Refinishing — Environmental Damage

Iron Oxide (Rail Dust) or Acid Rain Decontamination

 WARNING: Always refer to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) when handling chemicals and wear protective equipment as directed. Examples may include but are not limited to respirators and chemically resistant gloves. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

 WARNING: Always wear protective equipment including eye protection with side shields, and a dust mask when sanding or grinding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: In extreme cases of contamination, the vehicle may require refinishing. To avoid paint failure, follow the appropriate decontamination procedure prior to carrying out any panel refinishing procedure.

NOTE: Iron oxide contamination appears as tiny rust spots on horizontal surfaces and in severe cases can be felt. This damage is typically caused from rail shipment, storage near railroad tracks or fallout from industrial manufacturing facilities.

NOTE: Acid rain contamination can be identified as water spotting and, in severe cases, staining within the water spots.

1. NOTICE: Never paint over iron particles as rust spots will reoccur. Use only the recommended decontamination procedure detailed below.

   Rinse any dust, dirt and foreign material from the vehicle body with cold water. Flush liberally.

2. Prepare the acid neutralizer by mixing 8 parts of water to 1 part neutralizer in a bucket.

3. NOTICE: To avoid paint failure, do not allow the product to dry on the vehicle.

   NOTE: Use a separate wash mitt for each product applied to the vehicle.

   Working quickly and beginning at the top of the vehicle and working to the sides, apply the acid neutralizer mix to the entire vehicle. Keep the vehicle wet with the solution and lightly agitate for 5 to 7 minutes. Continue around the vehicle 4 to 5 times. For severe conditions, work the product for up to 8 minutes.

4. Rinse the vehicle completely with cold water to remove the product.

5. Dry only the horizontal surfaces of the vehicle, do not dry the glass at this time.

6. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the paint surface, do not apply the alkaline neutralizer directly to the vehicle plastic trim.

   NOTE: Use a separate wash mitt for each product applied to the vehicle.

   NOTE: Alkaline neutralizer is a ready-to-use product. Do not mix with water.

   Pour the alkaline neutralizer into a squirt bottle and apply the solution to a clean wash mitt.

7. NOTICE: To avoid paint failure, do not allow the alkaline neutralizer to dry on the vehicle.

   Apply the product to the vehicle keeping the solution wet and lightly agitate for 5 to 7 minutes. For severe conditions, work the product for up to 8 minutes.

8. Rinse the vehicle completely with cold water to remove the product.

9. Prepare the detail wash by mixing 29.5 ml (1 oz) with 3.78L (1 gal) of water.

10. Using a clean wash mitt, shampoo the entire vehicle and rinse with cold water. Dry the vehicle completely.

11. Visually inspect the paint surface for any remaining evidence of ferrous metal particles. Repeat procedure as necessary.

Surface Finishing Following Decontamination

1. NOTICE: When attempting to affect a repair by buffing, polishing or color sanding, do not remove an excess of 0.3 mil of paint film or refinishing will be required.

   NOTE: Acid rain discoloring or etching may require color sanding in addition to buffing and polishing. In extreme cases, refinishing may be required if the following procedure does not restore the vehicle finish.

   NOTE: Do not intermix buffing products. Use only one manufacturer's product.

   NOTE: Always follow the manufacturer's product usage sequence. Use the appropriate buffing or polishing pad at the recommended buffing speed as specified by the product manufacturer.

   Apply rubbing compound to the vehicle surface as recommended by the product manufacturer.

2. Apply machine glaze to the vehicle surface as recommended by the product manufacturer.

3. Use an alcohol and water mixture (1 to 1) to clean the buffed and polished areas. Verify removal of scratches and swirls before the application of the final polish.

4. Apply a final polish material by hand, with a dual-action sander and foam pad, or with an orbital polisher and appropriate polishing bonnet.

5. Wash and dry the vehicle.