Do you need to use IPA (isopropyl alcohol) wipes before applying a ceramic coating? The answer depends on the type of polish or compound you used. Most polishes and compounds contain wax, oil and other organic substances that leave a film on the paint that prevents the ceramic coating from bonding. So you need a strong solvent like IPA or mineral spirits to remove them first. With an inorganic abrasive product like Nano Surface Primers, there are no oils and wax to remove, so no IPA is needed. J