In the world of car detailing, IPA stands for “Isopropyl Alcohol”. Detailers will typically talk about IPA in the context of an “IPA wipedown” or “IPA panel wipe”, a process for cleaning polishing oils and residue from paint before applying protection like a ceramic coating.
Despite being a common topic in detailing, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding the use of isopropyl alcohol in the paintwork correction process. In this article, we’ll explain what an IPA wipedown does, how it affects paint and ceramic coatings, and whether it’s the best option to remove polishing oils to ensure a strong ceramic coating bond.
What is an IPA Wipedown?
An “IPA wipedown” or “IPA panel wipe” is a method for removing polishing oils and other contaminants from paint after paintwork correction using isopropyl alcohol as a solvent degreaser. This is done in preparation for ceramic coating application as a ceramic coating will not bond with a surface contaminated with polishing oils and silicone.
Why Do You Need to Do an IPA Wipedown Before Ceramic Coating?
Like I mentioned above, a ceramic coating will not bond properly with a surface contaminated with polishing oils and silicone. Most polishes and compounds contain oils and silicone that enhance the appearance of paint after it’s been polished. That’s great if you just want a quick shine, but if you’re planning to apply long term ceramic coating protection, those oils will prevent the ceramic coating from bonding with the paint.
Is Isopropyl Alcohol Safe to Use on Paint?
Because alcohol can seem like a pretty harsh solution — after all, it does sting when you put it on a wound — many are worried it’s not safe to use on paint. The fact is, isopropyl alcohol, especially in the 70% dilution you commonly see in grocery stores, is not caustic enough to damage automotive paint in any way.
Does Isopropyl Alcohol Remove Ceramic Coating?
Isopropyl alcohol can remove a ceramic coating in high enough concentrations, especially on more entry-level DIY ceramic coatings. That being said, if you happen to get some on your ultra-durable, 5-Year Warranty, professionally installed ceramic coating, you’re probably fine.
Is Isopropyl Alcohol Effective for Panel Prep Before Ceramic Coating?
Considering isopropyl alcohol is something you can purchase at the grocery store, you might be wondering if it’s actually effective at removing polishing oils and contamination. Here’s the answer.
Isopropyl alcohol is effective for panel prep in the same way dishwashing detergent is effective at washing a car. It’ll work fine enough in a pinch and it won’t make your paint fall off.
But in terms of solvent degreasers, it’s not the best of the bunch. Because of its weak nature, especially in household dilutions, it can fail to fully break down the oily residue, redepositing oils on the surface as you wipe.
IPA works best when formulated with a blend of other solvent degreasers. These optimized solutions work in tandem to ensure oil and silicone is fully dissolved so none is left behind during the wipedown process. This results in maximum residue removal.
Should I Do An IPA Wipedown?
Considering we just asserted that IPA solutions are not the most effective panel wipes, you might be wondering if you should just avoid isopropyl alcohol all together the next time you polish some paint. Here’s our verdict:
While custom-formulated panel wipe solutions are generally more effective at removing oily contamination, basic isopropyl alcohol solutions are effective enough to work in most situations.
So if all you have is some IPA from the drugstore lying around your garage, don’t worry — it will get the job done. But if you have the ability, find a reputable brand with a high quality, custom-formulated panel wipe solution instead. It could be the difference between a ceramic coating failing or thriving.
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