Shelf life questions.

jtfx6552

Member
I had to move in the middle of my restoration. I didn’t expect it would take 6 years to get my new garage set up, but here we are.

I have a lot of money in primer, seam sealer, single stage, filler. Question is, what is till safe to use?

I got new activator for my SPI epoxy.

Do I need new activator for the 2K?

What about the PPG? Just new hardener or?
I was going to use Eastwood on some suspension components because I had some much trouble flattening things, is that still usable?

What about Rage Extreme and slick sand?
 

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Was it stored where it would freeze/thaw and/or high heat? I always keep my same items in a cabinet in a room that stays 55-75 degrees year round. That said I’ve used single stage and hardener that was 25 years old with no problems. It was SW single stage and I used it on a toolbox. Was surprised. Other than things settling and needing a good stir I have used similar items around 6 years old. The catalyst/activators are what you worry about. I’ve found them hardened in their containers (sometimes). If you use these items often enough to know when it looks “off” that helps. Get some plastic honey to revitalize your filler if it seems too thick. Probably will find the tube hardener for the filler separated. Knead the tube and see what you got. I’d test the primers, etc on old fender etc before putting them on something that matters
 
Speaking from experience, I wouldn't trust 6 year old filler, especially the hardener. Both of those products have an expiration date. The expiration date on the hardener can be found on the bottom seam of the tube.
 
Page 36 of the tech manual will answer a lot of your questions. I know it sucks throwing away a lot of money, but it will suck a lot worse if any bad material causes problems after you are finished. A lot of the products that are unopened, and not hardener, are probably fine if they were kept at a reasonable temperature. Filler hardener is definitely no good. Slicksand will go bad in the can with time, and the hardener for it I wouldn't use. 2K and color hardeners are probably too old to take a chance with, IMO. Color and reducers are fine. I wouldn't use any of it without testing on a scrap panel first.
 
I have also used products that are a decade old or more without any issues.
You do have to get them properly mixed again, which if you use a stir stick like me, takes quite a while. Also, be sure to look at your activators, make sure there is no evidence of crystals or solids in there.
As already mentioned you can test spray on a panel to make sure everything looks normal and adheres well.

Generally if something is wrong, you will notice it while stirring.
 
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