2022-2025 Toyota Acid Rain Damage Prevention and Repair TSB

Acid rain, caused by industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere, can significantly damage vehicle painted surfaces. This is particularly true for horizontal areas like the hood, roof, and decklid. Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 addresses the prevention and repair of Toyota acid rain damage for a wide range of models from 2022 to 2025.

Symptoms of Acid Rain Damage

Acid rain damage typically appears as stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike regular water spots, these cannot be removed with standard washing. Acid rain can also etch and soften the paint, potentially leading to visible depressions if improper repair methods are attempted.

Toyota categorizes acid rain damage into three types:

• Minor damage: Requires only buffing for repair.
• Moderate damage: Usually necessitates neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing.
• Severe damage: Extends beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on pearl, metallic, or solid colors, requiring neutralization, sanding, and repainting.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Toyota has issued several critical warnings regarding the assessment and repair of Toyota acid rain damage:

• "NOTICE: The following process can be followed but with matte paint finish safe products ONLY. Using materials listed in this document can lead to paint damage to matte paints."
• "NOTICE: To minimize the possibility of burning through or hazing paint surfaces, the following buffing procedures should be performed only by personnel experienced in rotary power buffing."
• "NOTICE: Use only LIGHT pressure on the buffer to prevent burn-through damage to the paint surface."
• "NOTE: Dark painted colors become warmer in direct sunlight and require a longer period to cool."
• "NOTE: Allow the sandpaper to soak for several minutes."
• "NOTE: When performing this procedure, be sure to measure paint film thickness before, during (continuously), and AFTER sanding with a film thickness gauge to prevent excess paint removal."
• "NOTE: The ideal instruments to monitor paint film thickness during the color sanding operation are magnetic or digital thickness gauges."
• "NOTE: Consult your local paint or tool jobber for pricing and availability. In all color sanding situations remove no more than a total of 1/2 mil of the clearcoat on pearl, metallic, and solid colors."
• "NOTE: ALWAYS sand in one direction and never in a circular pattern."
• "NOTE: Regardless of manufacturer, NEVER use different buffing/polishing compounds on the same pad."
• "NOTE: While it is recommended to sand down into the primer coat, the underlying electro deposition coat should NOT be exposed, since it provides essential corrosion protection."
• "NOTE: Check with state and local ordinances regarding the use and disposal of all chemicals."

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process for Toyota acid rain damage varies based on the severity. All procedures begin with cooling the vehicle out of direct sunlight and thoroughly washing it.

For Minor Damage:

1. Neutralize any remaining acid with a solution of baking soda and water, applied with a sprayer.
2. Rinse the vehicle with fresh water.
3. Measure paint film thickness in affected areas.
4. Buff the affected areas using appropriate pads and liquid compounds, continuously measuring paint thickness. Buffing should yield results within approximately 30 minutes per vehicle.

For Moderate Damage:

1. After neutralization and rinsing, immerse #1500 or #2000 grit wet-dry sandpaper in soapy water.
2. Color sand affected areas using the wet-dry sandpaper with a soft foam rubber sanding pad. Regularly apply clean water and wipe down sanded areas to check for spot removal.
3. Continuously measure paint film thickness during sanding to prevent excessive removal. Do not remove more than 1/2 mil of clearcoat.
4. Install recommended buffing pads and set buffer speed to 1200–1800 rpm.
5. Apply buffing material sparingly to a 2 sq. ft. section and buff until haze is nearly gone, using light pressure.
6. Inspect for remaining acid spots and re-sand/polish if necessary.
7. Perform final buffing/polishing for a high-gloss finish.

For Severe Damage:

1. After washing and cleaning with silicone/wax remover, use a dual-action sander to completely sand affected areas to eliminate depressions.
2. Finish sanding with wet-dry sandpaper according to paint manufacturer recommendations.
3. Wash and rinse the vehicle again.
4. Clean sanded areas with silicone/wax remover.
5. Apply a quality urethane enamel color coat or base coat/clear coat for maximum repair durability. Lacquer-type paint is not recommended.

Required Tools and Materials

Technicians will require specific tools and materials to perform these repairs:

• Liquid Automotive Washing Soap, Baking Soda, Water Pail
• 3M™ Finesse-It™ II Machine Polish (or Equivalent)
• 3M™ Perfect-It™ System (or Equivalent)
• 3M™ Finesse-It™ II Wool Pad (or Equivalent)
• 3M™ Perfect-It™ Foam Pad (or Equivalent)
• #1500 or #2000 Grit Wet-Dry Sandpaper Pre-Soaked in Clean Water
• Variable Speed Rotary Buffer, Speed Range 1200–1800 rpm
• Elcometer® 211 Mechanical Coating Thickness Gauge, Magnetic (or Equivalent)
• Fischer® Deltascope DMP30, Digital (or Equivalent)

Owner Action

If you notice signs of acid rain damage on your 2022-2025 Toyota vehicle, it is recommended to have a qualified body/paint technician assess the extent of the damage. Due to the specialized nature of these repairs and the need for specific tools and expertise, attempting DIY repairs without proper experience can lead to further damage. Regular vehicle washing, especially during periods of high heat and humidity, can help minimize the potential for acid rain exposure.

NHTSA ID: 11006149