Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning negatives?

Usagi · 09-04-2008, 01:09 AM

Hi,

Is isopropyl alcohol safe for cleaning negatives?
I need something that helps me to clean finger marks from some negatives. One tip that I had given was use of isopropyl alcohol. But how is the safety?

I don't want to ruin these negatives.

leicam5 · 09-04-2008, 01:22 AM

Yes, it is very good, and at present times, it is the easiest product to be found on the market.
But be aware, there is a very little amount of water in it, about 1 to 2 %.
After a wile, the alcohol evaporates and the percentage will change in favour of the water.
Do NOT drink it...

Good luck,

Philippe

Kevin Kehler · 09-04-2008, 02:06 AM

You need to ensure you buy the 99% pure isopropyl as opposed the more common 70%. The 70% tends to leave smears on the negatives and because it takes longer to dry, is more prone to attract dust as opposed to the 90%. I buy harder (i.e. cheaper) Q-Tips, dip in a capful of alcohol and then rub gently to remove fingerprints, loose dust and waterspots. Most drugstores have the 99% whereas the 70% can be bought at Wal-Mart, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. The good part is the price, I think I paid under $5 for a 700ml bottle.

Usagi · 09-04-2008, 02:34 AM

Thank you very much!

synj00 · 09-04-2008, 03:18 PM

I can vouch for the alcohol and qtip cleaning idea. Done it just the other day. No ill affects for me but test first on a negative you dont care about of course :-)

Nicholas Lindan · 09-04-2008, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Usagi

Is isopropyl alcohol safe for cleaning negatives?

I have had the best results with a product called "PEC-12" - made for cleaning negatives. It is a pretty high-powered solvent, but it does not penetrate and soften the gelatin and fingerprints almost 'float' off so no rubbing is required. They also make a completely non-abrasive "PEC-wipe".

I have scratched negatives with Q-Tips and alcohol - I cleaned for too long with too much pressure. You find out how much is 'too long and too hard' only 'too late'.

ben-s · 09-04-2008, 05:02 PM

I usually use a clean microfibre cloth and high purity IPA.

BTW, you can really speed up neg drying time by using a bath of 50/50 water and IPA for a couple of minutes. I believe it is an old newspaper shooter's trick. It's apparently not recommended for general use, but on the films I've used it on, I've had no ill effects.

ic-racer · 09-04-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Kehler

You need to ensure you buy the 99% pure isopropyl as opposed the more common 70%. The 70% tends to leave smears on the negatives and because it takes longer to dry, is more prone to attract dust as opposed to the 90%. I buy harder (i.e. cheaper) Q-Tips, dip in a capful of alcohol and then rub gently to remove fingerprints, loose dust and waterspots. Most drugstores have the 99% whereas the 70% can be bought at Wal-Mart, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. The good part is the price, I think I paid under $5 for a 700ml bottle.

I have found a residue with even the 90% isopropyl alcohol (may be brand dependent). The Kodak film cleaner does not leave a residue for me.

raucousimages · 09-04-2008, 07:38 PM

Some brands of isopropyl alcohol have oils and other addatives to make them undrinkable. The best bet is 95% ethyl alcohol, Everclear.

Kevin Kehler · 09-04-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ic-racer

I have found a residue with even the 90% isopropyl alcohol (may be brand dependent). The Kodak film cleaner does not leave a residue for me.

None of my local camera shops carry the Kodak, for which I have heard nothing but good results. I use the 99% isopropyl alcohol because it's available and I haven't had a problem with reside although some dusty waterspots are more resilient than I am willing to scrub.