I do try to avoid things like that .For over forty years now , I have used TESTORS liquid glue . I have used others but , I don,t like them .MEK based stuff will not work for me . tankerbuilder
We use MEK at work for cleaning purposes (pad printing machines) and found the “substitute” would not work - as well as being even more foul smelling the MEK.
We have not tried the substitute for guleing plastics though. We were able to get MEK at another local store. Any real reason you can’t use the two glues mentioned?
Thank you for the interesting info on your attempted on the job use & odor of the MEK Substitute.
I’ve not yet attempted to use any of the glues mentioned as I am still in the initial stages of gathering supplies for my projects…
I am interested in purchasing MEK for three reasons:
1- I have read in FSM threads that it does a very good job of bonding plastics
2- I have a lot of sheet styrene to laminate for armor projects
3- Cost- Today I paid $5.00 for a small bottle of Tenax and nearly $5.00 for a small bottle of Plastruct liquid glue listing MEK as an ingrediant. The cost I stated for those small bottles of glue did not include the 9.5 percent
tax I paid to the local Illinois county for the privilege of buying the bottled glue.
The cost of a one quart tin of “MEK Substitute” is just under $11.00; not including local tax.
A substantial cost difference.
Therefore my reason for asking if anyone has used the MEK Substitute for gluing styrene or any other plastic.
Given what you’ve told me about the EPA (My opinions on THAT “Agency” can be found on another forum in another post), I’m gonna stock up on the stuff… Ace Hardware is my store, so I’ll swing through there tomorrow… Thank YOU for the “Heads Up”!
You may try using acetone. It takes longer to cure than MEK and that could be a problem for laminates but it did a great job of slowing down MEK for use as a general purpose cement.
As far as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when using MEK, I believe that ther MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) lists splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves, splash apron, and respirator with and organic filter. I would definitely recommend such precautions when using MEK in large quantities. If you are using MEK for modeling purposes, please be certain to wear eye protection (a smart move any time we are at the bench) as MEK can do serious damage if it gets in your eyes. If you keep your working quantity of MEK in a small bottle with a narrow neck, vapors will not be much of an issue and you can decide for your self if you need a respirator. As for gloves, I don’t use them at the bench since the method of application keeps the chemical off of my skin anyway.
I am surprised to learn of MEK being in some glues, never thought of it being an ingredient. But then I don’t read the ingredients on the bottles either. We use it at work to help remove aircraft fuel tank sealants and prepping an area to be resealed. It was at one time removed from our authorized chems to use. But now its back, we’re about the only shop allowed to use it anymore. I have noticed it stocked at our local Lowes hardware. It is great for removing tough to remove substances when not diluted.
For PPE, you’ll for sure need gloves made of neoprene rubber rather than surgical latex types. It will remove the oils in your skin. And definately goggles for the eyes. Had some spalsh in my right eye one time while working on a plane, and it will make a grown man cry!! lol Ventilation is also a must - got ‘happy and giggly’ due to it one time with my supervisor one time cleaning another fuel tank where ventilation was an issue.
Hasn’t anyone had a problem with the MEK eating the plastic?
I get a year or more from one pint can. Its also available in 1/4 pint cans as shown above. I like to transfer small quantities to a working bottle so less is wasted due to evaporation.