Purpose of IPA?

[qbmurderer13]

I noticed lots of people here use IPA when polishing. What exactly is the purpose of this and when should it be used? Should the entire car be wiped down with it after a step of polish? Also what % would work best and how much would you cut it with water?

[gtpaul]

I use 99% straight.



You use it to remove any polishing oils that may have filled in swirls and scratches.



it reveals the actual surface without any fillers.

[MBurnickas]

People like it because it`s a mild solvent, cleans w/o being harsh. I personally prefer a car wash after polishing. I also prefer using a stronger solvent most of the time for cleaning. It`s good for stripping wax and revealing surface as gt said. It makes the surface good for sealant durability. Anyhow, when you say when "should" you use it, it`s all about preference.

[qbmurderer13]

So it would be alright to use at full strength? I plan to use it after each polishing step and right before I add my sealant.

[MBurnickas]

I think most people use it 50/50 for that use, full strength for cleaning on tar or grime.

[salty]

You don`t need to do it after every step unless you are running into problems with your compound and polish combination or temp etc. Sometimes paint does not react to the compound the way it should, silicone buildup etc. So first, you could try an ISO wipe to see if it helps.



ISO should be allowed to dwell for 10 or 15 seconds, as it isn`t a strong solvent, then wiped.



When you are done your final polish step and need to have a look at a clean non filling surface, do an ISO wipe or Presol. Also the wax or sealant has a better surface to bond to.

[salty]

I don`t find ISO a very good tar remover.

[KnuckleBuckett]

ISO is not a good tar remover.



I have tried it at 50/50 and full strength. For most uses the 50/50 is fine if you work it a bit.



Keep it off non painted and or chromed surfaces.

[E300Diesel]

I posted a similar topic not long ago in reference to your post.



Isopropyl Alcohol | IPA solution (http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/113160-isopropyl-alcohol-ipa-solution.html)

[jam]

So does the IPA work like a pure paint cleaner too? To use after claying to remove more contaminants and prep the paint?

[E300Diesel]

So does the IPA work like a pure paint cleaner too? To use after claying to remove more contaminants and prep the paint?



Main goal from what I`ve gathered is to ensure the surface is free of any contaminants or wax/sealants and or various oils and fillers from polishing compounds, etc...

[MBurnickas]

I also prefer using a stronger solvent most of the time for cleaning.



I agree it`s not a great tar remover as I stated in my first post, however it doesn`t hurt to start with a mild cleaner like IPA before you break out the Xylene or Acetone. If it`s tar that feels oily, IPA will probably get it, but if it`s baked on don`t bother.




So does the IPA work like a pure paint cleaner too? To use after claying to remove more contaminants and prep the paint?

NO, paint cleaners are all semi abrasive. Many have very slight abrasives, but they all have some. Some "say" they have no abrasives, but I personally call those glazes as opposed to true paint cleaners.

[qbmurderer13]

So why IPA over a quick detailer?

[BigJimZ28]

So why IPA over a quick detailer?



IPA removes oils, fillers, ect...



QD`s usually add "something"

[jam]

Thanks guys.