DOWSIL™ R40 Universal Sealant Preparation Cleaner - 100ml

Dowsil R40 Universal Sealant Preparation Cleaner is a specially formulated solvent blend designed to clean a wide range of substrates commonly used in bonding applications. It is particularly effective for preparing surfaces in structural glazing, insulating glass systems, windows and doors, and various other sealing applications. The cleaner is highly versatile and efficiently removes contaminants like oils, dust, dirt, and grease from common materials such as glass, metal profiles, plastics, and other non-porous substrates. By ensuring these surfaces are thoroughly clean, Dowsil R40 helps improve the adhesion and longevity of sealants, making it an essential product for achieving reliable and durable bonds in various industries.

• Easy to apply and highly effective
• Quick evaporation
• Perfect for use before Geocel & Dowsil sealants and adhesives

Dowsil R40 Universal Sealant Preparation Cleaner ensures that surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and properly prepared for durable bonding applications. Effective surface cleaning is a critical precondition for achieving reliable and long-lasting sealant adhesion, and a meticulous cleaning procedure is necessary to guarantee optimal results.

The recommended cleaning method is the Two-Cloth Cleaning Method, a proven technique for preparing non-porous substrates such as glass, metal, and plastics before sealant application. Using this method helps ensure that all contaminants—such as oils, grease, dirt, and dust—are effectively removed, maximizing the performance of the sealant.

Two-Cloth Cleaning Method Procedure:

• Prepare the Surface: Begin by brushing away any loose debris from the surfaces to be cleaned.
• Prepare the Solvent: Pour a small amount of Dowsil R40 Cleaner into a clean container, avoiding direct use from the original bottle.
• Clean with First Cloth: Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with the cleaner and wipe down the joint surfaces with sufficient pressure to remove all visible dirt and contaminants.
• Dry with Second Cloth: Immediately follow up with a second clean, dry cloth to wipe the cleaned surface. The drying cloth should be used while the solvent is still wet to ensure that no residue is left behind. Check the cloth to ensure contaminants are removed—if the cloth is still dirty, repeat the cleaning step with a new cloth until the cloth stays clean.
• Allow Drying: Let the surface air dry for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on temperature and humidity, to allow all solvents to evaporate before sealant application.
• Sealant Application: Apply the sealant within 4 hours after the cleaning process to ensure maximum adhesion.

By following this method, you ensure that substrates are clean, dry, and ready for the application of silicone sealants, resulting in a stronger, more durable bond.

Containers should be securely closed when not in use. This product must be stored in a warehouse designated for flammable materials. When kept in its original, unopened container and stored at temperatures between 5°C and 30°C, the product has a shelf life of 4 years from the date of manufacture.

Q. Is DOWSIL™ R40 safe to use on porous surfaces?

A. While DOWSIL™ R40 is effective on non-porous surfaces, for porous materials, it may not remove contaminants as efficiently. Use mechanical cleaning methods like a wire brush or sanding disc for porous substrates.

Q. Can I use DOWSIL™ R40 with any type of sealant?

Yes, DOWSIL™ R40 is compatible with a variety of sealants, including silicone-based, polyurethane, and other types commonly used in bonding and sealing applications.

Delivery

All orders placed on a working day before 3pm will be dispatched on the same day for next working day delivery. Orders placed before 3pm on Friday will be delivered on Monday (excluding bank holidays). Orders placed on weekends and Bank Holidays will be dispatched on the next working day. All orders have a charge of £3.99 for express delivery. We strongly suggest customers avoid booking tradespeople until they receive their order. Next Day Paint will not be held liable for any costs incurred due to order processing errors, delivery delays, or other issues that may result in financial loss.

Special Delivery

You can now choose some special delivery options. 

• AM Delivery: Get your order by 2pm
  If placed on a working day before 3pm, the AM Delivery will be dispatched on the same day for Next Working Day delivery. 
  Orders placed before 3pm on Friday will be delivered on Monday AM (excluding bank holidays). Orders placed on weekends and Bank Holidays will be dispatched on the next working day for delivery on the following AM. All orders have a charge of £12.99 for AM delivery.

• Late Cut-Off: Get an extra hour to place your order for Next Working Day delivery.
  Orders placed on a working day before 4pm will be dispatched on the same day for Next Working Day delivery. 
  Orders placed before 4pm on Friday will be delivered on Monday (excluding bank holidays). Orders placed on weekends and Bank Holidays will be dispatched on the next working day. All orders have a charge of £5.99 for Late Cut-Off delivery.

• Saturday Delivery: Get your order on Saturday
  Option available on Fridays. Orders placed on Friday before 3pm will be delivered on Saturday. All orders have a charge of £9.95 for Saturday delivery.

Exceptions

We do not deliver to the Channel Islands or the Republic of Ireland

Certain postcodes delivery times and charges may vary please head to the cart to see your available delivery options.

Returns

We offer a 14 day money back guarantee for all goods shipped correctly that are not required. If the item is not required, please send the item back for a full refund in its original condition, unused with its original packaging. Please note return for unwanted item is at your own expense.

Contact us as soon as possible to inform us you will be returning the product either by the contact form below or by calling our team on 0161 960 0217.

Please note any bespoke or mixed to order items can not be returned, if you are unsure this is your product please check the listing or contact us for details. 

We always recommend getting samples or contacting us for free of charge colourcharts. We do our best to represent colours as accurately as possible however screens variations and different surfaces can alter this. Unfortunately in the event you do not like the colour we are unable to accept the product back if they it has been opened.

Damaged Paint

Please visit our damages page where we can help resolve the issue for you. 

Incorrect Item

We will be happy to organise an exchange for the correct goods at no extra charge to yourself, please get in touch to organise this.

Faulty Items

If you find a fault with your product, we can offer a full refund or exchange within 30 days. We test every product that is returned to us, sadly if a product is found to have no fault we cannot refund this and the you will be given the option to have this returned to you. Please get in touch to discuss these options. If you find fault after 30 days of purchase you may wish to contact the manufacturer directly as they will be able to offer support with the product.