Cleaning Rubbing Compound

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I have some non-critical welds on my 304L stainless radar arch for my boat that we simply tacked. We then buffed everything out, and decided it would look better if we fully welded these non-critical joints (even though it will be a lot of work).The problem is - how do we remove the buffing compound, so we can TIG weld? We were considering pressure wash, drying in the sun and cleaning with denatured alcohol, but afraid that we'll never get the moisture out, and that steam can ruin a weld faster than the buffing compound.Thank you in advance.Last edited by T-Topless; 10-15-2009 at 09:53 AM.
Reply:Stainless steel wire brush.  Alcohol might help break it down, but it might not get it out of the crevices.
Reply:try 0000 stainless steel pads you can but at any homedepot.
Reply:Thanks for the input!The weld consists of tubing tacked welded into a fitting, which we cannot access with a wire brush or stainless steel pad. We're not sure how much rubbing compound has gotten in there, but I'm some has. We've had bad luck in the past TIG welding anything but a perfectly clean surface, so thats where we came up with the pressure washing idea.
Reply:Go to advance auto parts and get something called Total Prep, it will remove all the residue, but you better let it air dry for a little bit after you do it.If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:I weld on stainless that has been polished with green compound all the time and never bothered to clean it.  Always welds great.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Maybe try burning it out with a butane torch?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Bought some Mar-Hyde Total Prep ... $15 for a spray can ... will try it later this week.
Reply:make sure you know what you are putting on that if you are welding. I read some horrific reports of what happens to chlorinated brake cleaner when it gets mixed up with welding. Not sure what Total Prep is comprised of.Bob.Miller Dynasty 200 DXMillermatic 211Hypertherm PM 600In Tool acquisition Mode
Reply:Humm - I'll check it out - did the chlorinated brake cleaner react with the metal and produce something the welding reacted (exploded? poison gas?) with?
Reply:Here's the article, damn scary stuff http://tinyurl.com/l87ldv ......Mike
Reply:Ouch - The guy used BRAKE CLEANER to clean some tanks he planned to TIG weld.. Some brake cleaner was left on it the crevices, which produced hydrogen chloride and PHOSGENE when it got hot. He BARELY SURVIVED, and now has EMPHYSEMA and CHRONIC BRONCHITIS from the phosgene. http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htmYou're right - this is very scary. I'll read the warnings on the TOTAL PREP ... and report back here for all to read!
Reply:Based onthe MSDShttp://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe..._LXT1u666666--CO, CO2, and Hydrocarbons are produced during combustion. I use it when welding anodized aluminum that had the weldes painted before. I dont follow the cans instructions, I spray it on a rag, waipe down the joint and then allow it to dry and wipe it down with a clean rag. And of course, dont have your head right over the weld as it burns off any risidual, if their is any.If you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:Zap would tell you to use a stainless brush and acetone.
Reply:I will use a stainless brush (with alcohol). Think it should be acetone?The problem is that there is rubbing compound in the cracks of the joint we plan to weld. I'm hoping "something" will eat that out enough that I don't have ignition, which I have experienced before.
Reply:What's wrong with soap and water? When you're done just lightly heat the joint to get rid of the moisture. While welding, you're going to have your face fairly close to whatever chemical is going to burn off - but hey, they're your lungsFire!, Fire! Oh wait, that's my torch...Lincoln PT-225 TIGLincoln 175 MIG
Reply:If your trying to clean out some cracks, just take small butane pencil torch and hit the spot for 4-5 seconds and you will be good to go. I have a little burnzomatic butane torch and thats prob my second choice after the total prepIf you cannot convince them, confuse them.         Harry S Truman
Reply:I wiped with alcohol, did a little stainless brushing, and torched the joints. Clamped on the orbital welder and the welds look great!.