IPA Wipedown questions...

[mdbohica]

Ok, I have searched and still have questions.



First, what is the mix of alcohol and water for the IPA?



Second, can anyone tell me when it is appropriate to use it? After what steps or products?



Thanks

[DM101]

I use IPA to remove the current LSP on my car. A 50/50 ratio works fine. Some others use it after polishing to see if further correction is needed.

[Legacy]

I use IPA to remove the current LSP on my car. A 50/50 ratio works fine. Some others use it after polishing to see if further correction is needed.+1 I use 91% IPA when removing sealants.

[JasonS]

50/50 works good. You can use it after compounding and polishing to see if the swirls were completely removed or if they were filled in.

[leungly]

When people say 50/50? It means take 99% IPA and mix it in a 1 to 1 ratio with water, correct?

[NotZeroSix]

the one with the ~70% range (I dont remember the exact number) but mix it with water with a ratio 2:5. Thats equivalent to 50/50.

[Street5927]

The IPA is very useful. However, on a side note, after being bored one day and reading the back of Stoner`s Tarminator bottle, it says it works great for removing silicones, so I decided to give it a try in between steps to remove polishing residue, etc. and it works just as well as an IPA wipedown. However, the question still remains, which is cheaper???

[gmblack3]

I have noticed that some polishes need 3x straight IPA wipedowns to remove the fillers that they use.

[Leadfootluke]

Well, IPA is about $2 or cheaper for 32oz. I dilute it into a spray bottle at 1:1 with water, so I think it is pretty dang cheap. Still might need a prep-wash before the LSP is applied though to remove fillers and silicone and oils, etc.

[dennn]

I do a prep-wash with citrus based soap to remove any polishing oils and dust on the vehicle. Citrus just feels more gentle than IPA. While IPA may dry up your skin and cause severe pain to wounds, high concentration citrus wash doesn`t do any of that.



I usually avoid using IPA, and try to use it as ittle as possible. I`d use it on test panels or on small areas to inspect my progress.





People usually suggest 1:1 as a mixture ratio. But it seems that this suggestion is made without considering the alcohol strength. Alcohol comes in different strengths. In my opinion, a ratio of close to 1:1 will work. It doesn`t have to be exactly 100% 50/50.

[imported_DJ Mayo]

This is exactly why using 91% IPA X 2 after correction and EZ Creme Glaze after your IPA makes for a perfectly clean surface for your sealant to properly bond. There are several people who really cut that step short. If the paint is not properly cleaned, your sealant/wax will not bond properly therefore not lasting like you want it to. The ONLY time I miss this step is when doing a car that is going up for sale.