In addition to the packaging, I seem to get more entertaining bleeding effect with the Gyeon so that`s fun. While it may be slightly less stinky than the others when I brought it inside for the winter last weekend I was told in no uncertain terms to "Get that stuff outta the house now..." so it is somewhat odoriferous.
    Likes JustJesus, VitreousHumor liked this post

  11. #11

    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    86,975
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Quote Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy View Post
    Is that really true? The B or 2 step was/is (I`ve only used the FK) an acid so it would also remove water spots which the bleeders won`t touch.
    The acid is what removes/dissolves the ferrous contamination along with mineral deposits/water spots.

    The FK stuff was good, huh?!? (As long as all went well ) I still have some of the alkaline step (FK1119) though I hope I never need it. Worked like a miracle on the `93 Audi, even softening years-old laneline paint well enough that I could get it off.

    I never did try their acidic stuff after Ketch warned me off of it...figure that when *he* says "don`t" that`s one informed opinion. Probably OK on something that`s not fragile, but I wasn`t taking chances on a vehicle that *was* fragile with irreplaceable stuff an acid could trash.

    EDIT: I do find it interesting that many Ferrous Contamination Removers are marketed as "non-acidic"...wonder a) if that`s true, and b) how they remove the iron if it is. No, no..not flaming, just curious about it. And sure, I too would love to see the Indicator Coloring, not that I use such stuff once/decade or anything.

  12. #12

    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    13,224
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    I`m just saying that the whole "decontamination" thing once included more than just iron, it included the A step for neutralizing acid rain and bird acid, then the B step removed the metallic and mineral contamination. So I don`t really consider the Iron-X type products to be doing the same thing...of course, I`m not sure if that really matters anymore...does it?

    I was unaware that Ketch warned on that FK Step 2, I still have some...you and I discussed many years ago how the Step 1 reeks of PD`s...I had to leave the bucket I used out in the garage for a week before I could bring it back in the basement. I`m not sure how many cars I used that FK system on, might have been only 1, maybe 2.

  13. #13
    JustJesus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    So Cal
    Posts
    2,534
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    I like seeing the discussion with the guys have been around a while, and products that some haven`t heard of or ever had the pleasure (displeasure?) of using.

  14. #14

    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    86,975
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    Quote Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy View Post
    I`m just saying that the whole "decontamination" thing once included more than just iron, it included the A step for neutralizing acid rain and bird acid, then the B step removed the metallic and mineral contamination. So I don`t really consider the Iron-X type products to be doing the same thing...
    Sounds like you and I are wondering about the same thing
    of course, I`m not sure if that really matters anymore...does it?
    I`d need to have the "how" properly documented and explained to me. Color me skeptical when it comes to stuff that I can`t explain and I`ve never received a real answer about it.

    But IMO there *is* the Q of whether Decontamination is as necessary as the vendors would have us believe. (Note that IMO if you really need it I`d expect it to be obvious.) When I decided I oughta at least clay the A8 and Tahoe after so many years, the minimal contamination I got off made me wonder if it did need doing, and those get used awfully hard.

    I was unaware that Ketch warned on that FK Step 2, I still have some...you and I discussed many years ago how the Step 1 reeks of PD`s...I had to leave the bucket I used out in the garage for a week before I could bring it back in the basement. I`m not sure how many cars I used that FK system on, might have been only 1, maybe 2.
    Yeah, he said their acid could even trash lenses, which I can`t replace on the `93. Note that he knows I`m smarter than the average bear And on the Audis, some of the aged aluminum trim could be vulnerable to acids, so I just don`t go there with those. No loss, zero indication that it`s needed.

    The FK1119 *DOES* smell simply awful! I was surprised that it was as bad as I`d been told.

  15. #15
    rlmccarty2000's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Fitzgerald, GA, South East GA
    Posts
    4,498
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Suggestions for Ferrous-Iron Decontamonation Removers

    I’ve used a few different iron dissolvers and I think this is one area where you can buy the least expensive and be ok. I just used Britemax Iron Remover and it worked as well as any other I have tried. It was thicker than Iron-X, but I like the thinner iron removers. They spread out easier and I want them to run over the paintwork.

    A pump sprayer is a good idea. I used a bottle and a half and my hand was tired from all of the squeezing.

    I always wash after using an iron remover to ensure all of the iron remover is washed away. Then I clay the surface before I start to correct the paint. I wash after claying too.
    Likes BudgetPlan1 liked this post

 

 
Page 1 of 5 12345 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Questions on iron removers & preparation of PPF for coatings...
    By ExplicitDetail in forum Car Detailing Product Discussion
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-15-2017, 03:26 AM
  2. IRON REMOVERS . ..... How Do I Use This Stuff
    By ShawnF350 in forum Everything Else
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 10-07-2015, 01:51 PM
  3. Iron X LS VS Dodo Juice Ferrous Dueller Iron Remover
    By psynx in forum Detailing Product Reviews
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 11-18-2014, 06:36 AM
  4. Can CarPro Iron X Iron Remover replace a claybar
    By mystickid in forum Car Detailing
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 08-27-2014, 07:11 PM
  5. Iron X Iron Remover or Iron X Soap Gel?
    By AndyWax in forum Car Detailing Product Discussion
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 05-23-2011, 10:57 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •