What's the Process?

The tank should arrive with us with no taps, floats, pumps, badges, brackets, filler cap/ring etc..

On receipt of the tank we inspect for any existing damage, pin holes, paint bubbles etc. We also contact to customer to inform them that we have got the tank and it is booked in. We also advise of a rough timescale for the work to be carried out. This is usually around 6 - 8 weeks, more if other services are required i.e Welding, excessive pinholes, Painting etc.

Preparation - if needed, we wrap the tank in a protective low tack PVC tape to try and preserve the paint work. The tank is then degreased/cleaned.

Rust Treatment - a Solution of Orthophosphoric acid is added to dissolve the rust. Depending on how bad the rust is this solution may be in for a week. after this a concentrated mix of the acid is rinsed around the tank to create a protective phosphate layer on the surface. The tank is then rinsed with acetone and dried.

Sealing - For a tank with no pinholes or damage 3 layers of sealer are added over 3 days. for tanks with existing damage extra layers will be added and concentrated in the problem areas, this may include it being applied to the outside of the tank. The sealer (Wagner Tankfix) is specifically designed to fill pinholes while lining the tank.

Curing - This usually takes a week with fan assistance, a little longer if extra layers have been added.

Respray

We will then send an invoice and arrange pick up/delivery dates

How Do I Send a Tank?

We will contact you to arrange collection via DHL

You are welcome to drop off and collect your tank just let us know beforehand. 

Do you treat Fibreglass Tanks?

Yes we can clean and seal fibreglass Tanks. This is aslong as there are no gaping holes in it! We will have to conduct a spot test on the tank before sealing to make sure the Liner does fully adhere, we have not comes across any that have failed the test but this is just a recommendation from the manufacturer. 

My tank has a liner that has failed and needs removing before re-sealing. can you do it?

Yes we can, but the job does come with a few caveats. The removing chemicals we use react differently to different types of liner and can take a few rounds of treatment to completely dissolve the epoxy. By removing the old liner its removing the liner in the pinholes it was initially trying to plug, this means the chemical will more than likely penetrate the holes and damage the external paintwork. In some cases where the liner is stubborn or breaks off into big pieces, we have to chop a window into the tank and physically remove the liner. 

This does extra work does come with further costs and an increased turnaround time. if you have a fairly common tank, it will more thank likely be quicker and cheaper buy another tank.

Why does it take so long? can i pay extra to get it done quicker?

Unfortunately we are yet to find a way to speed up time, some tanks take 2 or 3 rounds of rust treatment so that can put us back another week or so. we are very methodical when working on the tanks, and like to make sure its done once and done right. Jobs are completed in the order that they come in, so no queue jumping!

I've just got my tank back, do i have to do anything special?

Its advisable to allow the tank another 5 to 7 days, preferably at room temperature, to completely cure. before fitting just give it a swill out with nice clean petrol to flush out any debris or dust its collected since sealing.

How Long does the Sealer Last? Is there a guarantee?

The Manufacturer states that the sealer is permanent once applied, we have not experienced or heard of this particular brand failing. if you do encounter any problems we will of course make it right. This is under the provisos that the sealer has not been interfered with.

What will the interior of the tank look like after treatment?

In the majority of tanks the phosphoric rust treatment will leave the interior a grey colour, in some cases there may be black patches, this is just the Phosphate layer reacting and protecting itself against corrosion. This is completely harmless and inert, the sealer is designed to cover this. The sealer is clear in colour and gives off a glossy finish.