Did you know that soft washing can completely destroy your clients brand new paint job?
There are a lot of stories from soft wash pros who ran into trouble after cleaning certain painted surfaces like colors changing or even full repaints needed after what should’ve been a simple job.
Trudi Weickum from Panhandle Power Wash Supply, has spent over a decade researching this issue after it happened to her team. She’s tested countless surfaces, chemicals, and paints and traced the problem back to a specific pigment: R3 Magenta. You can see her masterclass on the Industry Paint Issues HERE.
This guide pulls together what R3 Magenta is, what’s in it, and why it reacts badly to SH and how to do test spots to avoid the same costly mistakes.
What Is R3 Magenta and What’s It Made Of
R3 Magenta is a magenta colorant used in paint tinting systems, especially by brands like Sherwin-Williams. It’s labeled “R3” in their ColorCast Ecotoner system and is added to paint bases to create colors with rich pink, red, purple, or burgundy tones. The label “R3” is an internal code where “R” stands for red, and “3” identifies the specific shade in their tint set.
It’s not a pure pigment on its own. R3 Magenta is a liquid colorant that contains a blend of synthetic organic pigments, suspended in a fluid to keep the mix smooth and ready for paint blending.
Why R3 Magenta Reacts Badly with Sodium Hypochlorite
R3 Magenta is made with synthetic organic pigments. That means they’re made from carbon-based molecules.
Here’s the problem: Sodium hypochlorite, or SH, is designed to break down organic matter. That’s why it works so well at cleaning mold, mildew, and algae. All of those things are organic. But paint pigments like the ones in R3 Magenta are also organic, made from the same kind of carbon-based structure. SH doesn’t know the difference between grime and pigment. It’s a non-selective oxidizer, which means it reacts with almost anything organic it touches. Whether it’s mold on siding or the pigment in paint, SH will try to break it down.
NOTE that It’s Not Just R3 Magenta
While R3 Magenta is the most talked-about example, any paint containing organic pigments can react the same way. R3 Magenta is just one example. If it’s carbon-based, it’s at risk. Even if the paint isn’t R3 Magenta, the same reaction can still happen if organic pigments are present.
Organic vs Inorganic Pigments
According to Sherwin-Williams, organic pigments are made from carbon and are often created from petroleum compounds. These types of pigments tend to have low resistance to fading and are more vulnerable to chemical attack. They produce bright, vivid colors but break down more easily under UV, oxygen, and bleach exposure.
Inorganic pigments, on the other hand, are made from minerals and metal oxides. These include earthy colors like beige, brown, and tan. They’re known for being more stable and resistant to fading or chemical damage.
Avoid Organic Pigments Before They Ruin the Job
You won’t find a label that says “R3 Magenta inside” or “organic pigments inside” on a paint can. But there are some clues that can help you spot a risky paint job:
Look at the color – Organic pigments are often used to create rich tones like:
- Red
- Maroon
- Orange
- Yellow
- Purple
- Blue
It’s not just Sherwin-Williams – This pigment shows up in paint lines from multiple brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, Valspar, and others. Even different finishes and grades could contain it. Look for signs of sun fading. Organic pigments fade more easily in the sun. You can notice this fading by looking at different parts of the house that are regularly in the shade vs the sun.
How to Spot Test before Soft Washing
- Pick a hidden area like behind a gutter, behind an AC unit or any other inconspicuous place.
- Apply a small amount of full strength SH mix, let it sit, and allow it to fully dry. Sometimes the color change doesn’t show up right away.
- Take before-and-after photos of your test spot. That protects you if something goes wrong later. If you have proof you tested and were careful, that’s huge for avoiding liability.
Can I Just Lower My SH Mix?
Note that even 1% SH has caused organic pigments to shift or fade, so don’t rely on a weaker mix to keep you safe. Always test first!
If the Test Fails
If you do a test spot and the paint reacts badly like discoloration or fading, do not continue with the soft wash. Let the homeowner know that the surface may contain a pigment that’s sensitive to sodium hypochlorite and explain that cleaning it with bleach could damage the finish. Offer alternatives if available, or recommend they contact the paint manufacturer.
Insurance Limitations
Many insurance policies won’t cover damages caused by organic pigment discoloration. Why? Because it’s often labeled contractor negligence if you didn’t:
- Do a test spot
- Use the right dilution or method
Even careful pros have had claims denied if they couldn’t prove they followed best practices.
Don’t rely on insurance to save you. Rely on testing, documentation, and smart decision-making.
R3 Magenta: Cleaning Alternatives
Some cleaners are less aggressive on organic pigments. Trudi from Panhandle Power Wash did several tests using alternative cleaners to see which could clean effectively without discoloring the paint. Based on these tests it looks like Hydrogen peroxide-based products, like Green Ox Renew, are a safer choice for delicate paint jobs.
These products work slower and usually cost more but they’re far less likely to destroy pigment structures the way bleach does. Make sure to factor in these costs if you need to revise a quote for a customer.
That said, even with safer chemicals (or any chemicals at all), you should always do a hidden test spot first. It’s the only way to know how the surface will react, especially if you’re unsure about the paint’s history or composition.
Conclusion: SPOT TEST!
Let me end this article by saying it one more time: you can never go wrong with a proper spot test. It takes just a few minutes, but it can save you thousands in damage, protect your name, and keep your day from turning into a disaster.
Most homeowners and even paint reps don’t know what’s in the paint. But you do now. That makes it your job to test, document, and speak up when something feels off. One small spot test, a couple of photos, and a heads-up to the homeowner can make all the difference.
