Shelf-life of resin

[Jets04]

I have a few gallons of resin which I have not used. They have been sitting outside for @ 1.5 years and have been exposed to extremes in temp (NJ weather). I'll be replacing the floor in my boat this spring and just want to know if I can still use them. Also, what is the proper storage procedure? Thanks

 

[CCrew]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

If it's poly glass resin, "accepted" shelf life is 6 months. Some will spec a year, but very rarely Less if stored near a heat source. <br /><br />Proper storage procedure is room temp, sealed, preferably not in a bright light source. With poly, the fresher the better. Standard rule of thumb is to only buy what you'll use in 6 months.<br /><br />Epoxies have a longer accepted life. Considering it's age, and the fact it has been through numerous thermal cycles, I'd say it's worthless<br /><br />-Roger

 

[Jets04]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

Thanks for the quick response!

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

I'll second that... Junk it!

 

[Terry H]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

I also fine that with old resin it's easier to dispose if I catalyze it, in a safe place with the old catalyst that I also have left...normally takes a lot of old catalyst to harden old resin...just a Thought

 

[CTD]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

IMHO maybe it isn't as good as it was but you should at least be able to use it for sealing the underside and possibly glassing the floor but use new stuff for the structural parts and around the edges. I recently used some from a can that was 10 or more years old, the bottom had rusted out and was leaking so I turned it upside down and duct taped it. I used it to build an air intake for my truck. It was a little thick but is working fine and looks and feels normal. I used new hardner.

 

[BillP]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

I just did a fast search and found from 3 months to 24 months advertised for poly resin shelf life.

 

[airman]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

The best thing to do is to test a small sample. If you like the end result then use it.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

If it's still liquid and hasn't started to gel, (started getting the stringy consistency snot)us it. It's ok.<br /><br />c'6<br />Hooty

 

[CCrew]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

Or you can look at it from my logic...<br /><br />Is it worth finding out in 100' of water with your family on board that it wasn't as good as it should of been? High price to pay for $50 worth of resin. <br /><br />-Roger

 

[Whit]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

If it's epoxy, it will be fine. Even if they get discolored, the chemical composition doesn't change in epoxy with age. If it's not epoxy, it's probably gone bad but use it on a small test pc to see how it cures.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

What's to "go bad"? It ain't like it's gonna be water soluable and the cured properties aren't gonna change.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

been sitting outside for @ 1.5 years and have been exposed to extremes in temp (NJ weather).

I recommend you Don't take Hooty's advice......<br /><br />This stuff has been Cooking,+ Freezing for Along Time..... Polyester Will NOT Tolerate Either, Even Once.....<br />If you go ahead and use it, Just Imagine the Fun you'll have when it Doesn't Kick-off, or Harden right..... <br /><br />Trash It...... It's JUNK....

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

I have to agree with those who say not to use it. When I did my project last spring, It was still winter when I went to the boat rebuilding shop to get my bulk poly (bought the suppies in January, started rebuilding in March). I asked them if the temp mattered for storage, and I was going to keep it in an outside shed. They strongly urged me to try to keep it in an environment that provides at least a 70 degree average, or problems with curing could result. I kept it in the guest bedroom. <br /><br />In my mind, if you are going to do a floor rebuild, you are committing yourself to a serious project. No need to skimp and use a potentially bad product, even if there is a possibility that it would be fine. Just get new resin, and you'll never worry. Good luck....

 

[Hooty]

Re: Shelf-life of resin

Tya.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty