shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

[Patrick A McGuire]

I'm doing a small floor repair in a 14' runabout and was told to buy 5 gallons of resin since by the gallon it's more expensive.

I will have another boat to repair after this one but not until at least next spring. And hopefully just as small, even with the transom replacement.

If I have any product left over, how long will it last?

 

[moosemiester]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

Epoxy resin lasts a few years if kept tightly sealed. Biggest challenge is that the mixing pumps can get sticky/sluggish.

The clear coat resin will tend to yellow slightly after a year or two.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

The listed shelf life for most polyester resin is 120 days, but some products age much better than others. It may last that long.....but it may not, I think I'd wait and buy more when you need it.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

I had a gallon that was left for a few months and I needed plyers to get the top off. It appeared to have been closed properly and I should have just thrown it out but nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. The tight wade in me said just one more application and now I am sanding like crazy to smooth things out. Use your own judgement.

 

[jonesg]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

Fiberglassite sells poly resin guaranteed fresh.
I'd order it 2 gals at a time, get the unwaxed type, you can add wax if you want it.

http://www.fiberglasssite.com/servlet/the-74/Premium-Polyester-Resin-1/Detail

 

[Patrick A McGuire]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

Fiberglassite sells poly resin guaranteed fresh.
I'd order it 2 gals at a time, get the unwaxed type, you can add wax if you want it.

I was told to not get waxed before, also. What's the difference?

 

[Patrick A McGuire]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

I was told to not get waxed before, also. What's the difference?

never mind. I read the info on the site. thanks

 

[jonesg]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

I have a lot of those little bottles of wax laying around,
never opened one yet.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

They say a couple of months shelf life, but I've used some several months old. No problem.

How long has it been in a warehouse before you buy it anyway?

If it has the right consistency and has been sealed airtight, should last a while.

 

[jonesg]

Re: shelf life of poly resin and other supplies

I got 2 gals off craigslist cheap, one was good the other would not cure.
Both cans were a bit rusty, at least a year old or more.

The bad one I just mix with good resin and it works, I think theres a chemical retardant that ages , maybe cobalt.