is this nail polisher remover ok to use to remove thermal paste

[MatthewNguyenw]

I need to remove some thermal paste from my heat sink. I used a tissue to wipe off most off the residue but there is still some left. I have a supermarketnail polish remover which is acetone free.

 

[kwa-e]

While you CAN use it to remove the leftover thermal paste I wouldn't really recommend using it to do so as it might contain components that may damage/ affect the components in your motherboard if it spills, Use Isopropyl Alcohol instead.

 

[sirstinky]

Use 99% isopropyl alcohol. It evaporates quickly if you spill it. Even if it's not acetone, it's still solvent-based. has to be to remove nitrocellulose in nail polish. Solvents aren't good for delicate electronics as mentioned above as they can leave behind residues.

 

[MatthewNguyenw]

Do I go to a pharmacy and ask for rubbing alcohol?

 

[sirstinky]

Do I go to a pharmacy and ask for rubbing alcohol?

Yes, it's at pharmacies or grocery stores (Fred Meyer, Sam's Club, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Wal-Mart). It will be in the health-beauty area. Or just ask for it and they will show you. It's really cheap, less than $2.00 where I live.

 

[MatthewNguyenw]

I bought some rubbing alcohol. Im rubbed the heatsink a few times with paper but it still looks like thermal paste is on there.

 

[kwa-e]

Yep, and you'll want something with at least a 70% concentration but 99% will work the best.
(Make sure the liquid is completely dry before applying thermal paste or it may not apply properly, 70% will dry a bit slower than 99% so keep that in mind)

And you'll want to clean the paste with something lint free like coffee filters or microfiber cloths, just apply the alcohol and rub, as residual fibers from tissue may affect thermal performance.

 

[MatthewNguyenw]

Do you need to apply some pressure when rubbing as there is no paste on the paper towels im using

 

[MatthewNguyenw]

And the grey colour is still there but very faint is that normal?

 

[madmatt30]

Worrying too much mate IMO - I just scrape what I can off with the thin edge of a bank card - never used alcohol to clean at all unless the stuff is set.
If its left dull grey it'd good enough IMO - seals any imperfections for when you apply new compound.

 

[Pinhedd]

Do you need to apply some pressure when rubbing as there is no paste on the paper towels im using

A small amount of pressure is necessary to remove the thermal paste that has set into the microscopic grooves of the heat spreader. I recommend using Q-Tips if they are available.