No luck with the chemical suppliers - only a few were willing to sell to individuals, and the price was high - $120 or so for a gallon of 85%.
Years ago, I bought a gallon of Nitric acid cheap. Since 9-11, I'm thinking chemical supply is more tightly regulated.
I DID find what I THINK is phosphoric acid at a decent price. The local tractor supply store (farming supplies) had a product that was $19.50 for a gallon. The sales person said it was the stuff that 'turned rust black', the ingredient list shows 'mineral acid and drying agent'. I assume it's dilute phosphoric acid with alcohol.
Perhaps the 5 gallon price for 85% would really turn out cheaper, it's just WAY more than I could ever use I'm sure. But I still don't know why I can't seem to find the stuff recently at auto parts suppliers.
This tractor shop also has paint at a really good price - $8.00 a quart for primer and enamel paint. Good enough for doors and floorboard, and I'll be able to get the hang of paint gun work on non-critical areas.
