Isopropyl Alcohol

[Speedsterbeast]

I was reading a post last night about using Isop. Alc. for cleaning. I read that some rubbing alcohol is the same. I am wondering if there is a more economical way to buy it then from the drug store (or maybe it's cheap there anyway- I'm going tomorrow. Also, should I be aware of any issues with lower percentages of purity -say 70% being non-effective?

 

[Sign Works]

They do look at me kina funny at Wal-Mart when I put 40 bottles on the checkout counter.

 

[ChicagoGraphics]

You can get it cheaper when you buy by the case at walmart, just ask to see a manager, most of the times you can get it at just about cost if you buy more then a few casesat once.

 

[Mosh]

I get it from a chem supply wharehouse.....

 

[Pat Whatley]

If you've got an independent drug store in town ask the pharmacist about ordering gallon jugs for you. Nobody stocks it because nobody asks for it but they can usually just toss it in with their regular order (or cool five gallon dispenser boxes).

Asking for case pricing at Wal-Mart is gonna be cheaper though.

 

[MikePro]

+1 to talking to your local chemical supply.
D.W. Davies is right up the street from me, very convenient. They supply our Universal Paint thinner, Denatured Alcohol, Adhesive Remover, Cleaning Solution for my Mimaki JV3, soap for our bathrooms and even our Car Wash supplies for our service trucks. Chemicals for my pool at home too!

 

[Speedsterbeast]

Thanks people!
I'll pick some up at the drug store today for now and check with a chem supply as well.
It's conviently located right beside the beer store anyway and it's going to be 31 degrees here today (92 or so F) -Late August in Canada that's a big deal.

Cheers

 

[txsurfer]

You can get it from your local paper supply house.

 

[WB]

ND Graphics sells it by the Gallon.. 99%

 

[oldgoatroper]

Buy it by the five gallon can... way cheaper...

Can't remember what we pay but we get it from one of our ink suppliers (Brand on the can is ABDick)

ND only sells it by the gallon (3.78 litres) for about $30.00...

 

[SightLine]

I need to look around more myself. I did some quick checking though and was seeing prices online from paper suppliers, chemical suppliers, Grainger, etc from $30 per gallon and up for 99%. We have always used 70% but just some quick figuring so far tells me to stick with Walmart. $1.89 per 32oz bottle (or $2.69 for 99%) that works out to about 8 to 10 bucks per gallon.

A 5 gallon container or even 1 gallon would be convenient and less plastic waste but it would need to be pretty close to the same cost. If someone knows a major supplier I'd love to go with larger containers.

 

[WildWestDesigns]

I need to look around more myself. I did some quick checking though and was seeing prices online from paper suppliers, chemical suppliers, Grainger, etc from $30 per gallon and up for 99%. We have always used 70% but just some quick figuring so far tells me to stick with Walmart. $1.89 per 32oz bottle (or $2.69 for 99%) that works out to about 8 to 10 bucks per gallon.

A 5 gallon container or even 1 gallon would be convenient and less plastic waste but it would need to be pretty close to the same cost. If someone knows a major supplier I'd love to go with larger containers.

Your local farmer's co-op should have it as well up to that high of a %. I know the two that I go to on a regular basis has it that high. I don't get it as often as y'all do as I just use it for the horses, so I'm not too sure as to all the sizes that they offer.

 

[SightLine]

Hmmmmm we have a Tractor Supply store here. Cannot say it ever crossed my mind to look for sign shop supplies there. I'll stop by there tomorrow and see if they might have some at a decent price.

 

[boxerbay]

Find your local paper distributor or printing supply distributor. We have MAC PAPERS here. They sell 5 gallon jugs of it. We buy 55 gal drums of it. We use it to clean the press rollers.

 

[oldgoatroper]

i don't know what you all are using it for, but if you intend to clean substrates in prep for digital printing, the 70% stuff won't cut it. You'll need the 99% stuff...

 

[rushworks graphics]

we get the 99% stuff from a specialist supplier in raleigh, come in a gallon tin. we also buy in the 96% stuff from walmart/walgreens in bottles.

 

[jpsamuel06]

We've always used 70%. I finally found 99% available, now which is better? Is the 99% overkill and and does anyone have any problems with it evaporating too quick on the hot days?

All in all, is the 99/96% worth the extra $$? This will be used for cleaning most surfaces before applying graphics (windows, automotive decals, before wraps ect ect)

 

[omgsideburns]

If the price is close, you can always dilute the 99%...

 

[MikeD]

we exclusively use 99%. cleaning substrates prior to application is one thing, but if cleaning any type of equipment the 70% can leave water behind.

 

[crystalcoastgraphics]

We buy 70% from a Nail salon supply place in Virginia that has a truck that delivers locally to North Carolina every other week. We pay $35 for 4-1gallon jugs. One of my best friends owns the salon so they just order it for me. But the place in Virginia is called Skyline Nail Supply.