M.E.K.

[wyoben]

I bought a full 55 gallon barrel of MEK at a aircraft maintenance facility going out of business auction. I am planning to redo a project boat with new stringers and floor. From what I have read from this site it seems marine grade plywood and epoxy resin are the way to go. I have experience with MEK, its a great metal parts cleaner and paint remover. I know the difference between MEK and MEKP, thats not the question. I'm wondering what I can use it for in my fiberglass project. I'm sure I could use it for cleaning brushes etc. Can I use it to clean epoxy resin surfaces between layers and before painting? Is it used as a thinner for epoxy resin? What else is it good for besides letting you know where the cuts are on you hands? Thanks Ben

 

[Boomyal]

Re: M.E.K.

My dad used to use it to fix my plastic glasses frame. It would actually melted the plastic and allow the two pieces to be 'glued' together. I wonder what it would do to epoxy resin? It would also probably 'melt' your synthetic paint brush bristles.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: M.E.K.

My 2C. is that it will eveaporate too fast to use as a cleaner between coats! Also, were rubber gloves! It penetrates faster than DMSO! MEK is REALLY nasty stuff! Great for cleaning carborators! (NO PLASTIC)

 

[crab bait]

Re: M.E.K.

that stuff is scary..not user friendly in a major way.. <br /><br />gets in your eyes.. see ya..

 

[Bco128]

Re: M.E.K.

i worked with that stuff in the military....my opinion save it to kill poison ivy...shhhh you didt hear that from me...mean stuff MEK.i wouldnt suggest it for cleaning on glass work not so much for evaporation put for the possibility of having an adverse effect on on your resin.would keep it around though you may need to clean some of those engine parts.

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Re: M.E.K.

Hi<br /><br />I too would not attempt to use it.<br /><br />Without gloves will dryout your skin in an instant.<br /><br />I have known of people who have become sensatised to MEK, (Where you build up an intolerence for the stuff so that even the fumes get you to break out in a rash).<br /><br />As a cleaner, I agree will evaporate to quick.<br /><br />Gives one major headache when inhaled for a while . Glue sniffers of the world unite .<br /><br />I personally would not want to thin epoxy resin. One of the strengths of epoxies is that they tend to have extremely high solids content. This will mean no stuff that can evaporate will be present (generally this tends to be nasty stuff, things like vynal toluenes etc.). By adding a substance that can evaporate you run the risk of entrapping pockets of MEK. This could lead to blistering and or a non homogenous structure. You also may alter the chemical properties of the epoxy theryby affecting the strength<br /><br />My 0.02<br /><br />Cheers<br />Andrew

 

[ThomWV]

Re: M.E.K.

I use acetone as a between coat cleaner. I also use it as a degreaser and for removing wax prior to sanding for hull repairs or modifications. Good for removing release agent (also wax) as well. <br /><br />You can use acetone for thinning epoxy resin but you can't use very much of it. If you go over about 20% by volume the cured resin becomes soft. Not soft like modeling clay, more soft like 3-month-old bubble gum, dentable with a fingernail. Either way, not desirable.<br /><br />Thom

 

[airman]

Re: M.E.K.

With 55gal a high evaporation rate shouldn't hold you back much, just pour on a little more. At the last aircraft place I worked, the painters used it a lot for cleaning before painting. You could probably use it quite safely for cleaning between layers as you suggested but you are best to do a test piece first. I hope you didn't pay too much because I think your biggest problem is going to be disposing of the 45gallons you have left over at the end. Make sure you use a mask and gloves. I killed a gopher in our back yard once with about a cup of that stuff. Poor thing probably died af a terminal headache but it was wrecking the whole yard.

 

[crab bait]

Re: M.E.K.

and imagin' all the groovy wavy colors that gopher saw...just before kick-off...

 

[airman]

Re: M.E.K.

Yeah, there were a couple of "old school" painters at my first job. The kind that didn't need a mask and washed the paint off their hands with MEK. They saw lots of technicolor stuff that I never saw.

 

[sbump26]

Re: M.E.K.

I work at an aircraft plant and MEK was outlawed, but we used it extensively. It is a good cleaner for greasy stuff, but not for simple dirt that soap and water would clean. It can be used for cleaning prior to using epoxy resins, but I would wipe with a dampened cloth, then immediately follow with a dry cloth. If allowed to evaporate, it will leave an oily residue that isn't good for bonding. Immediately wiping with a dry cloth will eliminate the oily residue. I used it for years with no health effects, just avoid the vapors use in a well ventilated area, keep it away from any flame. Just the heat from a heat gun just turned off ignited fumes in a trash can and blew the heat gun into the rafters. Be careful and use common sense and you will be fine.

 

[sbump26]

Re: M.E.K.

I should say we used it extensively in the past. We haven't used it since it was banned several years ago. Now we use MPK, similar, but evaporates at a slower rate.