MEK substitue...?

[dactel]

Hi all,

Yesterday, I went out to Home Depot to get some MEK. Instead of finding the usual MEK cans in the paint department, I found these.

Does anybody know if this is suitable for our purposes? Thanks in advance!

2480024801

[avidflyer]

Can't answer your question directly, but if you shop around some, you will probably find the MEK at other places. I did. The local Menards building center didn't have it, but the local hardware store did. JImChuk

[dactel]

Yes indeed. I located some at Lowes...

[PapuaPilot]

There is a good chance it is MPK (Methyl n-Propyl Ketone), which is being used as an MEK substitute. IT is less toxic. I don't know if it would be okay to use for doing the Poly Fiber stuff, but it would be okay for general purpose cleaning, prep, softening of paint, etc.

[Meyer]

You could call the Poly Fiber manufacturer and ask them. They have paint techs there that can answer technical questions about substitutes, etc. I found MEK at Menards. Small container.

[Flybyjim]

I tried some of this MEK sub and it did not mix well with polytac. I went to a local car paint supplier and I was able to buy the real MEK $27.00 per gal. I am covering my Kitfox with Superflight and they switched from MEK (because most folks can not buy it anymore) to Acetone. The acetone works well but it takes a lot longer to mix with their glues also. The acetone also smells less than MEK.

[109JB]

The odd thing is that MEK has a lower health hazard rating than Acetone according to their MSDSs. MEK is at a 1-Slightly hazardous whereas Acetone is a 2-Moderate hazard. MEK smells worse but is not as hazardous. So why can you get Acetone all day long but not MEK?

[avidflyer]

Something to do with making meth if my memory is correct....JImChuk

[rawheels]

So why can you get Acetone all day long but not MEK?

Cost. They are both ketone based, but acetone is cheaper to produce. Unless you need the slower evaporation rate of MEK or the solubility with water, a manufacturer will most likely use acetone.

[dactel]

After varnishing the HS and elevator ribs, I dipped the used paint brush into the “MEK Substitute” and this is how the brush looked.

The epoxy varnish sort of congealed and the brush turned funky.

24804

[bbs428]

I use Acetone or Lacquer thinner for clean up as the MEK is more expensive.

Iv'e been using the substitute MEK without much of an issue.
I never covered and airplane before so what do I know? It's a PITA either way. :rolleyes:

My paint shop cannot source any pure MEK atm so I'll make do. I have one gallon pure MEK in reserve if needed.
I did send an e-mail to the Poly-Fiber folks for clarification.

[tommg13780]

I was told by a reliable source (Detective/nephew) that original formula MEK is used in the process of producing Methamphetamine. I don't think it's illegal in my state but maybe has to do with store policy and perhaps political correctness.

[bbs428]

Received this email from Stits Polyfiber


Stits PolyFiber by F&M Enterprises
9910 Air Park Drive
Granbury, Texas 76049
817-279-8045


I can only find MEK substitute. Is that OK to use?
- Brett Butler

On Tue, Jun 9, 2020 at 9:49 PM Stits Polyfiber <
chipmull@gmail.com
wrote:


Yes, that's fine.

[dactel]

GREAT NEWS!! Thanks for looking into it! (chipmull@gmail.com)