http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trisodium_phosphate

Any hardware store, box store, paint store will have it.

 

joe- he said painters... lol!! :thumbup:

 

Trisodium Phosphate---abbreviated TSP---is was used for ages to prep surfaces for painting and is what we who painted and those who still do still call it. With environmental restrictions on high phosphate detergents, most of what is out there now is sort of fifi foofoo faux TSP but it still works well because it does not have a lot of other stuff like fragrance and surficants that leave a sheen by way of a thin suface film. Sort of like xerox copies, kleenex, etc. TSP had such recognition one smart company markets a prep powder under the brand name TSP. Dirtex is another similar product and although it has other stuff that make it harder to rinse, good old **** N Span and a lot of powdered household cleaners used to be mainly TSP (if aging memory serves me well).

Your real paint store will have what we are talking about and maybe even your box store but it could take you a day to communicate with grunts and hand signals to the minimum wage apron person. It cuts dirt and grease and rinses clear. Other detergents can leave a residue that can effect adhesion almost as much as the grease and grime it got rid of.

Note that less really is more. Putting twice the amount recommended on the box is not going to get things any cleaner and you will just spend more of your life rinsing. And you will be wasting your money.

 

It's so cheap that you wouldn't really be wasting much money if you use more than you should. But read the instructions, and don't get it in your eyes! No fun.

 

TSP = Tri-Sodium Phosphate. A very strong, highly alkaline detergent cleaner available at paint and hardware stores - while big boxes may carry it, don't be fooled by the TSP substitutes or "phosphate free" TSP (wouldn't that just make it "TS"?). It's great for general cleaning, removes grease and heavy dirt, but always follow package directions when using (too strong a mixture can remove existing paint, damage metal and burn skin & eyes) - (this is NOT one of those products that "if 1/2 cup per gallon of water cleans this good, then 2 cups per gallon of date must be amazing.." - yeah, don't do that)...ALWAYS rinse surface with clean water following a TSP wash.

For lighter cleaning and surface prep, consider using a product like Soilax or Dirtex Powder (not aerosol), both are good utility cleaners, phosphate free and non-sudsing (so clean water rinse isn't necessary). Good luck.

 

Hmm...OK, I just read SDSester's response and he said the same thing (sigh)...

 

Uh oh, you're slipping, Ric, Might have to change your handle to "Ric knows paint but not TSP." LOL.

 

Thanks:thumbsup: