Using old SPI Red base

D

Derek240

New Member
Hi
I have about a half a gallon of SPI red base that is 10 yers old. It's been well sealed and is still liquid with no skin/chunks. I'm getting ready to paint my car again and was wondering if I can buy a quart of red and add it to what I have or am I being pent wise pound foolish.

Thanks
Derek
 
Honestly, I relegate that stuff to junkish projects and do what you describe.

Maybe I'm too careful, but the idea of ruining a beautiful project because I was trying to cheap out at the end scares me. I use about a 2 year max shelf life for anything.
 
It would probably be OK but don't mix in any new just yet. Most shops it's pretty much standard practice to store leftover base, I've used some that was at least 5 years old in the past. What I would do is mix a small amount and spray as a test. If it sprays OK and lays out it's probably OK. 10 years is a long time though so if there is any doubt, get some fresh stuff. But test it first, clear it, let it set a few days and see how it looks.
 
I think I might use base that old, but only because I know I keep my shop climate controlled at all times. If that base has been through any big temperature swings, it could easily be junk now.
 
i had a car painted in 2003, and the guy gave me about 10oz of already reduced paint he had left over. it sat in the can in all kinds of climate but never froze. in about 2021 i decided to use it on a project and the outside of the can was rusted pretty bad but the inside was like new. the paint sprayed fine. i dont know that i would have used it on an actual car, but it was for some wall art. so, almost 20yr old reduced paint...just an interesting factoid
 
Chris_Hamilton said:
It would probably be OK but don't mix in any new just yet. Most shops it's pretty much standard practice to store leftover base, I've used some that was at least 5 years old in the past. What I would do is mix a small amount and spray as a test. If it sprays OK and lays out it's probably OK. 10 years is a long time though so if there is any doubt, get some fresh stuff. But test it first, clear it, let it set a few days and see how it looks.
Click to expand...
I have used old base many times. However, I do immediately seal the cans right after using them and keep them in a cabinet.
As Chris stated, mixing a small amount for a test spray is a good idea.
 
'68 Coronet R/T said:
I have used old base many times. However, I do immediately seal the cans right after using them and keep them in a cabinet.
As Chris stated, mixing a small amount for a test spray is a good idea.
Click to expand...
When I give advice here I try to err on the side of caution. I've used plenty of old base but I don't want to be the person saying go for it then something happens. More than likely it was OK but like I said I try to err on the side of caution.
 
Sprayed these back in 2015 with some Centari acrylic enamel that was about 25-30 years old at the time. Seemed to stir up fine and acted ok when activator was added so I sprayed it. Still going strong and sits outside every day. (Trailer wheels)

3107E3A7-D755-4CC9-B974-43F349EA3FDB.jpeg


As mentioned before, a test spray is recommended.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top