MELTDOWN MR-1
The Only 2-in-1 Asphalt Remover & Release Agent
One drum replaces two products. MeltDown MR-1 is a high-performance, soy-based asphalt remover that cleans cured asphalt, tar, and tack oil from equipment — and doubles as a release agent that prevents asphalt from ever sticking in the first place. Built for municipalities, paving crews, and asphalt plants that refuse to settle.

NOT ALL ASPHALT REMOVERS ARE CREATED EQUAL
Most crews are stuck choosing between petroleum-based solvents that work but trash the environment, or citrus cleaners that smell nice but can't handle the hard stuff. MeltDown MR-1 is the third option nobody knew existed — and the only one that also works as a release agent.
Petroleum / Diesel-Based
Traditional solvents, diesel fuel
- +Strong dissolving power
- +Widely available
- -Harsh fumes & VOCs
- -Environmental hazard
- -Low flash point — fire risk
- -Damages rubber & seals
- -Remover only — not a release agent
Soy-Based (MeltDown MR-1)
Crownwood Chemicals — San Antonio, TX
- +Superior penetration & dwell time
- +2-in-1: remover AND release agent
- +Soy-based & biodegradable
- +High flash point — safer jobsites
- +Non-corrosive to all surfaces
- +Won't damage paint, rubber, or chrome
- +Best per-gallon value in the industry
Citrus-Based
D-Limonene solvents, orange oil cleaners
- +Natural & biodegradable
- +Pleasant citrus scent
- -Evaporates too fast
- -Weaker on cured asphalt
- -Requires heavy dilution or repeat apps
- -Higher cost per effective gallon
- -Remover only — not a release agent
WHAT MAKES MELTDOWN MR-1 DIFFERENT
Engineered from a proprietary soy-based solvent blend, MeltDown MR-1 delivers deep penetration on hardened asphalt while leaving a protective release film that prevents future adhesion.
2-in-1 Dual Action
The only product on the market that removes existing asphalt buildup AND prevents new asphalt from bonding. One drum replaces two products on every truck.
Soy-Based Formula
Derived from American-grown soybeans. Biodegradable, low-VOC, and free of chlorinated solvents. Safer for your crew, your equipment, and the environment.
Superior Dwell Time
Unlike citrus solvents that evaporate on contact, MeltDown MR-1's soy-based formula soaks in and stays active longer — penetrating and dissolving even fully cured asphalt and tar.
High Flash Point
Engineered for safe use around hot mix asphalt operations. High flash point means reduced fire risk on active jobsites and around heated equipment.
Non-Corrosive
Safe on metal, rubber, aluminum, chrome, glass, and painted surfaces. Won't degrade hydraulic seals, hoses, or protective coatings on your equipment.
Best Price in the Industry
When one product does the job of two, the math speaks for itself. Volume pricing available for municipalities and commercial accounts with Net 30 terms.
BUILT FOR THE CREWS WHO DO THE WORK
From county road departments to large-scale paving contractors, MeltDown MR-1 handles every asphalt cleaning and release application your operation demands.
Asphalt Paving Equipment
Clean asphalt pavers, screeds, conveyors, and augers. Apply as release agent before paving to prevent buildup and reduce end-of-day cleanup time.
Dump Trucks & Trailer Beds
Spray beds before loading hot mix to prevent asphalt adhesion. Clean hardened asphalt and tar residue from beds, tailgates, and sidewalls after hauling.
Asphalt Plants & Terminals
Flush lines, clean nozzles, maintain storage tanks, and remove asphalt buildup from plant equipment. Keep your operation running without costly shutdowns.
Municipalities & DOT Operations
Ideal for city and county road maintenance crews doing patching, pothole repair, and seal coating. Soy-based formula meets environmental standards for government use.
Hand Tools & Small Equipment
Shovels, rakes, lutes, trowels, rollers, and tampers. Quick spray-on application cleans tools in minutes and leaves a release coating for the next job.
Rollers & Compactors
Prevent hot mix from sticking to steel drum rollers and rubber-tired compactors. Apply MeltDown MR-1 as a release agent to drums and tires before rolling.
TWO PRODUCTS, ONE DRUM
MeltDown MR-1 works as both an asphalt remover and a release agent depending on how you apply it. No mixing, no dilution required for most applications.
As an Asphalt Remover & Cleaner
Apply MeltDown MR-1 directly to asphalt, tar, or tack oil buildup
Allow 10–30 minutes dwell time depending on severity (longer for fully cured asphalt)
Agitate with brush or pressure washer for heavy buildup
Rinse with water — asphalt lifts and flushes away cleanly
Repeat for extreme multi-layer buildup if needed
As a Release Agent
Spray or brush a thin, even coat onto clean surfaces before contact with hot mix
Apply to truck beds, roller drums, paver screeds, tools, hoppers, and augers
Allow a light film to set — no pooling or excess needed
Load, pave, or roll as normal — asphalt releases cleanly
Reapply as needed between loads or at the start of each shift
AVAILABLE SIZES & PRICING
From single-gallon jugs for your tool trailer to 330-gallon totes for plant operations. Volume discounts and Net 30 terms available for qualified accounts.
1 GAL
Jug
5 GAL
Pail
55 GAL
Drum
330 GAL
IBC Tote
TRUSTED BY CONTRACTORS & MUNICIPALITIES
From city road departments to large-scale paving operations, MeltDown MR-1 is changing the way crews think about asphalt cleanup and prevention.
"We replaced our asphalt cleaner AND our release agent with one drum of MeltDown. Crew loves it — less product to haul, less time cleaning up at the end of the day."
"Switched from a citrus cleaner that evaporated before it could do anything. MeltDown actually soaks in and works. The soy base gives it real dwell time on hardened asphalt."
"We spray our truck beds before every load now. Asphalt slides right out — no scraping, no diesel. Saved us hours per week across our fleet."
ASPHALT REMOVER & RELEASE AGENT FAQ
Q: What is the best asphalt remover for paving equipment?
MeltDown MR-1 by Crownwood Chemicals is a soy-based 2-in-1 asphalt remover and release agent that outperforms petroleum and citrus-based cleaners. It removes cured asphalt, tar, and tack oil while also functioning as a release agent to prevent future buildup — making it the most versatile and cost-effective asphalt remover on the market.
Q: Can MeltDown MR-1 be used as both an asphalt remover and release agent?
Yes. MeltDown MR-1 is the only dual-action formula available that functions as both a heavy-duty asphalt remover for cleanup and a release agent that prevents asphalt from bonding to truck beds, pavers, rollers, and tools. One product, two jobs, one drum.
Q: Is soy-based asphalt remover better than citrus or diesel?
Soy-based formulas like MeltDown MR-1 offer superior penetration and dwell time compared to citrus solvents, which evaporate too quickly to be effective on cured asphalt. Unlike petroleum-based cleaners and diesel, soy-based removers are biodegradable, have higher flash points for safer jobsite use, and won't damage rubber, seals, or painted surfaces.
Q: What sizes does MeltDown MR-1 come in?
MeltDown MR-1 is available in 1-gallon jugs, 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, and 330-gallon IBC totes. Volume pricing and Net 30 terms are available for municipal and commercial accounts. Contact us for drum and tote pricing.
Q: Is MeltDown MR-1 safe for painted surfaces and rubber?
Absolutely. The soy-based formula is non-corrosive and safe for use on metal, rubber, painted surfaces, aluminum, chrome, and glass. It will not degrade hydraulic seals, hoses, or protective coatings on your equipment.
Q: How do I remove hardened asphalt from my paving equipment?
Apply MeltDown MR-1 directly to asphalt buildup and allow 10–30 minutes of dwell time. For heavy or fully cured asphalt, use a brush or pressure washer to agitate. Rinse with water. The soy-based formula penetrates deep and stays active longer than citrus or solvent-based cleaners, breaking the bond without damaging your equipment.
Q: How do I prevent asphalt from sticking to truck beds and rollers?
Spray a thin coat of MeltDown MR-1 onto clean truck beds, roller drums, paver screeds, and tools before contact with hot mix asphalt. The soy-based formula creates a release film that prevents adhesion, allowing asphalt to slide off cleanly — no scraping, no diesel, no secondary products needed.
Q: Where can I buy industrial-grade asphalt remover in bulk?
MeltDown MR-1 is available direct from Crownwood Chemicals in San Antonio, TX. We ship nationwide and offer volume pricing on 55-gallon drums and 330-gallon totes. Contact us at 210-792-5236 or Nate@crownwoodchemicals.com for a quote.
GET YOUR MELTDOWN MR-1 QUOTE
Whether you need a single drum or recurring tote deliveries, we'll build a quote that fits your operation. Net 30 terms available for municipalities and qualified commercial accounts.