WHY DEGREASING SHOULD ALWAYS BE YOUR FIRST STEP

Degreasing is performed to remove oils, greases, organic contaminants, and soluable chemical residues. Degreasing should always be the first operation.

This is to avoid having subsequent abrading operations drive surface contaminants into the surface material. Porous materials such as titanium,

cast iron, and cast aluminum may require heating to drive off absorbed hydrocarbons or other liquids. Degreasing can be accomplished using a hot vapor degreaser, an ultrasonically agitated liquid bath, aerosol type spray cans of CSM-3 Degreaser, or wiping with GC-6 Isopropyl Alcohol. One-way applicators, such as the aerosol type, of cleaning solvents are always preferable because dissolved contaminants cannot be carried back into the parent solvent. Whenever possible, the entire test piece should be degreased. In the case of large bulky objects which cannot be completely degreased, an area covering 4 to 6 in [100 to 150mm] on all sides of the gage area should be cleaned. This will minimize the chance of contamination in subsequent operations, and will provide an area adequately large for applying protective coatings in the final stage of gage installation.

CSM-3 Degreaser, GC-6 Isopropyl Alcohol:  http://www.vishaypg.com/docs/11008/surface-cleaning.pdf

Can Isopropyl Alcohol or acetone from my medicine cabinet be used as a degreaser when bonding a strain gauge? https://www.strainblog.com/media/can-isopropyl-alcohol-or-acetone-my-medicine-cabinet-be-used-degreaser-when-bonding-strain

Removing Contaminants Prior to Strain Gage Bonding: https://www.strainblog.com/content/removing-contaminants-prior-strain-gage-bonding