Does alcohol lose its "punch" after too many paint strippings?

I would guess since alcohol is a distillate, the ability to perform as intended would diminish or break down over time with use - probably due to continuous use, and the changing of the molecular structure from the component/paint residue that was stripped.  

George yes, ….alcohol evaporates off its effectiveness every time you open the bottle and the alcohol gasses out,….add contaminants, and it gets even worse,….you’re basically left with nasty water,….even at 91% …..which is hogwash anyways, most store bought 91%  alcohol is more like 80% anyways …..

Pat

Considering how inexpensive alcohol is (ANY strength), why bother????   Just purchase new every time you need it.

Thanks! I just checked on my soaking parts this morning, and I think I've reached the end of the useful life of that gallon! Little to no paint bubbling, and that's on prewar paint, the easiest stuff to remove. New gallon time! Thanks ya'll

George

Alcohol looses it punch with too much ice

Gasoline will “ age out” too. Old gas is bad gas. The volatility goes down as the volatile elements evaporate out over time. We kept our tools in a bucket of gasoline on my scuba club’s boat. Less slippery than diesel fuel.

I buy 99% alcohol, I would assume to "lose it's punch" it would have to all evaporate!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I buy 99% alcohol, I would assume to "lose it's punch" it would have to all evaporate!

Let’s have a drink and find out!!…🥴

Pat

@train steve posted:

Alcohol looses it punch with too much ice

Yuk Yuk ! So true.

I use this....works great...2023 shells in solution for 2 24 hour periods....works great on Lionel silver....no damage to plastic....very hot tap water and a generous amount of Awesome.....available at dollar stores

Isopropyl alcohol does evaporate quickly during use, just like it does on your skin.   The warmer the object is, the quicker the alcohol evaporates.  Reactions with your paint, plastics and lubricants may produce alcohol byproducts which don't evaporate and make up the residue in the bottom of your container.

Joe Krasko's solution looks impressive.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I buy 99% alcohol, I would assume to "lose it's punch" it would have to all evaporate!

No, you only have to leave it stored not tightly sealed - isopropyl alcohol is hygroscopic and will pull water out of the air to reduce that 99% over time to end up at an equilibrium point of ~60-65%.

@train steve posted:

Alcohol looses it punch with too much ice

The alcohol I use when stripping paint isn’t exposed to air long enough to evaporate . . . 🍸