IPA question.

emjaybee · January 13, 2020, 10:20:36 AM

Hi,

A quick question.

I need to buy some more IPA (Iso-propyl alcohol).

My usual chemical supplier (don't ask) has two options:

Option1: Isopropanol 90%-91% Blend

Option 2: Isopropanol 70% Blend

My current bottle of IPA came from a trade stand at Warley, and doesn't state the blend, so I wondered if anyone had a better idea of what I ought to be purchasing.

Ta muchly!

Delboy · January 13, 2020, 10:47:45 AM

I personally would go for the less diluted version.

weave · January 13, 2020, 10:49:21 AM

Hi baseball buddy,

My bottle has 99.9% on the side. Not sure if that's too strong and can't really remember why I bought it that strong but seem to remember a long time ago the advice being the stronger the better but I might be wrong so please wait for some proper advice.

Hope you're well.

Cheers weave

njee20 · January 13, 2020, 10:51:16 AM

Agreed, but even 90% isn't great. I use Hexeal Chemicals, which is 99.9%, and buy in 5l (which comes as five 1-litre bottles). I keep a spray head on one.

More concentrated definitely better, you can always dilute if you want to, but it achieves nothing other than making it go a tiny bit further!

Not sure how price compares to your supplier, but Hexeal are c£3 per litre for 5 litres.

PaulCheffus · January 13, 2020, 10:55:07 AM

Quote from: njee20 on January 13, 2020, 10:51:16 AM
More concentrated definitely better, you can always dilute if you want to, but it achieves nothing other than making it go a tiny bit further!

Hi

When used for paint stripping I've always noted that people suggest it should be diluted with water (6% from memory) otherwise it doesn't work.

Cheers

Paul

emjaybee · January 13, 2020, 11:45:36 AM

Quote from: weave on January 13, 2020, 10:49:21 AM
Hi baseball buddy,

My bottle has 99.9% on the side. Not sure if that's too strong and can't really remember why I bought it that strong but seem to remember a long time ago the advice being the stronger the better but I might be wrong so please wait for some proper advice.

Hope you're well.

Cheers weave

Won't be long now my friend...

...72 days, 12 hours, 21 minutes.

Back to business...

I think I may have been looking for the wrong stuff. I listed Isopropanol in my original post.

But looking at the link @njee20 posted it shows:

Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9%

Which ties in with what @weave said was on his bottle.

When I search APC Pure, which is who I bought my Heptane from (which I shall use in my Ultrasonic cleaner for my 3D prints) they list:

Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9% ACS

So I shall get some of this for paint stripping in the U/S cleaner.

I take on board @Delboy and @PaulCheffus comment, but I can always dilute where necessary.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Helpful and informative as ever.

njee20 · January 13, 2020, 11:48:12 AM

FWIW I've never diluted mine, and I've stripped literally hundreds of bodyshells in IPA, both in the ultrasonic cleaner and not.

weave · January 13, 2020, 11:58:24 AM

Hi again,

If it helps mine is from SHL (UK) and it says ISOPROPANOL (Isopropyl Alcohol) 99.9% on the label. Google that and comes up available on eBay.

Off topic - will be looking into the baseball package after I've sorted my tax return so be prepared for best way of doing it questions next month

cheers weave

Delboy · January 13, 2020, 12:00:08 PM

I have just checked the strength of mine and it is 99.9% and having had no problems with it, I would also recommend the highest strength.

PaulCheffus · January 13, 2020, 12:04:50 PM

Quote from: njee20 on January 13, 2020, 11:48:12 AM
FWIW I've never diluted mine, and I've stripped literally hundreds of bodyshells in IPA, both in the ultrasonic cleaner and not.

Hi

Interesting. I've never actually used it as a paint stripper only a cleaner but that is what has been mentioned. Must try it myself and see what happens.

Cheers

Paul

njee20 · January 13, 2020, 02:24:09 PM

I guess if it works as is there's no real reason to use it neat, you're just using more, but certainly I've not had any issues using it neat.

Dr Al · January 13, 2020, 03:20:46 PM

Quote from: njee20 on January 13, 2020, 02:24:09 PM
I guess if it works as is there's no real reason to use it neat, you're just using more, but certainly I've not had any issues using it neat.

Ditto - I've used 99% neat no problem. It's not as potent as acetone, but I only use acetone on metal stripping given that it attacks and deforms plastics.

Cheers,
Alan

Bealman · January 13, 2020, 10:56:07 PM

I use this stuff (rather than the Monty Python stuff I posted elsewhere), sold by local electronics chain Jaycar:

stevewalker · January 14, 2020, 12:03:39 AM

Quote from: Bealman on January 13, 2020, 10:56:07 PM
I use this stuff (rather than the Monty Python stuff I posted elsewhere), sold by local electronics chain Jaycar:

Jaycar may be local to you, but they actually have a UK website and mail order system. They have long been an interesting site, especially since the demise of Maplin (although their range is far more reminiscent of the Maplin of years ago ... and all the better for it).

Bealman · January 14, 2020, 12:11:44 AM

They do indeed have a UK order system.

I'm lucky in that I have a store only 5 mins drive from me, and if I'm in the middle of a project and suddenly find I need a component, I can just dash out and get it.

Plus, if you're into the electronics stuff, it's a veritable Aladdin's cave of goodies!