These three are the most-bought general solvents in Indian industry. They are often treated as interchangeable, but they behave quite differently. Picking the right one can stop surface damage, cut solvent losses and make a process safer.
Side by side
| Property | Acetone | IPA | Ethyl acetate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Ketone | Alcohol | Ester |
| Boiling point | 56°C | 82.5°C | 77°C |
| Flash point (closed cup) | about −20°C | about 12°C | about −4°C |
| Evaporation | Fastest | Slowest of the three | Fast |
| Mixes with water | Fully | Fully | Only slightly (about 8%) |
| Odour | Sharp, sweetish | Alcoholic | Fruity |
Acetone: the strongest and fastest
Acetone dissolves a very wide range of resins, adhesives and coatings and evaporates almost at once. It is the usual choice for stripping paint and adhesive residue, cleaning moulds and equipment, and as a reaction and extraction solvent. The same strength is its weakness: it attacks many plastics (acrylic, polystyrene, ABS, some PVC) and fresh paint. Its very low flash point means strict control of sparks and static.
IPA: the gentle cleaner
Isopropyl alcohol is the safest bet on plastics, electronics and printed surfaces. It removes oils, flux and fingerprints without swelling most plastics, and leaves almost no residue at high purity. It is also the basis of 70% disinfectants. It evaporates more slowly than the other two, which gives longer wipe time. See IPA purity explained for choosing a grade.
Ethyl acetate: the ink and adhesive solvent
Ethyl acetate is the workhorse of flexible-packaging inks, laminating adhesives, coatings and nail-care products. It dissolves nitrocellulose, many polyurethane and acrylic resins and rubbers. It evaporates fast but smells far milder than acetone. Because it does not mix with water, it is also used in extraction processes where two layers need to separate.
Quick picks
- Cleaning plastics, electronics or printed parts: IPA.
- Removing cured adhesive, resin or paint: acetone, after testing on the substrate.
- Thinning gravure or flexo inks and PU adhesives: ethyl acetate, usually blended with other solvents per the ink maker's guidance.
- Disinfection: IPA at about 70% in water.
- Need water to wash out afterwards: acetone or IPA, since both mix with water.
Storage and safety
All three are highly flammable liquids with flash points well below room temperature. They need earthed containers, no ignition sources and good ventilation, and bulk storage may need statutory approvals, so check with your safety consultant. See flash points and flammable solvent storage.
Frequently asked questions
Is IPA or acetone better for cleaning?
IPA is better for plastics, electronics and printed surfaces because it is gentle and leaves little residue. Acetone is stronger and faster, and is better for removing cured adhesives, resins and paint, but it can damage many plastics.
Can ethyl acetate replace acetone?
Sometimes. Ethyl acetate dissolves many of the same resins with a milder odour, but it evaporates a little more slowly, does not mix with water and dissolves some materials less well. Test it on your application first.
Which solvent has the lowest fire risk?
Of the three, IPA has the highest flash point (about 12°C), but all three are highly flammable at room temperature and need the same fire precautions.
This article is general guidance. Always follow the Safety Data Sheet and your own site procedures for the specific product and grade you use.