Prep Wipes

O

Outlaw

I recently read an exchange of posts about what kind of wipes to use when prepping with SPI solvent and waterbase cleaners. I understand the application and removal process. I have always used Bounty Paper Towells (the white ones used in kitchens). The post I was making reference to says there is a big difference in the the blue towells purchased at big box stores and auto paint supply stores. There was a comment that blue towels purchased in a big box store were guaranteed fish eyes. Are the Bounty towells I am using ok, or should I be getting the blue towells offered at auto paint supply stores?
 
I can only comment on the Scott's Shop Towels (75143) that are blue I get from Home Depot. I don't know if these are the ones referred to about causing paint problems. I've used these for years and never had fisheye or other contaminant or lint problems. Most kitchen towels do leave lint from my experience. With the blue Scott's towels I use PPG DX330 to wipe then followed by a wipe of 91% isopropyl alcohol to get what the DX doesn't get (organics mainly) and never had any defects from contamination.
 
Bounty towels changed some years back and got way lintier. We have been convinced to use a professional grade spunlace wipe for spraybooth use (MDI 93139) that leaves very little in way of lint particles, what it does leave is too tiny to cause visible defects. On the shop floor we use Kirkland white paper towels, which are OK for initial stages of prep and even primer. But for final cleaning, it's important to use something dedicated to the purpose, imo.
 
I've been using the Dupont Sontara maintainence wipes, found they actually are more "lint free" than the Sontara paint prep wipes. Plus you can reuse them in cleaning cuos, guns spills etc.
 
The most lint free towels I have found are krew 600 Kimberly Clark they really aren't body shop towels but work great for me and they never wear out so you can reuse in mix room for cleanup
 
I use Sontara paint prep wipes for final paint. They leave a little bit of lint that a tack rag will pickup. I used to use Sontara anti static wet wipes and I really like them but it seems like they would dry up before I used them.

I use rags in a box from the box stores for all of my primer work. Have for 10 +years. Brand doesn't matter, non of them ever left fisheyes for me. I do go over the panel or part 2-3 times wet with each time using new rags. They leave more lint than the Sontara wipes but they aren't bad. Tag rag picks them up. Saves a bunch over the course of a year vs. Sontara for everything.

No brand preference on the Sontara either, it's just what the local jobber carries.
 
Always buy what ever brand of prep wipes for an "automotive paint store", they will not sell a bad grade to a body-shop more than once.
Same brand name at HD, Lowes, Advanced are a lint or fish-eye waiting to happen.
We buy pallets of Tork for the plant direct and they must have 25 grades, stain grade will not work for automotive.
 
Lots of great feedback, I will step up to a better grade. I have been using the Bounty (non print) but only for pre cleaning on bare metal prior to epoxy wuth SPI solvent and waterbourne. Looks like I can improve from that. I have not been using SPI solvent or water borne on 2K Primer or filler, but have used the waterbourne on top of epxoy with no issues.
 
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