Epoxy Shelf Life

[Jazz]

A friend of mine lost his garage in a divorce a couple years ago, and as a result now has enough epoxy purchased for his garage which he's willing to give me free of charge. The expoxy is about 3 years old and was never openned. So, now it's mine for free if I want it. The thing is I'm a little worried to do an epoxy install if the material degraded over time and will not perform well. I don't know the brand as yet but will have a better idea in a day or two.

Any thoughts on the shelf life for a 2 part expoxy?

 

[Hammerdown]

Most should have at least a 1 year shelf life. If the pigmented portion will mix up and provide a uniform color, you should be alright. If there is a yellow, oily liquid on the surface that can't be re-incorporated, then I wouldn't use it. Once you find out the manufacturer you can give them a call to be sure.

 

[AlphaGarage]

We guaranty 12 months, but I know of cases where it's been longer than 3 years.

 

[Jazz]

Thanks. I'm wondering if maybe I should run a test patch before mixing the whole lot. I'll definitely check with the manufacturer.

 

[Hammerdown]

...I know of cases where it's been longer than 3 years.

Ditto. I have used material this old and older, but have taken care in its storage as well, which may make a difference.

 

[ishiboo]

Thanks. I'm wondering if maybe I should run a test patch before mixing the whole lot. I'll definitely check with the manufacturer.

Definitely do this. Forget checking with the manufacturer - the shelf life for most epoxies I see is listed as 1 year. Like others, I have had good success using it far past that in adhesive applications.

Make sure you bring it indoors and let it come up to room temperature if you're going to test it this year, and try it on a warm surface. Also, make sure the pigment part is thoroughly mixed before trying to mix everything, often times the pigment settles. (As another poster mentioned.)

I buy the adhesive kind by the 1.5 gallon kit and it sat fine through our winter last year, needs to be room-temp+ to use though!

 

[regguy1]

I bought 4 2 part kits in Aug 2006 and didn't install until July 2010...nearly 3 years, and they were fine. I did store them in the basement where they didn't freeze or got hot. No problems to this day.

Here's the thread on that finished floor project:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66867

 

[V-10 Killer]

I did have one case of waiting too long.
I bought some epoxy that was a medium to dark blue in late fall, but didn't get a chance to put it down until spring. When I opened the can in the spring, the whole bottom half of the color part had set up. The manufacturer told me that there was issues with some type of acid (I could swear they said citric lol) reacting and wrecking it after a few months. They sent me a can free of charge to make up for it. This was only with the blue though, never had any problems with the gray mixing up.
Careful where you put the test patch, if it doesn't cure, you could have some problems there getting it to coat later.

Good luck

 

[rugerlady]

We have a policy about this. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to get the Part A replaced for the shipping cost. The part A is what will harden. If it has been kept fairly warm, it may still be good, if it is thick, you could try warming it up in a laundry tub of HOT water, this may help bring it back to a liquid state. Make sure you pour it out of the original container, it could have a inch or two hardened at the bottom.