70% Isopropyl v.s. 99%????

[CreePinG_DeatH]

I noticed that the Arctic Silver 2 instructions for preparation stated that I need to use 99% Isopropyl alcohol to clean the surfaces. Will 70% solution sufice?

[Yodums]

I never even heard of 99% unless that is actually the alcoholic drink :D

Lots of people here use a lint-free cloth and 70% isopropyl.

[Ridenow]

99% is hard to come by, but it is out there. Several of the repair techs I work with carry a bottle for cleaning contacts.
70% works fine in most cases, 99% is just a little stronger.

[GoldenTiger]

93% is easy to come across at stores like Genovese, CVS, Target, etc. It's stronger, and will get rid of the microscopic bits better than 70%.

[CrystalMethod]

I had a 2 litre bottle of 99%, man does it evaporate fast when you don't close the cap really tightly. I was using it to clean paint brushes, because it was the only stuff that seemed to work on a oak wood sealer that we were using. It worked great to clean electrical contacts as well.

[Wookie8662]

Heya,

I use the 99% stuff to clean my telescope lenses with.
But, that's another expensive hobby of mine... :D

The reason you would want the 99% is the higher the percentage, the purer it is. The purer it is, the less film/residue it will leave after it evaporates.

The price is pretty reasonable, when you figure out how much you spend on Arctic Silver and the likes. Ever figure out what it would cost to buy a 16oz bottle of AS? :eek:

Wookie

[GoldenTiger]

LOL, probably several hundred dollars :beer:!

[JetMech]

We call it IPA in manufacturing and it is basically the only thing used for cleaning parts and mixing coating due to it's residue free nature. We recieve it in 5 gallon cans or 55 gallon drums and use about 10galloons a day in my dept. alone. If you want a no worry clean surface use 99% IPA.

[rivercom9]

How about 99% acetone instead of IPA?

[KILLorBE]

[Brag Mode] I got 99.7% pure isopropyl:D [/Brag Mode]
The 70% isopropyl will work fine (I use that as well, ProSAT wipers).

Its soooo nice when friends give you stuff:cool:

[rivercom9]

Can your friend give me some stuff too?;)

[Amair_sc]

It took me a little while to find the 99% pure isopropyl but it works great !

Just try to find a store that sells supplies to hospitals and clinics, they'll have some for sure.

I bought 1 gallon for 8.99 canadian $.

G.L

[muddocktor]

If you are over 21, you can also go down to the local liquor store and buy a half pint of Everclear. That is 95% pure Ethanol and it also cleans well.

Edit: Plus, when you are finished, you can use the rest to make some real mean screwdrivers!;) :D