spilled some brake fluid on the firewall

[dotcentral]

Lifted the paint up, so I'll need to do some touchup. What is the best way to prep the area? I was thinking scrape off all the soft paint, sand the area, wipe with acetone, let dry, then hitting with rustoleum.

Will acetone neutralize the brake fluid? Should I use something else instead?

[72hiboy4x4]

from what I know, the brake fluid will etch into the metal right there. but I don't kow how to get it off. sorry!

[flyboy2610]

Brake cleaner?

[jzjames]

Acetone should clean off all the brake fluid. I like laquer thinner.
jzjames

[FORDification]

Was it standard brake fluid or silicone? The silicone stuff is harder to get off enough to get paint to stick...paint and silicone don't mix. I've run across several body shops who won't guarantee their paint jobs if anyone has even used ArmourAll in their vehicles.

[dotcentral]

It is the regular DOT 3 stuff, Autozone store brand. I guess I'll try acetone first. With brake cleaner I'd have to worry about overspray.

[FORDification]

I'd just soak a rag in the brake cleaner so you don't have to worry about it, but it really doesn't matter anyway. That stuff is quick-evaporating, and if you then wipe it down with acetone before applying paint you'll be fine.

[19674x4]

dang, i have spilled tons of brake fluid on my firewall and have seen no effect to it.