You guys are right it flash rusted within 60 seconds of washing the acid off with plain water. When you say 'neutralize it' do you mean adding baking soda or vinegar to the acid bath itself? Or do you mean have another bath of neutralizer/water ready to dip the part in after the acid bath?

I am hesitant to spray/coat anything oil-based on the freshly dipped parts, because I want to paint them.