Is Acetone The Same As MEK?

/in /by

The simple answer to the question, Is acetone the same as MEK, is no. While Acetone and MEK can be used for some of the same purposes, they are in fact two different chemical substances. It is also important to understand the differences between acetone and MEK when deciding which chemical is better for your needs. Both acetone and MEK can be used for industrial cleaning, paint thinning, extraction, and as additives, but in some cases one is better than the other. So is acetone the same as MEK? No, but if you need help deciding which of these solvents is better for your needs, Ecolink and their knowledgeable team of experts can help you understand and find the best solvent for your uses.

Acetone VS Mek Common Uses:

  • Cleaning – MEK is typically considered a better cleaning agent than acetone, as it evaporates slower than acetone and has a higher boiling point. This in turn makes MEK an overall stronger chemical, and preferred when cleaning or degreasing in industrial settings. 
  • Solvent – On the other hand, acetone is preferred as a solvent over MEK due to its ability to dissolve more compounds. For this reason Acetone is preferred in products such as paint thinners.
  • Inks – MEK Is preferred for use in inks and dry erase markers due to its evaporation rate.
  • Consumer Products – Acetone is typically more affordable than MEK, making it more commonly used in consumer goods like nail polish remover, in order to keep product costs low.

Is Acetone The Same As MEK And Which Is Better?

Acetone and MEK can be used for similar applications, but they are not the same. Secondly, both acetone and MEK are good chemicals for different uses. For more help deciding between acetone and MEK, contact Ecolink here. Ecolink is a long time, trusted provider of chemicals and solvents, who will provide high quality products for an affordable price. Contact Ecolink today to learn more.