Passivation on my Cybertruck

[Vegetaban]

Tried my hand at Passivation on my Cybertruck today to keep that stainless steel shine.
Started with an IPA solution (plenty of that at work in pharma) as a degreaser to get the surface clean. Then, as recommended, I used CitraSurf 77 on the driver’s side for about 3-4 minutes, but it was tricky keeping it moist as Tesla suggests. Wiped it down with Spray Away ammonia-free cleaner afterward, then hit the local car wash for a full rinse.

The driver’s side (treated) looks great, definitely cleaner and shinier than the untreated passenger side.

I’m going to keep an eye on the difference over the next few days before treating the whole truck. Next time, I’m planning to use CitraSurf’s gel formula and let it sit for the full 30 minutes to ensure it works well.

I’ll get some photos in the morningI’ve been waiting for it to stay in the 80s with some overcast skies since the temperature can affect the Passivation. We passivate a lot of stainless in pharma, so talked with some experts in my facilities group.

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[ThatOldGuy47]

Look forward to results. I’ve purchased same as well as a synthetic clay sponge to prep and better clean surface prior. Work in pharma as too and would like to see if I can keep rouging down.

 

[Vegetaban]

Look forward to results. I’ve purchased same as well as a synthetic clay sponge to prep and better clean surface prior. Work in pharma as too and would like to see if I can keep rouging down.

Little trick, look up the Passivation and derouging sops for best practices

 

[BrockN]

I tried the Citrisurf 77. It definitely works. Takes off the rail dust and also the the foggy brown layer that is evidently an oxide on the stainless. The result is a blue look rather than the typical brown cast.

However, overspray needs to be controlled. And it dries up really fast, so you either have to reapply the Citrisurf to keep it wet, or just start the wipe down early.

I also tried Bar Keepers Friend (Soft), applied with a Kirkland microfiber towel. As far as cleaning up the surface goes, it seems to be equally effective, but probably more elbow grease is needed than with the Citrisurf spray. It doesn't seem to matter if the BKF dries. I cleaned it off with two applications of Windex with ammonia. No streaks. The BKF is easier to control and prevent it from finding the plastic surfaces. It's also a fraction of the price!

The label on the BKF indicates Oxalic acid, which I suspect is the main active ingredient. It also lists Citric acid, which is the prime ingredient in Citrisurf 77 and apparently does the passivation work. So I'm guessing that BKF is able to do some mild passivation too, exactly how much depending on the actual concentration in the product...

BKF was less painful, so I'll probably standardize with it.

 

[ThatOldGuy47]

Thanks for the update! Typically in the world of passivation oxalic acid is usually a stronger acid used for troublesome rouging. Citric is kind of a starter acid. I’ve read some warn of damage from bar keeper hitting parts not compatible with a strong acid but at the same time everyone seems to love it so?? Must not damage things too harshly.
I feel like the instructions to keep wet is difficult and I’m in Colorado where it is very dry. Either way thanks for all the info and follow up!

 

[HaulingAss]

However, overspray needs to be controlled. And it dries up really fast, so you either have to reapply the Citrisurf to keep it wet, or just start the wipe down early.

When citric acid evaporates, only the water evaporates, so the acid becomes more acidic. It should be done out of the sun and wind and lightly misted with plain water to keep it moist as it's rubbed with a non-abrasive sponge scrubber to keep it distributed evenly around the surfaces. You can add a little more Citrasurf along with the water misting, but just adding more Citrasurf as it evaporates will make it become too acidic.

As for prep, giving it a good wash with soap and water should get all the oils off.

 

[JURZYDVL]

Citrisurf 77 does as it states. But be careful, like me; make sure even when you rinse that you use lots of water around your mirrors and tail light. I believed I did a good job but my morning there were 3 discoloration runs from each area.

I called Citrisurf for technical advice and they suggested Barkeeper soft cleanser or have a layer removed.

I have tried Barkeeps spray; no change. Next will use Barkeepers soft cleanser.

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