What alcohol to use to wipe a car down after polishing?

[BigLouMaxSE]

I don't have a bottle handy, so I cannot spell the actual alcohol, but is rubbing alcohol what most use (diluted) to spray and wipe down a vehicle after polishing? Isoprop....something...

Thanks.

Lou

 

[Black240SX]

Yes, isopropyl alcohol is what to use. Also called isopropanol.

 

[White95Max]

Yup, isopropyl mixed 50/50 with water is what most people use.

 

[Mamamia]

Why would you wipe 50/50 alcohol & H20 after polishing?

 

[White95Max]

It will remove any fillers on the paint that may be masking swirls. People do this to ensure that all of the swirls are gone, not just hidden by fillers.

 

[Glossmaster]

It will remove any fillers on the paint that may be masking swirls. People do this to ensure that all of the swirls are gone, not just hidden by fillers.

Plus, it removes any oils that may be left behind by polishes or glazes that might cause bonding problems with your sealant of choice. ( ie Zaino etc.) :getdown

 

[kustomsol]

And some of you guys complain about folks using Dawn occasionally for the same purpose!

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

And some of you guys complain about folks using Dawn occasionally for the same purpose!

Dawn is different, though. It's an alkaline surfactant, which can potentially leave residues and deposits behind. The alcohol completely dissolves.

 

[White95Max]

And I don't think anyone washes their car with isopropyl/water. The Dawn wash allows the soap to drain all over the door seals and everything. The ISO is just wiped off.



For the record, I've never used the ISO on my car. I don't mind fillers.