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Thread: MEK substitue...?

  1. #1
    dactel's Avatar
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    Default MEK substitue...?

    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!

    lHRPkgeCQCW55LyL2MenGw.jpg%gIHbnc3Q0C2dUi8y5PmOg.jpg
    Terry
    ATP, Goldseal CFI/CFII/MEI

    SS7
    Portland, OR

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    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

  3. #3
    dactel's Avatar
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    Yes indeed. I located some at Lowes...
    Terry
    ATP, Goldseal CFI/CFII/MEI

    SS7
    Portland, OR

  4. #4
    Senior Member PapuaPilot's Avatar
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    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.
    Phil Nelson
    A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
    KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
    Flying since 2016

  5. #5

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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    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.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Flybyjim's Avatar
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    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.

  7. #7
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    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?
    John Brannen
    Morris, IL
    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
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    Glasair 1 FT (Waiting to start)

  8. #8
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

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

  9. #9
    rawheels's Avatar
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    Quote Originally Posted by 109JB View Post
    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.

  10. #10
    dactel's Avatar
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    Default Re: MEK substitue...?

    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.

    E02B3677-C36C-4482-8413-4F06095E0475.jpg
    Terry
    ATP, Goldseal CFI/CFII/MEI

    SS7
    Portland, OR

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