Advice on new RV battery maintenance.

EMD360 wrote:
I looked up ospho and it is really expensive! Naval jelly has some of the same ingredients and I have some on hand. I’ve been busy with other projects, but thanks for all the good advice.

Ospho and Navel Jelly are two different products with no real common ingredient that I can find in the SDS for both..

OSPHO SDS

NAVEL JELLY SDS

Ospho is 45% ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID (this is Phosphoric acid plus several other ingredients) which IS the main ingredient that does the conversion of rust.

Rust-Oleum USED to have a similar product to Ospho, but they discontinued that product in favor of their combination all in one rust treatment/primer/paint.. It doesn't work as well as straight Opsho and rust WILL start over again under the Rust-Oleum paint.

Navel Jelly can remove rust, that isn't what you really need to TREAT the metal in order to stop and prevent further rust development under the paint.

Ospho directions HERE

"A METAL TREATMENT-NOT A PAINT
RESISTS/******* RUST-PROVIDES A SOUND BASE FOR PAINT
Directions for use
For Application Questions Not Answered Here Call Factory Direct at: 216-771-1590


OSPHO is a balanced formula of Phosphoric Acid, Dichromates, Wetting Agents and Extenders. Ospho is environmentally safe and non-flammable. OSPHO seals out moisture and prevents future rust from forming. OSPHO can be applied to just about any rusted or steel surface including: Vehicles, Trailers, Fences, Iron Railings, Sheet Metal, Outside Tanks, Lawn & Farm Equipment, Marin Applications and more. OSPHO is primarily used for bars-metal applications but can be used painted surfaces as long as the quality of the paint is not compromised. OSPHO isrecommended for use under oil based primares or paints. Test trial samples before using Epoxy or other paint systems. A paint job will last much longer afetr an application of OSPHO because subsequent paint coatings attach themselves so tightly that moisture and oxygen cannot attack the metal. OSPHO is water thin and therefor covers a larger area ten painrt and goes on easily. OSPHO is easily effective for exterior and interior work alike. OSPHO safely dissolves bleeding rust from many painted surfaces. For best results, use OSPHO at temperatures no lower than 36°. Excess dew and humidity may prolong drying time, cause a reoccurrence of the drying process resulting in a powdery buildup. Spray equipment should be flushed out with water after using. Clean brushes with water. Avoid spreading OSPHO on adjacent areas such as concrete, masonary and stone work as it will etch/bleach almost immediately.


RUSTED METALS - OSPHO is a rust-inhibiting coating - NOT A PAINT You do not have to remove tight rust. Merely remove loose paint and rust scale, dirt, oil, grease and other accumulations with a wire brush or pressure washer and let dry - apply a thin coat of OSPHO as it comes pre-diluted in the container. Let dry overnight for a minimum of 24 hours, then apply whatever paint. Longer dry times may occur depending on temperature, humidity and over-application of product. OSPHO has the consistency of water and treats up to 600 square feet per gallon. When applied to rusted surfaces, OSPHO causes iron oxide (rust) to chemically change to iron phosphate - an inert, hard substance that turns the metal black. Where rust is exceedingly heavy, two coats of OSPHO may be necessary to thoroughly penetrate and blacken the surface to be painted. A dry, powdery, grayish-white surface usually develops when cured. Brush off any loose powder and wipe down with Mineral Spirits before painting.


NEW METALS - For new ferrous metals: remove dirt, grease, or oil; apply OSPHO in a thin coat, let dry for a minimum of 24 hours, then apply paint. Longer dry times may occur depending on temperature, humidity and over-application of product. A dry, powdery, grayish-white surface usually develops when cured. Brush off any loose powder and wipe down with Mineral Spirits before painting. OSPHO penetrates deep inside of the metal's pores to convert and protect before Iron Oxide is present.


CLEANING AND ETCHING METAL - OSPHO can be used to clean and etch Ferrous and Non-Ferrous metals by simply applying a thin coat. Let stand for approximately 30 minutes or until metal is etsched, then flush off with water, avoiding damage to adjacent areas. To avoid flash rusting on Ferrous metals, a top coat system may be required.


GALVANIZED - where appearance is important, apply one coat of OSPHO, let stand for approximately thirty minutes or until metal is etched. Flush with water, avoiding damage to adjacent areas; or wipe to a smooth finish, let dry, then paint. Where appearance is not important, one coat of OSPHO is recommended to thoroughly coat and etch the metal. Let stand overnight or until completely dry. A dry, powdery, greyish-white surface usually develops when cured. Brush off any loose powder and wipe down with Mineral Spirits before painting.


WARNING - FIRST AID: OSPHO contains phosphoric acid. If liquid comes in contact with eyes or bare skin, flush with copious amounts of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. If taken internally give large quantities of milk or water, get medical attention. Prolonged exposure to skin may cause irritation - use rubber gloves or other forms of skin protection. Exposure to vapors may cause respiratory irritation, move exposed person to fresh air. Sekmedical attention if irritation persists.


SAFELY DISSOLVES BLEEDING RUST FROM MANY PAINTED SURFACES:
CAUTION: paint composition & quality vary greatly. A check should be made by testing OSPHO on a small area. Dulling or peeling may occur in some finishes. The manufacturer assumes NO LIABILITY for damage to finished surfaces."

You can also use Ospho to "etch" Galvanized metals in order to be able to get paint to stick to the galvanized metal surface..

Expensive?

Yep.

But doing it right the first time can save you money and time later down the road..