MEK Replacements and Alternatives
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), also known as Butanone or EMK, is a colorless liquid compound widely used as an industrial solvent for the removals of films, gums, and coatings. It is regulated in the U.S. as a hazardous air pollutant and is both highly flammable and moderately explosive. MEK solvent also carries a range of health risks, including:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- Inhalation produces effects including coughing, dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting
- Can affect the nervous system after long-term exposure
- Causes mild skin irritation upon contact
AcraStrip: An Effective and Environmentally-Friendly MEK Alternative
AcraStrip products offer an eco-friendly alternative to MEK cleaners and other harsh solvents, delivering strong cleaning power with reduced fume exposure. They contain zero HAP content and don't generate the hazardous waste associated with MEK. AcraStrip also features a slow evaporation rate, making it reusable and often lasting 5-8 times longer than other solvents.
Applications for AcraStrip's MEK-Substitute Products
AcraStrip products are available in different concentrations for use in a variety of applications that MEK is traditionally used for, including:
- Cleaning rollers and tools, and tank stripping
- Flushing gels or resins out of guns and other equipment
- Removing cured and uncured gel coats, glazes, varnishes, resins, grease, and foams
- Removing graffiti
- Cleaning equipment and components
- Stripping paints and coatings from valves, rollers and tools
- Removing most adhesives
Learn More About Acrastrip Products
Industrial Sectors That Use AcraStrip as an MEK Substitute
Because methyl ethyl ketone carries flammability and inhalation risks, many industrial environments have shifted toward MEK alternatives like AcraStrip that meet performance requirements without the hazards associated with MEK. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. EPA, AcraStrip's MEK alternatives are used across a range of industries, including:
Safety and Environmental Benefits of Using MEK Alternative Products
AcraStrip's MEK cleaner alternative is formulated to be non-flammable and low-hazard, supporting a safer workplace and reducing the risk of environmental contamination. AcraStrip products do not require explosion-proof equipment for storage or special handling during shipping.
Additional advantages of MEK replacement solvents from AcraStrip include:
- Biodegradable, breaks down without leaving behind persistent residues
- Semi-aqueous formula
- Neutral pH, minimizing corrosive effects on tools and equipment
- Usable in ambient temperatures up to 165°F (74°C)
- Slow evaporation rate, which extends usable product life
- Recyclable and reusable across multiple cleaning cycles
- Made in the US
Common FAQs About MEK Substitute Products
Is methyl ethyl ketone dangerous to use?
Methyl ethyl ketone is regulated as a hazardous air pollutant and is flammable and moderately explosive. It can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, and long-term exposure may affect the nervous system, which is why many facilities have shifted toward lower-hazard MEK alternatives, like AcraStrip.
What's a good MEK cleaner alternative for industrial use?
AcraStrip's products are used as a safer alternative to MEK cleaners. AcraStrip is formulated with zero HAP content, a neutral pH, and a slow evaporation rate, without the flammability risks of traditional MEK solvent. It is available in a range of formulas, including AcraStrip 600 Series, AcraStrip 800, and AcraStrip 950.
Is MEK the same as acetone?
No. MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and acetone are both ketone-based solvents, but they have different chemical structures, evaporation rates, and safety profiles. See our MEK vs. Acetone page for a full breakdown.
Can I switch from MEK to AcraStrip without changing my process?
In most cases, yes. AcraStrip is designed to work in some of the same equipment and workflows used for MEK, including paint guns, rollers, and tanks, without requiring explosion-proof storage or specialized handling during shipping.
Contact Us to Learn More About AcraStrip's MEK Substitute Products
Contact us today to request a quote or call 800-431-2072 to learn more about which AcraStrip MEK replacement solvent would work best for your application.
