There are various methods to prepare a car for a fresh paint job. One can opt to sand the current paint or use media-blasting on the body. However, the most comprehensive and meticulous approach to guarantee a flawless new paint application is to strip the car down to bare metal and undergo an acid-dip process.
The acid dipping procedure is precisely as it sounds. Once the car is disassembled to its bare chassis, it is hung by ropes and submerged in a tank of acid. This chemical process removes all non-metallic elements, including paint, rubber, glue, and filler. 3S Chemicals LLC in Nanty-Glo, Pennsylvania employs a three-step method to ensure complete removal before painting. Initially, the car is immersed in an alkaline degreaser and paint remover to clear any residue. Subsequently, it is treated with a food-safe rust remover to eradicate rust, leaving only sound metal. Finally, it is dipped in a rust inhibitor solution to prevent further rusting before painting.
The Minute_of_Dangle YouTube channel provides a detailed look at this process using a 1972 Porsche 911. This vehicle was in poor condition, with multiple layers of old paint, a significant hole in the roof, and hidden rust under the fiberglass rear seats. It is remarkably gratifying to watch layers of paint peel away under a pressure washer, often in large pieces. Elements like seam-sealer and fiberglass required multiple acid dips for complete removal. The video notes that the entire process spans about six weeks, with 3S Chemicals utilizing environmentally safe products.
