Ethyl Acetate is a neutral colorless liquid with a faint and pleasant fruity odor. It is miscible in all proportions with the common organic solvents. Ethyl Acetate is an excellent solvent for nitrocellulose, cellulose ethers, celluloid, chlorinated rubber, some natural resins and numerous synthetic resins e.g. polyvinyl acetates, polyacrylates, polystyrene (coatings) and alkyd resins as well as plasticizers, fats, waxes and oils. A mixture of Ethyl acetate and 20% ethanol is a good solvent for cellulose acetate.
The following substances are insoluble: Rubber, bitumen, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl carbazole, polyvinyl chloride (not post-chlorinated) and some natural resins e.g. elemi, shellac, dammar and congo copal.

The main uses of Ethyl Acetate are in the manufacture of a variety of coating formulations such as epoxies, urethanes, cellulosics, acrylics and vinyls. Applications for these coatings are numerous including nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate lacquers, varnishes and shellacs for wood furniture and fixtures, auto refinishing, decorating ceramic objects, and architectural coatings for interiors and exteriors. It is a solvent component in adhesives, in spread-coating compounds for artificial leather, and in cleaners (paint solvents or thinners). Ethyl Acetate may be used as a solvent for the isocyanate component of catalyzed lacquers. Due to its low toxicity and agreeable odor, Ethyl Acetate has applications as a solvent in inks for flexographic and rotogravure printing, where its main function is to dissolve the resin, control the viscosity and modify the drying rate. Ethyl acetate can also be used for preparing wool fabrics for dying. It may be used in organic syntheses (esters, drugs), and as an extraction solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals and foods. Ethyl Acetate may also be used as a gelling agent in the manufacture of powder, in the manufacture of essences and perfumes, as a denaturant, as an auxiliary in the manufacture of glazed and transparent paper, and as an additive to polishes. In the construction sector, Ethyl Acetate may be used as a hardener for the alkali-sodium silicate stabilizer (alkali silicates) employed in soil stabilization by the soil injection technique.

Information provided by Celanese Corporation.