Strip Wash just the roof?

[Beemer]

I want to strip the wax and seal from the roof of my car so I can polish it again but I DO NOT want to strip the window sealant or the rest of the car.

 

Any tips on how to accomplish this? I understand that IPA is discouraged and APC is encouraged but how? Should I spray it on and wipe it off? Diluted? Soak the MF towel and wipe?

 

Any tips from someone who has attempted something like this?

 

Thanks.

[BlueGenCoupe]

IPA is NOT discouraged. We actually encourage it when you need to touch up a small area. If you were going to strip your whole car we would suggest adams shampoo mixed with APC.

 

Spray it on the roof and wipe off with a great white drying towel or Waterless wash towel.

[Beemer]

IPA is NOT discouraged. We actually encourage it when you need to touch up a small area. If you were going to strip your whole car we would suggest adams shampoo mixed with APC.

 

Spray it on the roof and wipe off with a great white drying towel or Waterless wash towel.

 

Great! Thanks.

 

Is there some reason why spraying APC on the roof and wiping it off with a wash towel is a BAD idea?

[ChargerMatt]

Great! Thanks.

 

Is there some reason why spraying APC on the roof and wiping it off with a wash towel is a BAD idea?

 

I don't know if it's a BAD idea, but IPA is a much better alternative. Mainly because it dries almost instantly after being wiped off. APC on the other hand, if left untouched, may cause damage if not wiped off properly.

 

Regardless, I use IPA when touching up or wiping polishing oils off.

[mjhpadi]

Excuse my ignorance, but what does IPA mean? I've seen it here often but for the life of me I can't figure out what the abbreviation means?

[ChargerMatt]

Excuse my ignorance, but what does IPA mean? I've seen it here often but for the life of me I can't figure out what the abbreviation means?

Isopropyl Alcohol.

 

Rubbing alcohol.

[mjhpadi]

Ahh, thanks, I was really racking my brain trying to figure that one out! Now it makes sense

[Beemer]

I just used IPA and it seemed to work great. I just sprayed it on and wiped it off. I put a few towels down to catch overspray so it wouldn't get on the rest of the car.

 

Thanks for the help!

[09G8GT]

Did you mix the IPA with water, or no?

[Beemer]

Did you mix the IPA with water, or no?

 

I did not.

 

Other than making it go farther I don't see the point. IPA evaporates very quickly...

[mc2hill]

I did not.

 

Other than making it go farther I don't see the point. IPA evaporates very quickly...

 

There are some interweb discussions by some knowledgeable folks that even a 50/50 solution of IPA and water could be too strong for some clearcoats. The dilution with water may also provide a little longer 'work' time.

[Doug123]

And if I remember another thread, there are 2 different strengths of IPA - one is 90%, which is suggested to be diluted 50/50 solution of IPA/distilled water, another is 70%, which some use straight. I favor the 50/50 dikution wtih the 90% IPA- a little milder, but it works very well. Gets all the old wax and or sealant off the finish in a flash, lets the polisher work to it's best ability. With nice clean paint (after stripping), it seemed to me that my correction was a little quicker.

[ChargerMatt]

And if I remember another thread, there are 2 different strengths of IPA - one is 90%, which is suggested to be diluted 50/50 solution of IPA/distilled water, another is 70%, which some use straight. I favor the 50/50 dikution wtih the 90% IPA- a little milder, but it works very well. Gets all the old wax and or sealant off the finish in a flash, lets the polisher work to it's best ability. With nice clean paint (after stripping), it seemed to me that my correction was a little quicker.

 

Bingo. It all depends on the alcohol %.

[Z71_Denali]

IPA = Imperial Pale Ale to hopheads, Isopropyl Alcohol to detailers. luckily i'm both.

[Beemer]

There are some interweb discussions by some knowledgeable folks that even a 50/50 solution of IPA and water could be too strong for some clearcoats. The dilution with water may also provide a little longer 'work' time.

 

Now you tell me. Oh well. I don't have any distilled water anyway. Next time I'll cut it 50/50.

[Doug123]

No worries, it worked! I am sure that paint was clear of any sealant or wax! I think the 50/50 gets the job done and is gentle on the paint as well.

 

Go get those swirls!

[Beemer]

No worries, it worked! I am sure that paint was clear of any sealant or wax! I think the 50/50 gets the job done and is gentle on the paint as well.

 

Go get those swirls!

 

Bite your tongue! I don't have no stinking SWIRLS!