WARNING - NEVER clean plastic with alcohol! | FerrariChat

WARNING - NEVER clean plastic with alcohol!

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by 67bmer, Jan 31, 2019.

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  1. 67bmer

    67bmer Formula 3
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    #1 67bmer, Jan 31, 2019
    I did not know this! We clean virtually everything with IPA (Iso Propyl Alcohol) in an ultrasonic cleaner prior to assembly for space instruments. Many of the new high tech SiO2 coatings suggest wiping the panel with IPA prior to applying the coating. Without thinking there could be a problem, I went to wipe down my taillight with IPA prior to applying Gyeon Can Coat. Almost immediately, I heard and saw cracks forming!

    My 30-year-old taillight
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    wet sanded ready for polishing
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    wiped with IPA and cracked
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    Finished with Gyeon Can Coat
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  2. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #2 Dave rocks, Jan 31, 2019
    Must be the material type. "Plastic" is very generic. We you it all the time on ABS and never had any issues.
     
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  3. Einsteiger

    Einsteiger Karting

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    #3 Einsteiger, Jan 31, 2019
    Wow. That is a new one. I've not seen alcohol do that.
     
  4. 67bmer

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    #4 67bmer, Jan 31, 2019
    yes - acrylic and polycarbonate. I believe that headlights are typically polycarbonate. Alcohol is often shipped in plastic bottles and the squeeze bottles are plastic. It never occurred to me this would be a problem. Google search quickly proved otherwise!
     
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  5. dersark_painclinic

    dersark_painclinic Formula Junior

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    #5 dersark_painclinic, Feb 13, 2019
    Alcohol is safe, acetone is the killer
     
  6. 67bmer

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    #6 67bmer, Feb 18, 2019
    I heard the cracks the instant the cloth with alcohol touched it!

    https://www.mddionline.com/acrylic-polymers-clear-focus
    Isopropyl alcohol tends to promote crazing in acrylic, as it does in many transparent plastics. Some acrylic grades are more alcohol-resistant than others: resistance is typically a function of the molecular weight of the polymer, with higher molecular weight providing better alcohol resistance. Diluted solutions of isopropyl alcohol can be used to wipe down acrylic without adverse reaction.

    use at your own risk.
     
  7. P Zero

    P Zero Formula Junior

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    #7 P Zero, Feb 18, 2019
    I use Iso to clean polymer firearms and never thought that it might damage the plastic. I don't notice anything, but now it has me wondering.
     
  8. Edgar Diaz

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    #8 Edgar Diaz, Feb 21, 2019
    I have cleaned plastics with denatured alcohol. Never had any issues
     
  9. sandreb

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    #9 sandreb, Feb 22, 2019
    Never thought that alcohol can cause damage like that.
     
  10. Christian.Fr

    Christian.Fr Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #10 Christian.Fr, Feb 22, 2019
    Before to start something with alcohol I prefer to try it in another masked plastic part, just to see what happens.
     
  11. Christian.Fr

    Christian.Fr Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #11 Christian.Fr, Feb 22, 2019
    I Think it s recuperable, not 100% but 60/70%.
    There s a méthode with sand paper extra fine, 1000 - 2000. Try to do only side with sand paper. Afther try to clean with a polishing compound, 3 tubes. (depend company).
    Sorry for my english, but check in youtube the result sometimes is spectacular.

    Good luck
     
  12. ozziindaus

    ozziindaus F1 Veteran
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    #12 ozziindaus, Feb 24, 2019
  13. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #13 Dave rocks, Feb 24, 2019
    I clean polycarbonate daily with 99% IP with absolutely zero issues.
     
  14. ozziindaus

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    #14 ozziindaus, Feb 24, 2019
    Hmmm, used it once to clean a screen and it immediately went to hell.
     
  15. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
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    #15 Dave rocks, Feb 24, 2019
    Some time this week if I remember I will make a video:)
     
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  16. msdesignltd

    msdesignltd F1 World Champ
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    #16 msdesignltd, Mar 25, 2019
    You should be able to bring back with marine clear curtain polish.
    2 stages of grit
     

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