Err umm does "Mosaic Cleaner" contain Phosphoric acid?

[ErikFinn]

I'm trying to find Phosphoric acid for some aluminum cleaning (I was told it should do the trick) and bought this "Mosaic cleaner" at the local hardware shop, the other option would have been Hydrochloric acid which I don't want to use for this purpose. Sales guy had no idea about the ingredients, neither does the bottle list anything.

This product has only a very light smell, a bit like nailpolish remover but much less strong, reacts with aluminum making some white fizzy on the surface, but I can't smell any strong vapors such as Hydrochloric acid typically would produce. Seems to clean the aluminum but no effect on the hard aluminum poultice corrosion spots.

I bought this largely based on what I read on another forum, and not having had luck finding Phosphoric acid.

Does "Mosaic Cleaner" typically contain Phosphoric acid or may it contain just about anything? Anyone knows or has experience with this?

Thanks

[roverhi]

Don't know about Mosaic but 'Ospho' is Phosphoric and pretty much available in any hardware, paint, auto parts store.

[skipmac]

I have had similar questions in the past about products that were not very forthcoming on the label list of ingredients.

99% of the time google search for the MSDS (now renamed the SDS) and it will list all hazardous ingredients (phosphoric acid being one).

I did google but seems like there are several types of Mosaic Cleaner. The P-500 containes 18% phos acid. Not very much.

http://koyachemicals.com/PRODUCTSPEC...P-500%20-1.pdf

[ErikFinn]

Thanks guys. Ospho was not available here last time I asked (I'm in the boonies here) , and I couldn't find the MSDS or DSD for this particular product, bit more relaxed regulations and controls here.. This product does appear to clean aluminum (I used 50% mix with water), but not the hard white spots and I don't know how harmful to aluminum it may be.

[Alan Mighty]

Originally Posted by ErikFinn

Thanks guys. Ospho was not available here last time I asked (I'm in the boonies here) , and I couldn't find the MSDS or DSD for this particular product, bit more relaxed regulations and controls here.. This product does appear to clean aluminum (I used 50% mix with water), but not the hard white spots and I don't know how harmful to aluminum it may be.

Where are you, Erik? What kampung, town, or city in Malaysia?


Jetsen products are made and marketed in Malaysia, which is why your purchased bottle of Jetsen Master Mosaic Cleaner is priced in Ringgit and has text in Malay and Chinese.


The Jetsen web page dealing with its Master Mosaic Cleaner is at: Jetsen Auto


Most Jetsen products are made for cleaning automobiles. Its Master Mosaic Cleaner is made and marketed for cleaning tiled surfaces in bathrooms.


If you are in Malaysia, I assure you that you're in an economy that can sell you industrial strength chemicals such as phosphoric acid.


But if you are still wanting to remove the hydrated crystalline aluminium hydroxide from the aluminium casing of your windlass, you don't want phosphoric acid.


You want mechanical removal such as garnet blasting.

[JPA Cate]

^^^^Yes, we used mechanical means to get back to "good" aluminum on a windlass casing, a grinder, and a rat tail file, even wet sanding, and once back to clear metal, it's clean carefully, apply etching primer, and paint. Having done it, it stayed till after that boat was sold.

Phosphoric is often used on s/s, it is not something I would think of for aluminum.

Ann

[Wotname]

Go shopping for a "rust convertor". These are all (or nearly all) based on phosphoric acid.

[CHRIS V CLEMENT]

Be very careful with the runoff when using Phosphoric Acid. It will permanently etch glass even in diluted versions. I have seen whole commercial skylights permanently damaged by window washers who regularly use phosphoric acid to clean windows...BIG MISTAKE !!!

[skipper53]

A number of toilet bowl cleaners contain phosphoric acid which is,far safer than hydrochloric. Mosteoporosis are "bufferd" so they won't eve burn your hands if not left on too long. They do a great job cleaning scale from chrome and other materials amd won't pit or damage surfaces if you rinse with fresh water after cleaning. Cheaper than most boat specific products too.

[FionaJC]

I use Oxalic acid on nearly everything. It removes all stains in GRP and polishes up everything including aluminium. I buy it from ebay in power form and it costs peanuts. If you want to clean the decks then mix it with water and wallpaper past to form a goo and spread it on the surface. The past stops it drying out. Wash it off with water. On on GRP I wax it after use, aluminium I use a lacquer that's for printed circuits.