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. 

Delivery of Tinted Products - Tinted paints are dispatched in line with our express order process, shown below. However, due to their bespoke nature, please allow up to an additional 5 working days to accommodate any potential courier delays or delivery issues before receiving a refund or replacement.

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.

Delivery Options

Express Shipping - £3.99

Order by: 3pm, Monday - Sunday

Expected delivery: Next working day, 8am - 9pm

Orders placed on weekends or bank holidays will be dispatched on the next working day for delivery on the following day

AM Delivery - £12.99

Order by: 2pm, Monday - Sunday

Expected delivery: Next working day by 2pm

Orders placed on weekends or bank holidays will be dispatched on the next working day for delivery on the following AM

Late Cut-Off - £5.99

Order by: 4pm, Monday - Friday 

Expected delivery: Next working day, 8am - 9pm

Orders placed on weekends or bank holidays will be dispatched on the next working day for delivery on the following day

Saturday Delivery - £9.95

Order by: 2pm, Friday 

Expected delivery: Saturday, 8am - 9pm

Standard Delivery (Out of Zone Postcodes Only) - £6.99

Order by: 3pm, Monday - Sunday 

Expected delivery:  3-5  working days, 8am - 9pm

Orders placed on weekends or bank holidays will be dispatched on the next working day for delivery on the following day

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 a contact form or by calling our team on 0161 960 0217.

All tinted paint purchases are final and non-refundable. If you're unsure about your selection, please refer to the product listing or contact us for guidance before ordering. Once mixed, tinted paints cannot be returned or refunded, regardless of delivery delays or changes in circumstances.

While we aim to meet delivery timelines, we are not responsible for delays caused by couriers, weather, or other external factors.

We recommend ordering samples or colour charts before purchasing. While we strive to represent colours accurately, screen settings and surface types can affect appearance. Opened tins cannot be returned due to dissatisfaction with colour.

For non-tinted products, we offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. Items must be returned unused, in original condition and packaging, at your own expense.

Damaged Paint

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

Incorrect Item

If we have sent you a different item from what you ordered, 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

Faulty items can be refunded or exchanged within 30 days. All returns are tested, and if no fault is found, no refund will be issued you'll have the option to have the item returned. For faults discovered after 30 days, please contact the manufacturer for further support.