Cleaning and surface prep. Dow DOWSIL OS-2 Silicone Cleaner and Surface Prep Solvent is a volatile methyl siloxane used to clean equipment, prep surfaces, remove residues, and dilute silicones. Contaminated surfaces cleaned with the fluid can subsequently be coated or bonded because the fluid evaporates completely, leaving the surface ready for the next step.
Composition and behavior. OS-2 is an ozone-safe, non-ozone-depleting, VOC-exempt silicone cleaner for plastics and metals. It is odorless, non-VOC, has low surface tension, and evaporates at room temperature. Its low surface tension helps it reach and lift oils, silicone-based car wax, protectants, and other contaminants from surfaces.
Regulatory fit and versatility. Because it meets environmental regulations, OS-2 can be used across food-processing, transportation, and industrial markets. Beyond cleaning, it is useful for rinsing parts after cleaning with stronger agents, impregnating wipes where more aggressive solvents cannot be used, and replacing organic fluids as carriers in some industrial processes.
Handling notes. Cleaning is most effective when the surface is thoroughly wetted so soils can be lifted and carried away as the fluid evaporates. As a volatile silicone solvent it should be used with appropriate ventilation, and empty containers may contain hazardous residues, so disposal must follow local, state, and federal regulations. Review the Safety Data Sheet before use.
Recommended For
Cleaning equipment and removing residues
Surface preparation before coating or bonding
Removing oils, silicone-based car wax, and protectants
Rinsing parts after cleaning with stronger agents
Diluting silicones and replacing organic carrier fluids
Available Variants
OS-2 SIL SOLVENT 2.9KG — 2.9 kg pail
OS-2 SIL SOLVNT 14.7KG — 14.7 kg pail
Both variants are the same clear OS-2 solvent and differ only in fill size, with the 14.7 kg pail suited to higher-volume cleaning operations and the 2.9 kg pail to smaller or intermittent use.
Product Details
Product type: Volatile methyl siloxane cleaning and surface-prep solvent
Appearance: Clear
Odor: Odorless
VOC status: Non-VOC / VOC-exempt
Environmental note: Ozone-safe and non-ozone-depleting; meets environmental regulations
Key properties: Low surface tension; evaporates at room temperature
Container sizes: 2.9 kg pail; 14.7 kg pail
Primary Industries
Food processing
Transportation
Industrial manufacturing
Electronics and surface-preparation operations
Standards and Certifications
Described by Dow as ozone-safe, non-ozone-depleting, and VOC-exempt; no formal third-party certification stated by the source
FAQs
What is DOWSIL OS-2 used for?
OS-2 is a volatile methyl siloxane solvent used to clean equipment, prepare surfaces, remove residues, and dilute silicones. It removes oils, silicone-based car wax, and protectants from plastics and metals, and because it evaporates completely, cleaned surfaces can then be coated or bonded without leaving interfering residue behind.
Is OS-2 environmentally friendly?
Dow describes OS-2 as ozone-safe, non-ozone-depleting, and VOC-exempt, and states it meets environmental regulations, which is why it can be used across food-processing, transportation, and industrial markets. It is also odorless and non-VOC. As always, confirm suitability against your local regulations and the Safety Data Sheet.
Does OS-2 leave residue after it dries?
No. OS-2 is a volatile fluid with low surface tension that evaporates at room temperature, so surfaces are left clean and dry. That clean evaporation is what allows treated parts to be subsequently coated or bonded. Allow adequate evaporation time before moving to the next process step.
Can OS-2 be used where harsher solvents are not allowed?
Yes. Dow notes it is useful for rinsing parts after cleaning with stronger agents and for impregnating wipes in applications where more aggressive solvents cannot be used. Its mildness and regulatory fit make it a practical choice for sensitive substrates and controlled environments where solvent selection is restricted.
What is the difference between the 2.9 kg and 14.7 kg pails?
Both pails contain the identical clear OS-2 solvent with the same properties and performance; only the fill size differs. Choose the 14.7 kg pail for higher-volume or continuous cleaning operations, and the 2.9 kg pail for smaller lines, intermittent use, or lower-throughput needs. Selection is purely about consumption.
