The main application for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is as a low boiling solvent for nitrocellulose, acrylic and vinyl surface coatings. Over half of global MEK demand is derived form the paints and and coatings industry. MEK can also be used in rubber-based industrial cements and printing inks. Its fast evaporation rate makes it popular for rubber-based industrial cements, low temperature bonding agents and as an azeotropic separation solvent for printing inks. It is also a component of the solvent system used in producing magnetic tape.