Isopropyl Alcohol as a Cleaner: A Word of Caution
Posted by Thom LaLonde on
Many cleaning agents can leave a residue that either prevents vinyl adhesion or attacks the vinyl adhesive, such as Windex and other surface cleaners, Rapid Prep and degreasers. This residue may prevent your new decal from sticking to your car window or other surfaces. In many instances, Isopropyl Alcohol can also prevent your decal from sticking. The following excerpt is from the vinyl manufacturer's website:
"WHAT SHOULD I USE IF IPA (ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL) HAS BEEN USED TO CLEAN GLASS AND THERE STILL SEEMS TO BE A SURFACE RESIDUE PREVENTING VINYL ADHESION?
We have found that Bon Ami® glass cleaner should remove any chemical residues left behind by other glass cleaners."
In addition, this excerpt from the "wet application instructions" on Oracal's website makes no mention of alcohol:
"Recommended ingredients for wet application fluid: one tsp. of traditional Joy® or Dawn® dish detergent to one quart of water. Detergent should not contain moisturizers, lotions, or bleaching agents.
Many cleaning agents can leave a residue that either prevents vinyl adhesion or attacks the vinyl adhesive, such as Windex and other surface cleaners, Rapid Prep and degreasers."
Based on our experiences, technical data, and information we have gathered from a handful of customers who have experienced application problems, Isopropyl Alcohol is not a good cleaner for surfaces on which a decal will be applied. We recommend cleaning the area of application with a very slightly soapy water solution and drying it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. As mentioned above, Bon Ami glass cleaner is also acceptable.
If you have any questions please email us at stickemallvinyldecals@gmail.com prior to attempting decal installation.