CLR Treatment for surface rust question
 

Quick question on the CLR process.

Do I need to neutralize the CLR afterwards with a base such as baking soda? There are several posts about the CLR thing but this was never answered.

After I've given my truck the CLR bath with green scotch brite pads, do I keep the whole truck wet just as if I was washing a normal car? Or are you supposed to immeditately dry each treated panel after the CLR is scrubbed and rinsed with water? I saw on a thread that rust would immediately form if you didn't dry it completely immediately after the treatment.

Please clarify,

Thanks

Re: CLR Treatment for surface rust question
 

The baking soda would neutralize any acid present. I would do one area at a time and rinse it good with cold water. It wouldn't hurt to dry it as you go but you will probably get it wet again when you do adjacent areas....

LockDoc

Re: CLR Treatment for surface rust question
 

I don't think I'd put baking soda on it. Just wash and let it dry.
I definitely wouldn't apply baking soda if it were to be painted.

Re: CLR Treatment for surface rust question
 

Hosing it off dilutes the acid just fine. It's a weak solution to begin with. I've never done anything but scrub and rinse. If you are still concerned, just go ahead and give it a normal wash

Re: CLR Treatment for surface rust question
 

Wear gloves

Re: CLR Treatment for surface rust question
 

I did a piece on the box side on atruck I had . I just used the CLR and dint even rinse it. I did it in Sept/Oct and the truck sat outside all Winter and no rust came back by spring. If I was doing lots on a truck I'd be rinsing after.

Re: CLR Treatment for surface rust question
 

Sounds good, I appreciate the help. Thanks for the info!!