Acetone vs IPA vs ethanol: which solvent should you buy?
A practical comparison of three workhorse solvents - evaporation, residue, flammability, and typical uses - so you pick the right one first time.
Acetone, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and ethanol cover most lab and workshop cleaning and thinning jobs. They are not interchangeable for every task.
Quick comparison
| Property | Acetone | IPA (99%) | Ethanol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaporation | Very fast | Fast | Fast |
| Residue | Very low | Very low | Low (depends on denaturant) |
| Water miscible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Resins, paints, adhesives, degreasing | Electronics, optics, disinfection (often as 70%) | Extraction, formulations, general lab |
| Key caution | Attacks some plastics | Flammable; use 70% for disinfection | Denatured grades may leave residue |
How to choose
- Paint / resin / adhesive work → acetone for aggressive dissolving and fast dry.
- PCB / optics / electronics → IPA - see IPA 99% vs 70%.
- Formulation / extraction → ethanol when the process or formula specifies it.
Shop ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, or request a bulk quote. Every order ships with batch COA and SDS.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use acetone instead of IPA for electronics?
Not as a default. Acetone can attack plastics and finishes; IPA is the usual electronics cleaner. Follow the equipment maker’s guidance.
Which evaporates fastest?
Acetone typically evaporates fastest of the three, which is useful for quick drying but increases flammability and vapour exposure risk.
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