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MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) - industrial solvent for paints, varnishes and cleaning
MEK (methyl ethyl ketone), also known as ethyl methyl ketone, is a high-quality industrial solvent used in many production processes. It is particularly valued in the paints and varnishes industry for its dissolution efficiency, rapid evaporation and good compatibility with numerous resins, binders and process and formulation additives. As a result, MEK helps achieve the right viscosity, improves application parameters and promotes even drying of coatings.
MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) - industrial applications
MEK is used wherever process speed, high dissolution efficiency and parameter stability are important. It is most commonly used as a process solvent, a component of solvent mixtures or a cleaning agent under controlled industrial conditions.
Manufacture of paints, varnishes and protective coatings (MEK)
- facilitates application and target viscosity,
- accelerates drying through rapid evaporation,
- supports coating uniformity and process repeatability.
MEK as a remover for printing inks
In printing and marking processes, MEK is sometimes used as an ingredient in formulations for removing dried inks and difficult soiling from work surfaces. In practice, it helps to maintain the cleanliness of components in contact with ink/ink, resulting in stable print quality and fewer service downtimes.
MEK for cleaning and degreasing in technical applications
MEK can be used as a cleaner and degreaser in industrial environments (e.g. in surface preparation prior to painting or gluing), provided that proper health and safety procedures, ventilation and the selection of chemically resistant materials are followed. The choice of method and concentration should be based on the process technology and the safety data sheet (SDS).
MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) - key process benefits
- High dissolution efficiency - facilitates the preparation of mixtures and formulations.
- Rapid pairing - reduces drying times and promotes line efficiency.
- Compatibility - often works well with various ingredients in industrial formulations.
- Repeatability - stable parameters facilitate quality control in long series.
Health, safety and safe use of MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
The product is intended for professional use only, in controlled environments and in compliance with health and safety regulations. MEK is a volatile solvent - in practice this means that it is necessary to work in well-ventilated areas and to use personal protective equipment according to a risk assessment. It is recommended to use the current safety data sheets (SDS), adhering to the storage of flammable substances and implementing procedures to deal with spillages or exposures.
Storage of MEK and shelf life of the product
To preserve the chemical properties of MEK, it must be stored:
- w hermetically sealed packages, The system is designed to reduce evaporation and air ingress,
- w room temperature, in a dry and ventilated place,
- away from fire sources, high temperatures and direct light,
- in accordance with the rules for flammable substances and the requirements of the chemical warehouse.
Period of validity is 12 months (under proper storage conditions).
| Chemical formula | C4 H8 O |
| Synonyms | Butanone, 2-butanone, ethyl methyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, methylacetone, methylpropanone, |
| Density | 0.7999 g/cm³ |
| EC/EINECS number | 201-159-0 |
| CAS number | 78-93-3 |

