Xylene is the solvent solution for thinning and cleaning solvent-based products, ensuring correct viscosity and efficient cleanup when water-based alternatives fail.

Why this product exists

This Adheseal Xylene is specifically formulated as a thinning agent and cleaning solvent for solvent-based products. It addresses the fundamental challenge of managing viscosity and cleaning tools or spills when the primary product is water-insoluble. Unlike general surface preparation cleaners, Xylene is engineered to dissolve and dilute the specific chemistries found in many solvent-based adhesives, coatings, and sealants, ensuring their proper application and efficient cleanup.

The numbers that matter

• Flash Point: 23-27 °C. This classifies Xylene as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid, meaning it ignites readily at typical working temperatures. Understand this hazard to manage ventilation and ignition sources on site.
• Solubility in water: 0.175 Kg/M3. Its negligible water solubility confirms its role where water-based thinners or cleaners are ineffective. This property dictates its use for materials designed to resist water.
• Specific Gravity: 0.870. A lower specific gravity than water (1.0) means Xylene will float, influencing spill containment and cleanup strategies.

What it's like to use

Applying Xylene requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to its flammability and vapour. Ensure ample ventilation to control airborne concentrations. Use appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection if required by local exhaust. Always conduct a small test on a hidden area of the substrate first to confirm compatibility before full application, as Xylene can dissolve or damage some plastics, coatings, and finishes.

Where this product excels

Xylene finds its place in various trades that rely on solvent-based systems for their performance.

• Auto Body & Industrial Coatings: Effectively thins many solvent-borne paints and clears, ensuring correct spray viscosity and finish. It also cleans application equipment.
• Civil Construction & Roofing: Cleans tools and equipment exposed to solvent-based mastic adhesives, bitumen compounds, and waterproofing membranes.
• Flooring & Joinery: Used to thin solvent-based contact adhesives or clean up fresh spills from solvent-sensitive floor finishes or timber coatings.

Don't use this when

• Not for: Use near ignition sources like open flames, sparks, or hot surfaces; its low flash point means vapours can ignite easily.
• Not for: General cleaning on unknown plastics, coatings, or sensitive substrates without prior testing; it can dissolve or damage many materials.
• Not for: Surface preparation before sealant application where a fast-evaporating, non-residue cleaner like Adheseal IPA Cleaner Solvent is required to avoid contamination.
• Not for: Applications requiring extremely fast evaporation rates, such as thinning quick-drying adhesives, where Adheseal Acetone Polyurethane Adhesive may be a more suitable choice.
• Not for: Release into the environment or waterways; Xylene is toxic to aquatic life.