Topic: Protecting Paint Job During Prep & Etch Tank Cleaning?

[Jonzilla]

New member here.  Just picked up a pretty nice 75 CB550K a couple months ago, and going thru all the basic maintenance items.  It is my first SOHC4 (my only other vintage CB is a 73 CB350G).  So the tank has some light rust inside and after reading multiple threads on here I decided to go the Prep & Etch route, and hope to use no liner after cleaning.  The original paint on the tank is nice and I don't want to damage it.  In all the threads I've read most people are cleaning tanks that they plan to paint, it seems. 

Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations on good ways to protect the paint during the internal cleaning?  I've read somewhere that I could wrap the tank in saran wrap, then aluminum foil over that.  I obviously won't be splash the stuff all over the tank but still want to take the best route of protecting my painting during the soak and also during the flush. 

Also is just flushing with water enough?  Or is acetone or water with baking soda a must?     

[Johnie]

Welcome to the board...if there is light rust you won't need to etch and line it. I use Metal Rescue with excellent results. Plus, it will not hurt the paint. You can be as gentle as you want with some of these caustic rust removers, but you will still get some on the paint. With the Metal Rescue you don't have to worry about the paint.

[Jonzilla]

Welcome to the board...if there is light rust you won't need to etch and line it. I use Metal Rescue with excellent results. Plus, it will not hurt the paint. You can be as gentle as you want with some of these caustic rust removers, but you will still get some on the paint. With the Metal Rescue you don't have to worry about the paint.

Safe on paint... I like the sounds of that.  Yeah this is the type of rust that does appear to be flaking anywhere.  Hopefully no surprise leaks pop up down in the seams where I can really see...

Any tips on the process using metal rescue?  Just soak and drain? or flush with something? 

Thanks

[Yamahawk]

Prep-n-Etch is pretty safe on paint also. Never had it affect any, anyway. But, it wouldn't hurt to err on the side of caution with any chemical.
Charlie

[Stev-o]

Doesnt hurt to wrap the tank.   Some guys use saran wrap followed by aluminum foil...

My next rusty tank will get Prep & Etch...

[Smudgemo]

I used Evapo-Rust on my tank and it didn't hurt the paint.  I thought it was pretty clean, but I checked the sock not that long after I started using it and found it was fairly gunked up with particles, so be careful when you put it back in service.  Lots easier to clean/replace a filter than futz with the carbs.

[jakec]

If Prep n Etch, Evapo Rust, and Metal Rescue all work and don't hurt the paint, what's the best one to use?

I cleaned the varnish out of my petcock and now the rust flakes are free to flow (luckily into the inline screen but that's filling up).

[BRG-BIRD]

I had a tank etched and relined and the shop put a very thick coat of wax on the paint then covered it with Saran Wrap, no paint damage.

[750K]

Plain white vinegar works well to remove rust in a tank, you have to neutralize it with baking soda rinse when you drain out the vinegar to avoid flash rust.