jlfernan
10-28-2023, 08:13 AM
I need to polish off some heat tint on one of my side pipe heat shields. Anyone out there have any pickling paste such as Compound 302 that could spare a small sample? I need enough to clean an area about 6"x6".
Falcondriver
10-29-2023, 10:08 AM
I have a new tub. I'm in Lady Lake, FL. Come over and get what you need.
jlfernan
10-30-2023, 04:25 AM
I may have take you up on that. Thanks.
JohnK
10-30-2023, 01:32 PM
I hate to be the "safety guy" but I'll put this out there in case you or anyone else isn't aware. Real pickling paste, which is used to re-passivate stainless steel after welding, contains HF (hydrofluoric acid) which is one of the nastiest things you could possibly come in contact with. HF is commonly used in the semiconductor manufacturing process, among other places. I used to be an emergency first responder at my company where HF was in some of the labs. The problem with HF is that if you get it on your skin it won't necessarily cause immediate skin burns (though it can at high enough concentrations). HF has a particular affinity for calcium, and it will absorb into the skin and start attacking ligaments, tendons and bones, causing excruciating pain. The treatment involves injecting calcium paste into the affected area down to the bone to neutralize the HF. It's about as pleasant as it sounds.
There are legitimate uses where HF has to be used and there are no other viable substitutes, but IMO removing stains from exhaust is NOT one of those. Compound 302 "only" contains hydrochloric acid, which can also cause severe burns but is FAR less nasty than HF. It won't re-passivate stainless steel so is not used as a pickling paste but is perfectly acceptable for cleaning heat stains from SS.
Apologies for the lecture if you already know this but I thought it was worth mentioning since you mentioned pickling paste in case anyone else comes across this thread.