As I understand it the proper way to neutralize the ospho (phosporic acid) is to wash it off while it is still wet/active.
To me that means I may apply it and let it dry three or four times if I'm picky... I mean lazy
and when I'm ready I re-apply it and let it set a few minutes to reactivate the residue and the pores of the metal
and then wash it off with plenty of water and a red scotch pad. good to go.
