IPA.... How-When-Why

[fredcandetail]

Hey guys .... was wondering about the whole IPA thing ...
Why would it be necessary?
Is it typically done only when doing PC?
How do you guys typically apply it?
any and all info,tips, suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks
Fred

[Murr1525]

Re: IPA.... How-When-Why

Some products like polishes and waxes leave stuff behind on the surface (polish and wax), and so at times they can make it hard to see if fine swirls have been completly removed. This would go for hand or machine applied products.

So IPA can be used if you want to remove the polish/wax left behind, to make sure all swirls are gone.

You would generally be doing a test spot/panel, apply your products, and see if swirls are gone, using IPA if needed. Then when you found which product/technique works, you would just do that around the whole car.

[TOGWT]

Re: IPA.... How-When-Why

Wipe-Down Process

Wipe-down after Polishing/ Compounding - this allows you to inspect the surface to determine if the surface is defect free or if further work is required. When polishing or compounding to remove fine swirls or holograms, it's easy for residues to settle in the swirls, hiding the true paint finish. Wiping the finish with a Micro fibre cloth you may feel that the swirls have been removed, only to have them reappear when applying the final wax or sealant. After polishing a section, mist and wipe to fully remove residues and reveal the true paint finish.

1. Polymer sealants will not form a proper monocular bond with a paint surface if there are any oils present and it will affect durability.
2. Silicone will cause surface smearing and will affect both bonding and durability

The wipe down process should be carried out both before to ensure a surface that is free of any debris and after to ensure that defects have been removed as opposed to masked by any lubrication oils or fillers left behind after the polishing process. The wipe-down process may need to be repeated to ensure a perfectly ‘clean’, debris free surface

Anhydrous Isopropyl alcohol [Molecular formula C3H7OH: Proper Name: Isopropanolind] contains approx. 99% isopropyl alcohol, is a colourless liquid with a pleasant odour, and is highly flammable.

Methodology - Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution 1:1 with distilled water, if used undiluted it flash dries (evaporates) rapidly, which lessens surface inspection time. Fill a fine misting spray bottle with a solution of 1:1 Isopropyl alcohol / distilled water, spray the paint surface, and agitate before wiping the paint surface with a clean, dry 100% cotton micro fibre towel, if it flashes too quickly (hot surface or environment) use further dilution

After the paint surface has been subjected to a chemical cleaning its protective layer (s) have been removed and the paint surface left without protection, so it is very important that a wax or polymer protection be applied immediately.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: IPA.... How-When-Why

People tend to think that a product that corrects paint defects, leaves behind fillers. This way the defects are hidden. After a couple of washes, the filler is gone, defects are back. Thus, the ipa wipedown is used to make sure the defects are removed not simply filled in.

[fredcandetail]

Re: IPA.... How-When-Why

So if i am understanding this correctly, i woud hit the vehicle with 105 very thoroughly, wipe it down (this will remove the oils and leave a naked finish, right) then hit it with 205 and lsp for protection/sealant, correct? or did i miss something?

Thanks guys!

[Bunky]

Re: IPA.... How-When-Why

I never used a IPA wipedown until I got my Brinkman light. When checking the work, I noticed the paint was not crystal clear after polish residue removal using a microfiber towel . MF towels are good but cannot remove everything -- same reason you need a glass cleaner to clean a windshield. I used IPA, the paint was very clear in the sun gun light, and I am sold on using IPA after any polish prior to applying any protection products (waxes,etc).

[Murr1525]

Re: IPA.... How-When-Why

It depends, if the 105 left the finish good, then you could use 205 and wax. If the 205 still has some minor marks to remove, you may want to IPA wipedown the test spot after that as well.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: IPA.... How-When-Why

There are occasions when you can go straight from 3105 to your lsp. But generally you have it right.