Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
R 200.00
- High-purity, fast-evaporating IPA solvent
- Removes oils, polish residue and contaminants
- Safe on paint, glass and plastics
- 5 litre bottle for professional use
- High-purity formula, zero residue after evaporation
- Reveals true paint before coatings bond
- Safe on paint, glass and plastics
- Free shippingOn orders over R1000
- Fast delivery2-4 business days
- Safe paymentEncrypted checkout
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Frequently bought together
Total price R 1,340.00
Surface Prep
Clean surfaces bond better
Polish oils, fingerprints and light contamination are invisible barriers between your coating and the paint. IPA strips all of that in a single wipe, so your ceramic, sealant or wax has a genuinely clean surface to lock onto.
Why IPA
The prep step that earns its place
Four reasons it's in every serious detailer's kit.
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Fast Flash-Off
Evaporates within seconds, leaving no residue to interfere with your coating or sealant.
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Oil and Residue Removal
Strips polish carrier oils and fingerprints so your protective product bonds directly to the clear coat.
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Multi-Surface Safe
Use it confidently on paint, automotive glass and hard plastics without risk of damage.
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5 Litre Value
Enough for multiple full vehicle preps, reducing interruptions during high-volume detailing days.
IPA vs Alternatives
Why IPA outperforms panel wipes and all-purpose cleaners for coating prep
Panel wipes and diluted all-purpose cleaners are common substitutes, but they're not equivalent for serious coating prep. Here's how a high-purity IPA solvent stacks up.
| Feature | DetailerSA | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves zero residue after evaporation | Yes | No |
| Strips polish carrier oils effectively | Yes | No |
| Safe on paint, glass and plastics | Yes | Yes |
| Ready to use straight from the bottle | Yes | Yes |
| Cost-effective for high-volume professional use | Yes | No |
| Doubles as a paint inspection wipe | Yes | No |
Professional Results
Trusted by detailers, easy for enthusiasts
Whether you're prepping a daily driver for a sealant or finishing off a full paint correction before a ceramic coating, IPA is the final step that makes everything that follows perform properly. The 5 litre format keeps the workflow going without constant restocking.
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Questions
Frequently asked
How do I apply IPA for coating prep?
Pour a small amount onto a clean, lint-free microfibre cloth and wipe the panel in straight lines. Work one panel at a time and allow the IPA to flash off fully before applying your coating or sealant. Never pour IPA directly onto the surface.
Is IPA safe on all painted surfaces, including clear coat?
Yes. At standard dilutions used for detailing prep, IPA is safe on modern clear-coat finishes, single-stage paint, matte finishes and wrapped surfaces. Avoid prolonged contact or pooling on any surface, and never use it on a hot panel.
Can I use IPA on glass and plastics?
Yes. IPA is safe on automotive glass and hard plastics. It's particularly useful for degreasing glass before applying a glass sealant or hydrophobic coating. Avoid use on soft rubber seals and unpainted trim pieces where discolouration is a risk.
How long does IPA take to flash off?
At typical indoor or mild outdoor temperatures, IPA evaporates within 30 to 60 seconds of application. In colder or more humid conditions it may take slightly longer. Wait until the surface appears completely dry before applying any coating or protective product.
Does IPA remove polish oils before ceramic coating application?
Yes, that's one of its primary uses. After polishing, an IPA wipe-down strips the oils left behind by the polish carrier, giving you a genuinely clean surface for the ceramic coating to bond to. Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of poor coating adhesion.
Can IPA be diluted with water?
IPA can be diluted for lighter cleaning tasks, but for coating prep and final wipe-downs you should use it at the concentration it is supplied at to ensure thorough oil and residue removal. Diluting significantly reduces its degreasing effectiveness.
Can I use IPA to check the surface before applying a ceramic coating?
Yes. An IPA wipe-down darkens the paint temporarily and shows up any remaining scratches, swirl marks or contamination that the polish may have masked with fillers. It's a reliable final inspection step before committing to a coating application.
How much IPA do I need for a full vehicle prep?
For a thorough panel-by-panel wipe-down of an average sedan or hatch, you'll use roughly 100-200ml per session depending on how many passes you do. The 5 litre bottle gives you enough product for multiple full vehicle preps, making it cost-effective for regular professional use.