Picklex 20

[Captain Swampy]

So I've watched a bunch of TC Penick's video's at BayOneCustoms. He swears by using Picklex20 as a final wipe down before seam sealing, undercoating, or priming with an epoxy primer. So I've tried  searching the web for more info and found guys that claim their paint fell off because of the Picklex20. The problem is I have no idea if they really know what they're doing. TC has many great builds and years of experience. I already had problems with POR peeling on Brooke's truck and my Excursion. I don't want to be cheap. I want the best prep and adhesion I can get. Does anyone have experience with Picklex20?

I'd also like suggestions on products to use. I can get PPG from a local body shop or I think a cheaper version of Dupont from Advanced Auto. I was planning on the PPG. I think it's a good product and I would have good support. Or another brand?

I'm considering https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-2k-ceramic-chassis-black-kits.html?SRCCODE=PLA00010&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIobDz7IWt4QIVxx6GCh1XSgQlEAQYAiABEgJiifD_BwE
I live in Wisconsin and want to seal the underbody the best I can. I do like the light gray finish under our Excursion though. It makes it a lot easier to see.

Seam sealer? 3M, Upol, Eastwood?

My current plan is washing everything, final cleaning with Picklex20. Then the Eastwood 2k Ceramic on the chassis and underbody, possibly painting the underbody a light color. I would use PPG epoxy primer and paint on the body. All 3 projects will get driven in winter.

I appreciate your help. Thank you.

[zieg85]

I just read the TDS of this product and have several concerns over anything written that vaguely.  A product like that is meant for entirely bare metal prior to any coating over it.  Even with less than 7% Phosphoric acid putting that over paint/bondo/primer is never good.  While it does several things at once it never does any one thing great.  When I was in Technical Service testing out these types of cleaners I always had concerns.  There is no one product fits all, it is a balancing act.  All the side by side testing for cleaners, Hi-Lite Solutions 4110 did the best as a cleaner/degreaser.  Clean white cotton rags is very important. 

I worked in Hi-performance coatings for OEM's for 33 years and prepared panels for prohesion and salt spray testing using different cleaning methods and coating systems.

[Captain Swampy]

Thanks Carl, I appreciate the help. Yes, I only intended to use it on new or blasted metal. It's very hard to figure out the best products to use. The biggest thing I've learned is I'll be the biggest bump in the road to a nice durable finish. LOL

[zieg85]

SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning (NACE NO. 2) is what you want to strive for prior to any conversion coating.  Then whatever coating system you choose based on desired durability and budget.  Forever type stuff, zinc rich or a zinc base, epoxy prime then your 2K urethane primer/sealer.

[Captain Swampy]

Thanks I'll have to look up SSPC-SP10 . Here's one of the places TC talks about Picklex it's towards the end.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEDkf-3zCgw

[VileZambonie]

Are you talking about a prep solvent before painting body panels?

[Captain Swampy]

Are you talking about a prep solvent before painting body panels?

Yes, on bare metal. The Picklex 20 is supposed to remove any residue, oxidation and etch the metal to give a little more tooth for the epoxy primer to bite into. I would apply filler and high build primer over the epoxy, then thin the epoxy primer 10% ( I think) to use as a sealer, then paint.

I'd also use it on a blasted frame or axles.

[Captain Swampy]

Here's the video I wanted to show you guys.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMYPmHQcYCo

[VileZambonie]

Any prep solve, wax and grease remover is fine. Use a self-etching primer.

Can't speak for pickleX

[Captain Swampy]

Thank you. What brand and line of paint do you prefer?