Will Rubbing Alcohol Damage Car Paint?

By Trevor Spedden 06/22/2023 8:00am

70% Rubbing Alcohol

No. Rubbing alcohol will not damage a car’s paint when used sparingly and in moderation. Diluting rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol to 20% concentration with distilled water is an excellent way to ensure the paint is oil-free before applying a car wax, paint sealant, or ceramic coating. The occasional application of adequately diluted isopropyl alcohol will not cause damage to car paint.

Rubbing Alcohol Sprayed on Car Paint

Undiluted 70% to 91% rubbing alcohol can soften tree sap and remove leftover adhesive from stickers or badges. Be careful when using full-strength rubbing alcohol because it can cause damage with repeated exposure or single exposure to fresh paint. The same can be said when using other solvents to clean car paint, and with correct usage shouldn’t harm otherwise healthy paint. Believe it or not, some recommend using WD-40 for adhesive removal, and it is one of the many household items that make for an excellent DIY cleaning hack.

PRO TIP: The polish oil and residue fill the scratches during scratch removal. Use isopropyl alcohol to remove oils when polishing the paint to check the scratch removal progress before applying a paint protection product. I’ve used this polish removal method for over a decade without ill-effect. The vehicle surface temperature is the most important, and it could vary depending on the location (shade or sun or inside or outside). Ambient temperature is a good guideline to work by. Avoid applying products to the paint for multiple reasons when the temperature reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

  • A shorter dwell time doesn’t provide products enough time to work.
  • Products may dry on the paint, causing hard-to-remove staining.
  • Due to thermal expansion, the paint’s pores expand, allowing products to penetrate deeper than desired.

When you keep your vehicle clean and in excellent condition, it helps retain its value.