Method for the local application of chemical conversion layers

A method for producing a chemical conversion layer on a metal surface, comprising:

• (i) providing at least one cloth having a defined surface, said cloth being resistant at least in the pH range of 2 to 7 and being tear-proof in the wet state, wherein the cloth is manufactured from fibers selected from the group consisting of cellulose, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane fibers, and mixtures thereof, wherein a size of the at least one cloth is generally equal to the size of the metal surface to be treated;
• (ii) bringing the cloth into contact with a liquid containing at least one active component for the formation of the chemical conversion layer, so that the cloth is impregnated with the liquid,
• (iii) applying the cloth impregnated with the liquid to a metal surface, wherein the cloth is laid on the metal surface and is left stationary thereon;
• and
• (iv) removing the damp cloth from the metal surface, wherein the cloth is removed in step (iv) at earliest after 2 minutes after the application to the metal surface in step (iii).