Methyl Ethyl Ketone - TT-M-261 - ASTM D 740

MEK (Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone) is a good solvent for general cleanup as well as an excellent way to clean metal caulking guns, tools or dispensing equipment of uncured sealants, mastics and adhesives. It's also excellent for removing oils and contaminants from aluminum surfaces prior to sealant application. Similar to acetone, MEK dries slower though which allows time for proper two cloth method of cleaning (“wipe with second clean dry cloth before solvent evaporates to completely remove all contaminants”). Use it on insulating glass spacers before assembly to remove oily fingerprint smudges or other contaminants. Because MEK is water-soluble, it should be used for cleaning metal before caulking when temperatures are below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) to assist in drying of a frost-containing joint.