Mar
You might have heard a lot about ISO Propyl Alcohol (also known as IPA and IsoPropanol) recently because it’s in high demand due to the Corona Virus (Covid-19). We are currently managing stocks well, but customers may have to wait slightly longer than our usual turn-around times – When you place your orders online, we will of course keep you updated on delivery times. You may have noticed some sellers are capitalising on the demand for IPA with extremely high prices. While prices are currently fluctuating in line with the demand on manufacturers, as always, we are trying to keep our prices at reasonable levels here at Palatine Paints.
Why has demand for Isopropanol increased?
Isopropyl alcohol (aka Isopropanol or IPA) is an alcohol, commonly used in hand cleaning gels (as well as lots of other products) and because of the outbreak of Corona Virus (Covid-19), the demand for these alcohol hand gels has surged. Since stocks are limited, many people are attempting to make their own hand gel which is putting pressure on the supply of IsoPropyl Alcohol for other end users and manufacturers.
What is Isopropyl Alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol, which we’ll refer to as IPA, is a clear colourless liquid (alcohol) which evaporates quickly and is used extensively for cleaning and as a solvent. Highly versatile, IPA is found in millions of products world- wide and while similar to ethanol (a cheaper alternative) in terms of physical and chemical properties, IPA has a higher level of purity and is more combustible.
Commonly known as rubbing alcohol, some of the most common places you’ll find IPA in everyday life are in household cleaning products, especially those for glass and lenses. Additionally, it is used in dishwasher rinse agents, de-icer, antifreeze and in spray deodorants. In industry it is widely used in manufacturing acetone, glycerol and isopropyl acetate and as a solvent for oils, resins and gums, foam inhibitors, specialist cleaning of electronics and much more…
For more detail on the uses of Isopropanol take a look at our Product Information on Carbosolve IPA 99%
Should you make your own hand sanitiser gel?
As a paint manufacturer we CANNOT give an opinion on whether you should be making your own hand sanitiser. We should point out to anyone handling this product however, that it is highly flammable and should be used in a safe environment and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Here’s what the World Health Organisation, Public Health England and the NHS have to say:
World Health Organisation (WHO):
The World Health Organisation does provide a recipe for hand sanitiser (aimed mainly at professionals and not the home environment). Here is their information WHO: Hand Sanitiser Guide to Local Production
Public Health England:
On the efficacy and use of hand sanitiser, Public Health England says:
“The best way to protect yourself from infections like coronavirus is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water. If soap or water aren’t available and your hands are visibly clean, then sanitiser gel can be used. But proper hand washing is the most effective method and this should be your first choice”
The NHS:
The NHS stresses that hand washing and in particular the length of time you spend washing them is the most crucial factor. Their advice is here.
How else can IsoPropyl Alcohol help against spread of viruses?
IPA is effective in ensuring surfaces on shared devices and items are kept clean such as:
- Electronic devices (especially as water based cleaners/liquids are not suitable anyway)
- Keyboards
- Door bells
- Handles and touch pads on shared appliances etc
- Shared musical instruments
In other news here at Palatine Paints
The Corona virus is believed to be passed via liquid droplets spread through coughs and sneezes from carriers of the virus. It’s thought to survive better on hard surfaces than on softer, more porous ones. If you run a business it’s worth considering how easy it is carry out a thoroughly hygienic clean of your premises on a regular basis. With this in mind you might want to take a look at our two articles on chlorinated rubber paint which is resistant to harsh cleaning chemicals and can be jet-washed or hosed easily: What is Chlorinated Rubber Paint and Chlorinated Rubber Paint: Customer Questions
A new aerosol
We have developed an aerosol version of our yacht varnish. This facilitates a convenient and smooth application in certain circumstances such as vertical surfaces, hard to reach/fiddly items or for applying over the top of a painted surface for a hard, gloss finish. Take a look at it here
Website update
Our website has been updated again. The navigation is more straightforward and the search bar brings up even more relevant results than before. Load times should also be quicker and the checkout process is smoother. As always we love to hear your reviews…review a product on the website, or review us on Trust Pilot or Google. We’ll even give you a 5% discount off your next purchase!
