Repair Procedures for Mild Damage Caused by Either Chemical or Organic Materials

Iron dust particles may imbed themselves into the paint film. On some light colored vehicles after some weathering, tiny dots of rust start to appear. They feel rough to the touch and are difficult to remove. The best way to remove these particles is by treating the finish with an oxalic acid-detergent-water wash. Use the following procedure to perform this service.

NOTE: Oxalic acid wash is also pre-packaged in various strengths under various brand names, if you choose not to mix your own batches.

1. Wash and degrease the vehicle first, using Ford Multi Purpose Cleaner B8A-19523-B or equivalent, and a suitable wax and grease remover. If this does not remove all of the iron particles, proceed with the oxalic acid wash.

2. Prepare a quantity of oxalic acid-detergent-water solution as follows:
   1. Dissolve 170-227g (6-8 ounces) of Oxalic Acid (powder) in one gallon of warm water.
   2. Add 1-2 tablespoons full of non-alkaline detergent such as Ford Multi-Purpose Cleaner B8A-19523-B or equivalent.

3. Apply this solution liberally to all affected surfaces of the vehicle with a large sponge. Keep the surface wet until the technician can no longer feel any surface roughness with bare or gloved fingertips. If this is not done thoroughly, staining may redevelop if iron particles are left behind.

4. Rinse the area with clean water.

    CAUTION: Failure to thoroughly rinse this surface could result in corrosion of anodized aluminum or stainless steel parts with prolonged contact.

5. If the iron particles are not totally removed after two washings, use one or both of the procedures listed for minor chemical contamination.

   NOTE: The use of polishing (with wax), sanding with microfine sandpaper (1500 grit or greater) or buffing with very light compound should only be done as a last resort.

Wet Sanding Procedure

1. Clean the exterior surface of the vehicle with Ford Multi Purpose cleaner B8A-19523-B or equivalent to remove all contamination.

2. Apply 1500 grit sandpaper to a rubber padded sanding block to sand the paint surface.

3. Use a squirt bottle filled with water to lubricate the 1500 grit sandpaper as you begin to sand only the damaged areas. Water is an abrasive as well as a lubricant in this step.

   NOTE: If the damage has gone deeply into the paint film and it will not polish or sand out, then refinishing is required.

Paint Reconditioning Procedures for Severe Damage

Acrylic enamel single stage or base/clear paint systems should be painted by using the following procedure.

1. Wash the vehicle with Ford Multi Purpose Cleaner B8A-19523-B or equivalent to remove all organic materials.

2. Wash the areas to be painted with wax and grease remover.

3. Prepare the area as follows:
   1. Neutralize the affected areas with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water.
   2. Rinse the surface off with plain water.
   3. Wash the panel with a mild soapy detergent.
   4. Dry the panel completely.

      NOTE: If the damage is through the top coat finish and into the primers, the panel must be sanded down to bare metal or plastic and then refinished.

4. Apply a self-etching primer for metal surfaces only.

   NOTE: A flex additive may be necessary when working with flexible plastics.

   Then proceed as follows:

   1. Let dry per instructions.
   2. Apply a two component urethane primer surfacer.
   3. Sand the surface with 400 grit sandpaper to get proper finish.
   4. Finish sanding with 600 grit sandpaper.

5. Solvent wash the panel with wax and grease remover. Tack wipe it.

   NOTE: The use of acrylic urethane enamel is highly recommended for this type of service.

6. Apply base coat or top coat material per applicable paint system.

7. Apply clear acrylic urethane if you are using a base/clear paint system.