IPA Wipedown, Yes or No

**UncleDavy** · 10-15-2018, 06:48 PM

I have seen some videos and heard some discussions about using an IPA wipedown to remove polishing oils before a coating, sealant or wax. I have never used it myself but I wanted to hear from some of the people on the forum whose opinions I respect (you know who you are). Is an IPA wipedown necessary?

**Dr Oldz** · 10-15-2018, 06:51 PM

I am anti-IPA. never had a wax or sealant fall off a vehicle in all these years. Now as far as a coating, I would stick with the coating manufacturer's suggestion for a panel prep. Car-Pro suggest Eraser ect.

**FUNX650** · 10-15-2018, 07:18 PM

I only use a “panel wipe” when an LSP’s
Manufacturer specifies it’s a prerequisite.

Bob

**acuRAS82** · 10-15-2018, 08:42 PM

I’m with Bob and Oldz. Unless the directions state so, I don’t do a panel wipe (when I do, I use the dedicated prep sprays, not IPA). I believe the oils can act as a glaze and fill and beautify, so I prefer to leave it.

**rlmccarty2000** · 10-15-2018, 10:43 PM

Coatings yep, wax or sealant not necessary.

**dlc95** · 10-16-2018, 06:07 AM

Originally Posted by FUNX650

I only use a “panel wipe” when an LSP’s
Manufacturer specifies it’s a prerequisite.

Bob

Same here.

**dlc95** · 10-16-2018, 06:09 AM

Great article on the topic:

Miscible and Immiscible - Wax and Paint Sealant Bonding

Mike Phillips · 10-16-2018, 06:23 AM

I wrote the article on how to correctly dilute IPA to use as an option to chemically strip paint and I NEVER use IPA to wipe down paint.

In fact, I made a post asking for ANYONE other than myself to be the expert on this topic and NO ONE took the challenge.

So after waiting for a year and having personally seen IPA soften and bubble up paint, I took it upon myself to do the RESEARCH and then write the article.

I never listed the chemist I spoke with but it was Gary Silvers at Meguiar's and Dr. David Ghoudussi at Otpimum. I also checked with Jason Rose and Claude Sevigne for their input IPA and solvents in general.

In the second paragraph of the article, I shared WHY I wrote it and I'm happy to say the clowns that were always recommending IPA to strip paint are no longer members of this forum.

Here's the link to the article I never wanted to write but did write to prevent people from screwing up their paint due to the consistent and constant bad advice from a few experts.

How to Mix IPA for Inspecting Correction Results

I'm so glad those days are so far behind us and shortly after I came to AGO we implemented some "real" forum rules to set boundaries for everyone and get rid of troublemakers.

Mike Phillips · 10-16-2018, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by dlc95

Great article on the topic:

Miscible and Immiscible - Wax and Paint Sealant Bonding

Thanks for sharing the above.

That was another article that I reached out to the head chemist at Meguiar's for the information.

It's truly the kind of info you'll never find anywhere else....

**TTQ B4U** · 10-16-2018, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by FUNX650

I only use a “panel wipe” when an LSP’s
Manufacturer specifies it’s a prerequisite.

^^ this.

I have and do use CarPro and GYEON's products, but I have recently moved to quality paint preps from body shops that are not only effective but of course safe and honestly, far cheaper per oz. than the other products.