DES PLAINES, IL — Kester will hike prices on many of its fluxes, thinners and other chemical products in response to rising costs for raw materials used in chemical products.

The move is effective Oct. 15.

Kester said today that raw materials costs have risen 64% in the past year and 100% since the beginning of 2004. Of particular note are alcohol solvents and oils.

In a statement Kester said it is raising prices for all chemical products that are alcohol-based or oil-based -- 58  in all.

Dave Torp, vice president of marketing and business development, said, “Kester has tried to hold off on this price adjustment for months, but the petroleum-based products do not appear to be rebounding to 2003 levels."

Products that do not contain alcohols or oils, including VOC-free fluxes, will not be affected.