IPA to remove wax or sealant between polishes

**jernal024** · 03-31-2010, 12:07 AM

I am sure, this is somewhere on the fourm,butI have searched for 30 minutes and can't find the answer.

Can IPA be used to remove sealant or wax (or both) between polishes?

If so, how? Does it need time to work?

I am trying to save some money by not purchasing paint cleanser.

Thanks

**zinc02gt** · 03-31-2010, 03:46 AM

Yes. 91% straight. It's what I use to after claying to make sure all previous waxes/sealants are gone for sure. Works like a charm.

I found that the $0.97 spray bottles at Wal Mart that the sprayers fit right onto the 32 oz bottles of IPA. I have a 32oz hose ran through it though. I use that and spray directly to the paint let it sit for no more than 5-10 seconds then wipe away. I do at least 2 passes just for assurance.

If your thinking of using something like Swissvax Paint Cleanser, well that's a different story. you do that as a prep before waxing for bonding.

**A4 1.8tqm** · 03-31-2010, 04:21 AM

91% straight, or diluted 1:1 in a cheap spray bottle. Use it after polishing to help clean up and to check your work, before sealing/waxing to prep the surface or any other time you want to be sure that your paint is absolutely free of oils and residues. As zinc said, I also will do a couple passes.

**jernal024** · 03-31-2010, 10:29 PM

Sorry, I should have clarified better.

I am going to polish this weekend to remove imperfections.

6 months from now, if I want to remove the old wax and sealant to simply apply a fresh coat of sealant will IPA remove old wax on it's own?

Or, do I need to buy paint cleanser?

I want to remove wax or 6 months after polishing, just to apply a new coat of wax

**Adam** · 04-01-2010, 01:58 AM

Yes, IPA will remove waxes and sealants. I also do this every six months before layering sealants and waxes again. Woot! First post!

**O.C.Detailing** · 04-01-2010, 06:36 AM

You can use IPA and it's VERY cheap. I have 2 5-gallon jugs of APC concentrate though. What I've found to work very well is mix up a 4:1 dilution of APC in a pump sprayer and spray the entire car with it and let it sit for a couple of minutes. It really does work wonders on making wax and sealants go away. If you don't have a couple of 5-gallon jugs of APC concentrate sitting around though, definitely go with the IPA or you can use Mineral Spirits as well and from what I understand, it actually works better than IPA. Some people actually prefer MS to IPA. Your choice.