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Stains on SS after Citrisurf 77 treatment

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I just treated my entire truck and everything looks great overall except for one spot along the top of the door panel, I tried using more to get it out, but nothing is giving, what can I do to get rid of these stains?

I think this happened when some water from above dripped down while I was treating that spot.


Tesla Cybertruck Stains on SS after Citrisurf 77 treatment IMG_6955
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The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is due to the oxidized top layer. The steel will actually degrade in an oxygen-free environment. It needs to "rust" (well, shiny rust from oxidation).

But that means the metal is interactive with the environment. The metal can take on slight discolorations, or change hue slightly over time.

For such stains, you'll need to remove a few atoms from the top layer. "Barkeeper's Friend" is your friend, so to speak. The liquid paste version contains fine abrasives that clean up the surface layer.

Start with a small amount, and light pressure. Repeat as needed.

Tesla Cybertruck Stains on SS after Citrisurf 77 treatment F-Soft-Cleanser-26-Fl-Oz-Bottle-Side-Product-Imag
 
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The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is due to the oxidized top layer. The steel will actually degrade in an oxygen-free environment. It needs to "rust" (well, shiny rust from oxidation).

But that means the metal is interactive with the environment. The metal can take on slight discolorations, or change hue slightly over time.

For such stains, you'll need to remove a few atoms from the top layer. "Barkeeper's Friend" is your friend, so to speak. The liquid paste version contains fine abrasives that clean up the surface layer.

Start with a small amount, and light pressure. Repeat as needed.

F-Soft-Cleanser-26-Fl-Oz-Bottle-Side-Product-Image.jpg
are you saying to do this with these stains in particular? is it ok to do after passivating with the citrisurf 77?
 

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are you saying to do this with these stains in particular? is it ok to do after passivating with the citrisurf 77?
Citrisurf is a mild acid, which helps dissolve free iron on the surface. That cleans it, and helps it shine. But it is not abrasive.

I've used both C77 and BKF with good results. Of course, if you make a shiny spot you'll end up doing the whole panel lol

 
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Citrisurf is a mild acid, which helps dissolve free iron on the surface. That cleans it, and helps it shine. But it is not abrasive.

I've used both C77 and BKF with good results. Of course, if you make a shiny spot you'll end up doing the whole panel lol

i am afraid of using BKF due to how abrasive it is.

should I try BKF on the these thin stains? like with a q tip or something? so i dont cover too much area?
 


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i am afraid of using BKF due to how abrasive it is.

should I try BKF on the these thin stains? like with a q tip or something? so i dont cover too much area?
there is a BKF in a foam spray that works very well; you can find it at lowes, home depot, etc.
 

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i am afraid of using BKF due to how abrasive it is.

should I try BKF on the these thin stains? like with a q tip or something? so i dont cover too much area?
BKF is mildly abrasive. I've used it with a DA polisher. You'd need to really, really go out of your way to damage the surface. Either way, you're gonna make a clean spot hahahah


there is a BKF in a foam spray that works very well; you can find it at lowes, home depot, etc.
The BFK spray doesn't have the abrasives like the liquid. It's closer to C77.
 

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If you do the whole top plane of the door it should even out. With BKF you need to rinse it after 1 minute. I recently did my whole truck with C77+ and had interesting drip staining, I thought about posting it but then just used BKF on the whole truck, it’s better but still has the drip line staining, not sure why. I love BKF though, it works so well on the CT.
 
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If you do the whole top plane of the door it should even out. With BKF you need to rinse it after 1 minute. I recently did my whole truck with C77+ and had interesting drip staining, I thought about posting it but then just used BKF on the whole truck, it’s better but still has the drip line staining, not sure why. I love BKF though, it works so well on the CT.
i think it turned out amazing overall with the 77, so id rather wait and let them buff that out.

Tesla Cybertruck Stains on SS after Citrisurf 77 treatment IMG_6966


Tesla Cybertruck Stains on SS after Citrisurf 77 treatment IMG_6962


Tesla Cybertruck Stains on SS after Citrisurf 77 treatment IMG_6961
 

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If you do the whole top plane of the door it should even out. With BKF you need to rinse it after 1 minute. I recently did my whole truck with C77+ and had interesting drip staining, I thought about posting it but then just used BKF on the whole truck, it’s better but still has the drip line staining, not sure why. I love BKF though, it works so well on the CT.
Tesla recommends against using CitriSurf 77+ on the Cybertruck, you should be using regular CitriSurf 77. Personally, I just stick with Bar Keeper's Friend Soft Cleanser, it has excellent results in combination with Windex or Sprayway.

Tesla Cybertruck Stains on SS after Citrisurf 77 treatment Screenshot 2025-08-15 at 11.13.38 AM
 

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I wish everyone would stop recommending bar keepers soft cleanser. It will polish the truck! You want the bkf foam spray and use it with a blue scotch pad to retain the brushed steel look. If you want the spaceship from flight of the navigator, use the soft cleanser....
 
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I wish everyone would stop recommending bar keepers soft cleanser. It will polish the truck! You want the bkf foam spray and use it with a blue scotch pad to retain the brushed steel look. If you want the spaceship from flight of the navigator, use the soft cleanser....
Yes I highly advise against it. I was just desparate. What I did will be an easy fix with a buff job i think
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