Are Mineral Spirits and Acetone Different?

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Mineral spirits and acetone are both solvents that professionals rely on to perform a variety of tasks. These two chemical compounds also have several at-home uses. However, they are not interchangeable solvents and therefore should not be treated as such to prevent surface damage, health risks, and other harm. 

In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast mineral spirits and acetone to help you determine when and when not to use each solvent. 

mineral spirits

Main Similarities and Differences of Mineral Spirits and Acetone

  • Similarities
    • Both chemicals are organic solvents and are often used as paint thinners. The two also clean a variety of surfaces and are effective at removing paint and other kinds of tough marks and grime in home settings. They also are great for using as degreasers in the  
  • Differences 
    • While they both think paint is effective at cleaning, the specific instances in which they are used to thin paint and clean is relative. Acetone is best for thinning lacquers (think nail polish) while mineral spirits are best for thinning oil-based paint (think wall paint and other artistic paints). Confusing the two in will affect the consistency of the paint and the end product once it’s been applied. 
    • Acetone should also not be used on as many surfaces as mineral spirits. This solvent characteristically eats away at plastic and has the ability to harm other delicate surfaces. Mineral spirits are safe on plastic when used in small amounts and are great for cleaning wood surfaces including furniture. 

Different Properties of Mineral Spirits and Acetone

While the two may have different jobs they’re best suited to help perform, they also have different chemical compositions and therefore properties.  

  • Mineral Spirits: 
    • Less soluble 
    • Less of a fire hazard 
    • Less chance of injury or other health risks
    • Odorless and preferable for at-home use 
  • Acetone: 
    • Water-soluble
    • Highly flammable 
    • Not safe to inhale in large quantities and requires proper ventilation 
    • Destroys plastic  
    • Strong odor 

Unsure of Which Is Best For You? 

Ecolink’s team of chemical experts is standing by to help find the best chemical product for your company’s needs. We offer a free consultation and quote service and are available to meet over the phone or by email. 

Need to Buy in Bulk? 

Visit Ecolink’s shop to view all of our available chemical products and bulk sizing options. We offer a variety of sizes ranging from 5-gallon pails to 55-gallon drums which are not only a cost-effective option but also a sustainable choice. 

acetone for cleaning metal

Acetone For Cleaning Metal 

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Can you use acetone for cleaning metal? Yes, you can! Acetone is well known as one of the safest solvents to use for cleaning metal. Acetone is often used to clean metal in industrial applications to remove debris and build-up from machinery, as well as 3D printers, and in applications to clean metals before applying paint and other coatings. 

There are three (3) primary reasons for using acetone for cleaning metal

  •  Highly effective – Acetone is widely used by many people for degreasing surfaces and removing stubborn stains. It is an amazing, inexpensive solvent that works pretty much everywhere. 
  • Competitively priced – Acetone is widely available because it is easily produced making it a very affordable and sought-after cleaning agent.
  • Water-Soluble & Safe When used properly –  Acetone, when used responsibly is a very effective cleaner that evaporates very quickly and easily dissolves stubborn build-up, oils, adhesives, and resins. Remember that acetone must be properly handled to prevent injury from inhalation and consumption, but when you follow proper use guidelines it is completely safe to use. 

Ecolink provides acetone in various bulk quantities to accommodate facilities of all sizes. Our staff and chemists are your best point of contact to find out how acetone can be used to clean your metal surfaces. 

Benefits of Shopping Acetone For Cleaning Metal with Ecolink: 

  • Bulk Supply – Ecolink offers bulk sizing for all its chemical products. This includes 5- gallon buckets and 55-gallon drums to accommodate facilities of different sizes and provide greater discounts for bulk purchases 
  • Knowledge and Experience –  At Ecolink we have over 30 years of knowledge and experience to share with clients. Our team of expert chemists will make sure you get the best chemicals for your applications and provide you with proper use and storage instructions. 
  • High Quality –  rest assured that the chemicals you purchase from Ecolink are high quality, stable, and safe to use with proper instructions.
  • Eco-Friendly – Ecolink is dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of the chemical industry. Our team can recommend a variety of green chemical alternatives if you are looking to make your practice more sustainable too. 

Want To Learn More About Acetone and How It Can Help You Clean Metal?

 If you are in need of acetone for cleaning metal, Contact Ecolink here and learn about the right chemicals for your needs!

difference between acetone and acetate-2

Difference Between Acetone And Acetate 

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What is the difference between acetone and acetate? To adequately explain the differences between acetone and acetate, it is important to define each individually. 

What is Acetone? Acetone is one of the most common organic solvents available today. It is a highly flammable compound with a pungent odor that is easily recognizable. Acetone is often found in products like nail polish remover and in paint thinners. Being a solvent, it is also often used as a paint stripper and industrial cleaning agent. Other applications that involve acetone include the removal of dried glue, cleaning 3D printers, and laboratory processes. 

Historically, acetone is said to have been first produced in the early 17th century by the process of distilling lead acetate. Various scientists in the following 200 years developed the chemical equation breakdown of acetone but the first industrial production of acetone was developed by Chaim  Weizmann and naturally named the Weizmann Process. 

What is Acetate? Acetate is, for intents and purposes a salt, that is formed when acetic acid is combined with an alkaline base. Broadly meaning, a negatively charged ion that is considered  exempt from being a volatile organic compound (VOC) 

The key difference between acetone and acetate is that acetone is a naturally occurring compound and acetate is an ingredient created as an additive for other substances. Acetate is a common additive in products like cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and textiles

While the technical and chemical jargon can seem to be confusing, contacting us at Ecolink and consulting our expert chemists and technicians, can help you to determine which product is better suited to your cleaning applications. 

Benefits shopping for Acetones or Acetates with Ecolink offer  you:

  • Bulk Supply –  Ecolink offers bulk sizing for all its chemical products. This includes 5- gallon buckets and 55-gallon drums to accommodate facilities of different sizes and provide greater discounts for bulk purchases 
  • Knowledge and Experience –  Our chemists here at Ecolink have over 30 years of knowledge and experience to provide our clients with expert advice and ensure you choose the best chemicals for your applications while understanding the proper use and storage instructions to keep yourself and your facility safe.
  • High Quality –  You can trust that the chemicals you receive from Ecolink are the highest quality, stable, and safe to handle with proper use. 
  • Eco-Friendly –  In addition to a large list of traditional chemicals, Ecolink also offers an environmentally conscious line of green chemicals alternatives. Ecolink is dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of the chemical industry and can help you make your practice more sustainable. 

Want To Learn More About The Difference Between Acetone and Acetate? 

If you are in need of acetone or acetate Contact Ecolink here and learn about the right chemicals for your needs.

 

MEK Solvent vs Acetone 

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What is the difference between MEK Solvent vs Acetone? MEK is an acronym for Methyl Ethyl Ketone. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) MEK is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sharp odor. MEK is a  solvent often found in adhesives like glue, surface coatings like paint, stain, varnish, gloss, and even printing ink. MEK is often sought after by paint manufacturers, glue makers, printers among other industries because its properties contain the necessary chemical components that improve the offerings of these types of manufacturers. 

Acetone is similar to MEK and the two chemicals are used for many of the same applications such as adhesives, dry-erase markers, and cleaning agents. Acetone, much like MEK, can also be used for extraction processes and industrial manufacturing. However, there are some key differences between MEK solvent and acetone, and understating these will help you make a more informed decision when choosing the best chemical for your applications.

MEK Solvent vs Acetone

  • Boiling point – Mek has a higher boiling point than Acetone and it evaporates slower, making it a stronger chemical, that is better suited for cleaning purposes than acetone
  • Evaporation Rate –  Acetone has a higher evaporation rate than MEK making it a better option for paint thinners and extraction.
  • Solvent Uses – comparing MEK solvent vs Acetone, it is acetone that is considered better for solvent applications. This is due to the fact that acetone has a greater ability to dissolve more compounds than MEK

Need To Find Bulk Suppliers of MEK and Acetone?

Ecolink’s expert staff of chemists are here to answer all your questions about MEK solvent vs acetone, to help you find the best chemical solutions for your applications. Ecolink is a trusted chemical supplier that will provide you with high-quality bulk chemicals and solvents and the knowledge to use them in a safe and responsible manner. Contact Ecolink here to learn more!

 

Turpentine vs Acetone 

Turpentine vs Acetone 

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What are the differences when comparing turpentine vs acetone? Turpentine and acetone are similar chemical solvents that can be used for many of the same industrial applications as a solvent or cleaning agent.  Both turpentine and acetone can be used as additives in paint thinners, stripping agents, and lacquers. These two products can also be used as quick-drying cleaning agents for large industrial machinery. 

Turpentine is derived from pine trees and has been used for centuries, originally as a thinning agent for oil paints. Acetone is believed to have been discovered in the middle ages by alchemists. It is believed that it was first produced in the early 1600s as a distillate of lead acetate. In modern practice, acetone can be used as a solvent for plastics and synthetic fibers. It also saw its way into the cosmetics industry as an additive to nail polish and other products. 

Ecolink offers both Turpentine and Acetone in bulk to accommodate your particular applications. 

Turpentine vs Acetone – Benefits & Applications 

  • Effective solvent properties 
  • Effective cleaning agent
  • Fast drying 
  • Degreasing and extraction solvent 
  • Varnishes 
  • Lacquer 
  • Paint Thinners
  • Striping Agents

Both turpentine and acetone can be used for many of these applications, and if you need help choosing the best chemical product for your particular use, the experts at Ecolink can help you. 

Benefits Of Shopping Bulk Chemicals With Ecolink

Ecolink has been a leading provider of bulk chemicals and solvents for over 30 years. Our team of knowledgeable chemists and experts will take the time to understand your particular needs and find the best solution to get the job done while providing you with the necessary knowledge for safe use and disposal. 

Want To Learn More?

If you want to learn more about turpentine vs acetone or need to find a reliable bulk chemical supplier, Contact Ecolink  Here. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to help you with all your chemical needs!