Descrizione
HYDROMEK™
Low environmental impact water–MEK emulsion — the green alternative to pure methyl ethyl ketone
LCA verified: >20% reduction in overall environmental impact
What it is
Hydromek™ is a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK, butanone) and water, stabilised with a proprietary low environmental impact surfactant system. Specifically developed for the professional cleaning of artworks and historic artefacts, it reduces the overall environmental impact — calculated through Life Cycle Assessment — by more than 20 % compared to pure MEK, while maintaining identical solvent effectiveness on acrylic varnishes and synthetic resins.
Why it matters
MEK is widely used in conservation for the removal of acrylic and synthetic coatings. However, its high volatility (flash point −9 °C), strong odour, and elevated VOC emissions make it problematic in enclosed workspaces typical of restoration laboratories. Hydromek™ addresses all of these issues: the aqueous phase reduces VOC release, lowers odour intensity, and mitigates fire risk, while the compartmentalised MEK retains full solvent power at the point of contact with the coating to be removed.
Key features
✓ Direct substitute for pure MEK — no workflow changes needed
✓ 20 % reduction in overall environmental impact (LCA verified, Climate change & Human toxicity)
✓ Significant reduction in effective VOC emissions during use
✓ Improved fire safety vs pure MEK (flash point −9 °C)
✓ No residue on treated surfaces
✓ Reduced solvent consumption per m²
✓ Dilutable with deionised water (up to 15 mL per 100 mL) for milder action
✓ Equivalent selectivity towards acrylic varnishes and synthetic resins
How it works
Application phase: The emulsion is applied with a cotton swab. The MEK, compartmentalised within the emulsion structure, is selectively released upon contact with the acrylic or synthetic layer to be removed.
Action phase: The MEK dissolves and mobilises the target coating, while the aqueous phase remains preferentially absorbed within the cotton swab, reducing vapour release into the workspace.
Removal phase: The swab captures the solubilised coating residues. Complete evaporation of the system leaves no residue on the treated surface.
Applications
✓ Removal of acrylic varnishes from modern and contemporary paintings
✓ Removal of synthetic resins (Paraloid, acrylic copolymers) from various substrates
✓ Cleaning of synthetic coatings from heritage materials
✓ Thinning of aged acrylic protective layers
How to use
Preparation: Shake the bottle vigorously before use to ensure emulsion homogeneity. For milder action, dilute with deionised water up to 15 mL per 100 mL while maintaining stability.
Application: Soak a cotton swab with Hydromek™. Apply with gentle circular movements on the surface. Do not leave in prolonged contact.
Removal: Wipe with a clean, dry cotton swab.
Important: Always perform a preliminary test on an inconspicuous area. Do not apply on surfaces sensitive to polar solvents without prior assessment.
Environmental profile — Life Cycle Assessment
LCA analysis (cradle-to-gate, ISO 14040/14044) per kilogram of product.
Climate change: −20 % vs pure MEK
Human toxicity: −20 % vs pure MEK
The reduction is primarily driven by the replacement of approximately 30–50 % of the organic solvent with water, which carries negligible environmental burden across most impact categories.
Advantages over pure MEK
| Parameter | Pure MEK | Hydromek™ |
| Overall LCA impact | Reference (100 %) | < 80 % (reduction > 20 %) |
| VOC emissions during use | High | Significantly reduced |
| Odour during application | Strong, pungent | Reduced |
| Fire risk | High (flash point −9 °C) | Reduced |
| Solvent consumption per m² | Reference (100 %) | Reduced |
| Dilutability | Partially miscible with water | Dilutable with water |
| Selectivity | Good (acrylics) | Equivalent |
| Surface residues | None | None |
| Evaporation rate | Reference | Comparable |
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Appearance | Translucent emulsion |
| pH (aqueous phase) | 6.0–7.5 |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.83–0.90 g/mL |
| Viscosity (25 °C) | 3–12 mPa·s |
| Stability (25 °C) | > 6 months |
| Residues after evaporation | None |
| Evaporation rate | Comparable to pure MEK |
| Maximum dilution | 15 mL water per 100 mL product |
Safety & compliance
Despite the improved risk profile, the following precautions are recommended: nitrile gloves, safety goggles, adequate ventilation. In confined spaces, use a Type A filter mask (organic vapours). Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources (5–35 °C). Dispose according to local regulations for waste containing organic solvents.
Hazard statements: H225, H319, H336, EUH066. Signal word: DANGER.
Full Safety Data Sheet available for download: SDS_HYDROACETONE_EN | SDS_HYDROACETONE_IT
Packaging: 250 mL — 500 mL — 1 000 mL (HDPE). Shelf life: 12 months.
For professional use only.
