Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

**BobbyG** · 01-14-2010, 07:51 AM

Most everyone is familiar with Isopropyl Alcohol. It's been around for years but I see it's even made its way into detailing. I know it cleans and it has "some" ability to dissolve oils but if someone could elaborate on its use here I'd appreciate it!

What does it do for you?
When do you use it?

Thanks Group!

**DLB** · 01-14-2010, 08:22 AM

Its main use I think generally speaking is to wipe off any remaining polish or polish residue. Such as...
You use M105 to polish your panel. You wipe off the polish you can, then you spray it with some IPA and wipe it off again. This assures that you have successfully removed all the M105, and when you inspect the panel, you aren't seeing any of the polish just filling in the swirls/scratches.

Using 91% not cut works best for me. Some use it cut 50/50 with water.

Rsurfer or ASPHALT ROCKET will be able to give you a better answer than me.

There are several threads with a lot of discussion on it. Mike Phillips and Dana (ASPHALT ROCKET) have had a bit of debate on its use in other threads.

DLB

**dublifecrisis** · 01-14-2010, 11:16 AM

I've used it same as DLB for inspecing a TRUE finish and to remove excess oils etc...

Yesterday, fellow member Robbyboats and I were trying out PB Trim Restorer for the first time (nice product) so we used IPA to clean up the trim prior to applyin gthe PB's. It may not be one of those must have in your arsenal type of things but it's one of those spray bottles that you like to have easy reach to. Oh yeah if I'm adding labels to spray bottles or whatever I can just grab the IPA to clean up the surface.

**BobbyG** · 01-14-2010, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by DLB

Its main use I think generally speaking is to wipe off any remaining polish or polish residue. Such as...
You use M105 to polish your panel. You wipe off the polish you can, then you spray it with some IPA and wipe it off again. This assures that you have successfully removed all the M105, and when you inspect the panel, you aren't seeing any of the polish just filling in the swirls/scratches.

Using 91% not cut works best for me. Some use it cut 50/50 with water.

Rsurfer or ASPHALT ROCKET will be able to give you a better answer than me.

There are several threads with a lot of discussion on it. Mike Phillips and Dana (ASPHALT ROCKET) have had a bit of debate on its use in other threads.

DLB

Thanks!

Rsurfer and ASPHALT ROCKET step right up and be heard! I'd like to hear how and when you use Isopropyl Alcohol too.

**ScottB** · 01-14-2010, 05:05 PM

I think the consensus will be its often used while polishing to assure the panel is corrected properly and removes any fillers.

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 01-14-2010, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

I think the consensus will be its often used while polishing to assure the panel is corrected properly and removes any fillers.

The rubbing alcohol in the house says 50%. I'm assuming it's a 50/50 water and alcohol mix? No need for dilution?

**Lowprofile** · 01-14-2010, 05:48 PM

Isopropyl is a must have for any detailer and its cheap. I had some nasty tree sap on my car from a year ago that had hardened like cement. Nothing would get this off. I tried gently dabbing it with some 91 IPA and it gentle removed every last bit of it. I also have used it to successful (and safely) remove some greenish mold (or something) off of a white Celica. Nothing else would get it off. The IPA made short work of it. Just my .02 cents.

**ASPHALT ROCKET** · 01-14-2010, 06:43 PM

IPA should be used after every polishing step to remove any polish residue. This will give you your true finish and not mask anything.

**Harleyguy** · 01-14-2010, 08:00 PM

I use the 91% and cut it with water 50/50 some say it's a waste of time but haven't been able to figure out why some say that.As mentioned before it removes any oils left behind leaving a clean surface for the nxt step.