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Old 01-02-2013, 04:43 PM
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Mike-in-Orange
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Default Re: Rubbing alcohol leaked over the car! Discoloration

Unless you really know what you're doing with wet sanding, and the necessary steps to remove the sanding marks, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT DOING THIS TO YOUR CAR!!!!! Diluted isopropyl alcohol is often used in the detailing process as a wipe down following the compounding step to ensure that all lubricating oils from the compound that might otherwise hide defects have been totally removed. This allows the detailer to better inspect their work and make sure they are removing the defects and not just filling them in. Buy accidentally spilling a high concentrate of isopropyl alcohol (usually 90+%) you would have very effectively dulled down the finish in that area. Using a compound to deep clean the area and restore the gloss was a smart move and should be anyone's first step. Waxes won't fix this because they aren't intended to fix issues. Clay won't fix it because clay only works to remove above surface bonded contaminants.

Glad to hear that you don't have any long term damage and that your fix was successful.