2K Standard Activator bad

[Dean Jenkins]

You can extend the shelf life of opened activators by getting a blanket of inert gas over the material.
Can use Mig welder tip (Argon heavier than air and works great) or this spray can stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Bloxygen-Preserver-Store-Preservation-System/dp/B07PN45KW2/

 

[crashtech]

Good info, but the activator isn't bad. The problem might be that the OP is accidentally introducing errors into the mixing process.

Bad activator would present as "sand" in the applied primer and/or soft cure.

 

[MJM]

You can extend the shelf life of opened activators by getting a blanket of inert gas over the material.
Can use Mig welder tip (Argon heavier than air and works great) or this spray can stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/Bloxygen-Preserver-Store-Preservation-System/dp/B07PN45KW2/

Learned something new today.

Thanks,

 

[Dean Jenkins]

Good info, but the activator isn't bad. The problem might be that the OP is accidentally introducing errors into the mixing process.

Bad activator would present as "sand" in the applied primer and/or soft cure.

Yep, I was tracking that. Just offered up the info so "bad activator" can be minimized in the future for others.

 

[MikeK]

And,
I store ALL my plastic screw on top products after opening, activators,kk toners,etc in the slide lock plastic bags with as much air squeezed out remaining before finish sealing. Anything to keep Air away helps.

 

[Whitesnake]

Yes bad activator get “seedy” and slows curing times. Gotta be the mixing cups are off or user error.

 

[dreiher2]

I have been unable to do any body work until yesterday. I tested the fresh(er) 2K activator. I mixed it exactly the same was as before. I stirred it for about 4 or 5 minutes. Then, it stayed sprayable in the cup for at least 20 minutes! I shot some CO2/Argon in the top of the container before closing it.

The problem was the original Activator was opened a year prior, and I did not shoot any CO2/Argon in it when I used a small amount. If I had not opened it, my guess it that it would have worked fine.

- Don

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

I have been unable to do any body work until yesterday. I tested the fresh(er) 2K activator. I mixed it exactly the same was as before. I stirred it for about 4 or 5 minutes. Then, it stayed sprayable in the cup for at least 20 minutes! I shot some CO2/Argon in the top of the container before closing it.

The problem was the original Activator was opened a year prior, and I did not shoot any CO2/Argon in it when I used a small amount. If I had not opened it, my guess it that it would have worked fine.

- Don

Activator gets weaker not stronger over time. The problem was with the mix. Either the mixing cup was off, you were trying to mix too small an amount etc.
Glad it's working OK for you now.