Stop in for a cup of coffee

I don't know about that. What I do know is that soda really changes the PH of the metal and needs to be neutralized before applying any coating. AND, epoxy does not like acidic treatments too. I'm just a good old-fashioned sand it mechanically or a little sand blasting (no finer than #80 grit) clean it well and get the epoxy on it ASAP kind of guy.
I agree with you totally on that. Clean the **** off then Epoxy.