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The Old Grey Whistle Test
Definition of Terms used
Decontamination [: the removal of contaminants]
Contaminants [: Imbedded – below surface, usually sequestered metal particulates. Surface- various sources of debris that are on the paint surface]
Iron oxide or more correctly Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) - is an inorganic compound [; Iron (II) oxide, also known as ferrous oxide, is one of the iron oxides. It is a black-colour powder with the chemical formula FeO. It consists of the chemical element iron in the oxidation state of 2 bonded to oxygen. Its mineral form is known as wüstite. Iron (II) oxide should not be confused with rust, which usually consists of hydrated iron (III) oxide (ferric oxide)]. [1]
Rust [: a general term for a series of iron oxides (usually red oxides) formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture]
Rust Spots
They are usually caused by metallic brake dust that has penetrated the paint film surface and water / acid rain has produced rust. It can be removed with detailer's clay, followed with a pre-wax polish/cleaner and a surface protection re-applied.
They should be removed as soon as it’s noticed as it may permeate under the paint surface, causing the paint to 'bubble' if this should happen the affected surface should be treated with a suitable rust inhibitor to avoid the rust contaminating other areas
Brake dust or rail dust is very small, almost microscopic particles of steel, iron or their alloys. These particles carry a positive charge (due to friction) while the vehicles they land on are carrying a negative charge. The vehicle surface becomes a magnet, attracting and bonding the ferrous metal particles to the vehicle’s paint surfaces.
The corrosive chemical compounds generated then proceed to etch (corrode) the clear coat, the metallic particles (brake dust) penetrate and act as a conduit spreading the corrosives through the paint film system (and the sheet metal), which results in erosion of the paint surface, that shows on the surface as tiny rust spots (rust blooms)
Although present on all paint surfaces, sintered brake / rail dust is most noticeable on light coloured paint surfaces, especially white. These contaminants are invisible to the naked eye, once they start to oxidise, and turn orange; this is when the problem will be brought to your attention, even on brand new vehicles.
Stages of Corrosive Paint Damage
Stage I- Iron particulates causing surface staining leading to substrate corrosion
Stage II - Contaminants have permeated the paint matrix causing discoloration and corrosion damage
Stage III - Particulates and corrosive compounds causing severe damage to the paints resin (binder) system
Signs of Paint Surface Contamination
• Dark coloured specks
• Brown or Orange (rust) coloured stains or specks
• Yellow stains
• Small metal coloured flecks
• Rough texture
• ‘Water spots’ or marks
• Surface etching
• Oxidation
• Paint ‘stains
In this case, paint care not only serves aesthetics, but also helps preserve the vehicle and its resale value
AQuartz IronXis a neutralised acid salt that offer a safe pH: Neutral 6.5-7.0 chemical alternative to detailer’s clay that removes metallic particulates completely by using an acid salt solution on the paint surface the micro-fissures (‘pores’) are expanded by an exothermic reaction. This releases ferrous particles and caustic compounds that have developed in the paint's subsurface; the reaction agitates and loosens the particles allowing them to be rinsed away.
This preventative measure puts a stop to corrosion, and contains unique chemical ingredients that effectively dissolves the sintered iron by forming water soluble iron complex. For use on car paint, wheels and glass surfaces (safe for all wheel finishes including painted aluminium and alloys) to remove iron filings and ferrous-based contaminants Automotive paint is porous, by using an acid salt solution on the paint surface the micro-fissures (‘pores’) are expanded by an exothermic reaction.
This releases ferrous particles and caustic compounds that have developed in the paint's subsurface; the exothermic reaction agitates and loosens the particles allowing them to be rinsed away. Unlike clay that only removes the particulates that protrude from the paint by abrasion
These are one-step, highly effective vehicle paint decontamination, beyond what can be removed by washing or claying, with the cleaning power of an acid with a pH of 7.0, by using a neutralised acid salt, which is safe for use on all automotive surfaces, paint, glass, clear coat, and etc
Neutralization is the reaction between an acid and a base (alkaline) producing a salt and neutralized base; common examples include acetic acid and sulphuric acid.
It contains neutralised acid salts that effectively release the metallic particulates from the surface by dissolve the sintered brake dust particles that are lodged in the paints surface forming a water soluble complex that changes colour (clear to deep red) that can be rinsed away. An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that is accompanied by the release of heat i.e. neutralization reactions such as direct reaction of acid and base. Do not allow solution to dry on paint surface.
Ammonium thioglycolate NH4 + HSCH2 COO is its main chemical component; its smell is similar to that used in the formulation of permanent wave lotion. The neutralization reaction of an acid with a base will always produce water and a salt. The carbonic acid formed (H2CO3) undergoes rapid decomposition to water and gaseous carbon dioxide, and so the solution aerates as CO2 gas is released. HCl + NaHCO3 > H2CO3 + NaCl (Salt)
If there is an inordinate amount of surface contamination (tree resin, bitumen or other organic material) wax, or sealants on the vehicle I would recommend you remove them before using IronX to enable the chemicals to work on the ferrous particles without hindrance.
Lightly spray and then spread the product with a sponge, an atomizer type spray bottle is ideal for this process, allow the product to dwell for 5 minutes in the shade.
Using a wet sponge agitate he paint surface and then thoroughly rinse the paint surface
It is really interesting to see the amount of iron particles residue that will be dissolved by Iron X, despite having clayed the car before hand. This product definitely offers advancement in paintwork decontamination. 100-150ml per average sized vehicle
Note: Iron Cut should not be used on compromised chrome or bare metal parts, brake callipers, wheel balancing weights, or SMART paint repairs.
CarPro IronX Soap Gel - pH 6.5-7.0 (a weaker solution than regular IronX, a unique and innovative product that Iron X Soap Gel removes road grime and salt from the paint and leaves it slick and smooth. The soap gel is mainly a maintenance product; that is used when a vehicle needs to be cleaned and shows some rail dust.
This product is basically a fairly thick gel with the ability to remove ferrous iron deposits. It removes what washing and claying can’t. It’s a non-marring alternative to detailing clay that cleans and at the same time removes imbedded iron metal particles, salt and other and contaminates from the paint. This is a highly effective, acid-free and pH corrected (pH 6) paint surface and glass cleaner (safe for all painted surfaces including aluminium and alloys).
Use as a car wash on a regular basis (quarterly or as necessary) on white or light colour paint finishes. Airborne chemical compounds and ferrous particles - particles containing iron - actually penetrate the paint and create corrosive compounds that eat deep into the paint's sub-layers or paint’s pin-holes. This is a gradual process that often is not evident until it's too late. Claying or polishing only removes the particulate that is above the surface, not its effects, (corrosion) which are continuing to spread beneath the surface.
During the use of your vehicle, brake dust and road grime become sintered to the surface of the car paint, rims and wheels due to the high temperature conditions they are normally exposed. Brake dust contains high levels of iron and once sintered to the rim, becomes extremely difficult to dissolve or remove without the use of harsh chemicals.
CarPro IronX Soap Gel opens up the paint's pores by an exothermic process, which releases ferrous particles and to neutralize caustic compounds that have developed in the paint's subsurface. Ongoing damage is immediately stopped and future damage is prevented by removing the ferrous particles and their potential to act as a conduit for corrosion.
As the cleansing liquid begins to work into the dirt and grime, the formula begins to turn purple/ red.
The purple/red coloration is the Soap Gel forming a bond to the sintered iron on the car paint and wheel and changing its state to a water soluble complex for easy removal. Stubborn, baked on grime may take a small amount of agitation. Rinse car paint and wheels thoroughly with a power washer and wipe dry.
Application:
1. Wash the paint surface with a concentrate
2. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water, power wash or hose
3. Pour a few small drops of soap gel onto a wet sponge, and wash the surface.
4. While agitating the surface, the soap gel will start to change colour when it comes into contact with metallic particles
5. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water
6. Dry the paint surface
Average consumption per complete car: 0.5 - 1 fluid oz (20 - 30ml) per car
Note: Iron Cut should not be used on
• Compromised chrome (peeling, flaking, etc),
• Unpainted metal parts
• Acrylic painted callipers
• Carbon Ceramic rotors
• SMART paint repairs
• Wheel balancing weights
Relevant Articles
1. “Environmental Damage” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/136393-environmental-damage.html#
2. “ValuGard Paint Decontamination System” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopi...42-valugard-paint-decontamination-system.html
3. “Nanoskin Surface Prep Towel” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia-detailing-wiki/141207-nanoskin-surface-prep-towel.html
4. “What will decontamination remove that washing / clay will not? “ - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-...-decontamination-remove-washing-will-not.html
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Did work incredibly well for me on a few trashed beater cars though.