Solvent Directions for Everbrite, ProtectaClear, & CrobialCoat
Solvent Wipe? Why and How
Clear coatings like Everbrite™ or ProtectaClear® have excellent adhesion on surfaces that are clean and dry. In order to ensure a completely clean surface, unpainted, polished, anodized or bare metals need to be wiped with a solvent. They should be wiped with lint free cloth or paper towels and a solvent immediately before the coating is applied.
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The solvents mentioned below are clean solvents without additives like oils. The solvents mentioned below can usually be found in the paint department at Home Depot, Lowe's and most hardware and paint stores.
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Always wear personal protection when working with solvents. Solvent resistant gloves and eye protection are essential. Please read and follow all directions from the manufacturer.
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Do not solvent wipe between coats. (Some solvents can remove the coating.)
Some solvents can also be used for coating removal, see the bottom of the page for "Recommended Solvents for Coating Removal".
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Top recommended solvent for its dual purpose.
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Clean, medium-grade solvent cleaner.
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Dual Purpose: Use as a solvent wipe and to remove coating and clean up equipment.
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Xylene is the chemical name. There are several name brands available at most hardware and some paint stores. Xylol or Sunnyside are several brand names.
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1. Xylene
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2. Xylene Substitutes - Available in California. ​
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Clean, medium-grade solvent cleaner.
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Works like Xylene - best alternative to Xylene.
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Dual Purpose: Use as a solvent wipe and to remove coating and clean up equipment.
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In some areas, you cannot purchase xylene. Look for products that say they are an alternative, substitute or replacement for Xylene
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Clean, mild solvent cleaner.
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Will not remove the coating.
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A favorite of jewelers as it is mild.
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Recommended for Rusted Metal as it helps to draw out moisture.
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In CANADA, methyl hydrate can be used instead of denatured alcohol. in AUSTRALIA, you can use denatured ethanol.
3. Denatured Alcohol​
4. Acetone​
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Clean, very strong, solvent
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Recommended for Rusted Metal as it helps to draw out moisture.
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Recommended for bare metals only.
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Not recommended for painted metals. Acetone will harm painted surfaces.
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Difficult to use for coating removal on large areas because it dries so quickly.
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Small items can be soaked in acetone to remove coating.
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Can be used for equipment cleanup.
Recommended Solvents for Coating Removal or Equipment Cleanup
1. Xylene Most recommended.
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2. Xylene Substitute Works like xylene. Available in areas where xylene is not sold.
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3. Lacquer Thinner* After removing coating, use a clean solvent from the solvent wipe list before recoating to remove oils that are in lacquer thinner.
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To remove the coating: Soak a clean cloth or paper towel in recommended solvent. Using light pressure, move the wet cloth across the surface allowing the solvent to dwell and "melt" the coating. Wipe the "melted" coating up and off of the surface. Repeat the process until the coating is removed. Do not scrub or rub hard, it will not work as well.
Other Helpful Solvents and Chemicals
Mineral Spirits removes silicone and silicone based waxes from metal but can leave a residue. If you use mineral spirits, make sure to wipe the metal with a clean solvent from he list of Recommended Solvents for Solvent Wipe before coating.
Ammonia removes non-silicone based waxes that may be on the surface prior to coating.
