Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9% -Isopropanol-

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA or isopropanol) at 99.9% purity is an all-purpose solvent essential in special effects workshops, resin fabrication and electronics. Its high purity guarantees no residue after evaporation, making it the go-to cleaner for sensitive surfaces, SLA resin parts and professional FX makeup palettes.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

99.9% IPA has a wide range of workshop applications, all taking advantage of its solvent power and clean, residue-free evaporation:

• Activating special effects makeup palettes such as Skin Illustrator Flesh Tone, Skin Illustrator FX, Skin Illustrator Complexion and Skin Illustrator Dark Fleshtone.
• Cleaning and washing SLA resin prints after printing, removing uncured resin residue.
• Degreasing platinum silicone surfaces before painting, as the final step in the cleaning process.
• Cleaning FX makeup brushes, stipple brushes and tools.
• Cleaning printed circuit boards, connectors and electronic components without risk of corrosion.
• Removing adhesive residue, light grease and surface contaminants before applying resins or silicones.
• Disinfecting moulds and work surfaces in special effects and prosthetics environments.

How to use it

Cleaning SLA resin parts

1. Remove the part from the print platform wearing nitrile gloves.
2. Submerge the part in a container of IPA for 2–3 minutes.
3. Scrub with a soft-bristle brush or sponge to remove uncured resin trapped in cavities and details.
4. Repeat the bath if there are areas with resin build-up.
5. Allow to dry completely in open air (or under dim UV light) before post-curing.

Activating FX makeup palettes

1. Drop a few drops of IPA directly onto the palette or into a separate well.
2. Load the brush with IPA and mix with the palette pigment until the desired consistency is achieved.
3. Apply to skin or prosthetic. The IPA evaporates quickly, setting the pigment.
4. Close the palette after use to prevent the pigments from drying out excessively.

Degreasing platinum silicone before painting

1. Wash the silicone piece with warm water and a neutral detergent. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Apply naphtha with a cloth and wipe the surface.
3. Next, apply acetone with a clean cloth.
4. As the final step, clean with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining solvent residue.
5. Allow to evaporate completely and paint immediately, before the silicone begins to "sweat" silicone oil again.

Usage tips

Use just enough IPA in each SLA bath

IPA becomes saturated with resin over use. When the liquid turns cloudy or yellowish, replace it. Reusing it excessively deposits dissolved resin back onto the parts instead of cleaning them. To make use of saturated IPA, expose it to sunlight or UV light: the dissolved resin will cure and you can filter it before disposing of it correctly.

Temperature and ventilation when working with FX palettes

IPA evaporates very quickly, especially in heat. If you are working under strong studio lights, add IPA in small drops and reload the brush frequently. Very rapid evaporation on skin may produce a slight cool sensation: this is normal and poses no risk.

Correct storage

Store IPA in airtight containers made of glass or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), away from direct light and heat sources. Contact with air degrades purity through ambient moisture absorption (IPA is hygroscopic). Once opened, always close the cap between uses to maintain 99.9% purity.

Frequently asked questions