epoxy- opened shelf life

[Steve Tiedman]

I just bought some new JB Weld clear epoxy. Their website says a shelf life of 3 years for all of their epoxies. It says nothing about it being factory sealed nor opened. JB Weld of New Zealand says 25 years! Huh?

If I keep the bottles sealed, in a climate controlled shop, out of direct sun, etc, will this kit last, opened, longer than 3 years? In reality, this two 4oz bottle kit will probably last me 3-5 years, but it is far more economical than squeeze tubes or syringes.

Thanks.

 

[Lou Jacobs]

I have some West System epoxy from my boatbuilding days. Probably 20 years old. The hardener has yellowed a bit, but it works fine. They say if the uncatalyzed resin starts to get thicker, it can be warmed in warm water bath.

 

[JeffSmith]

I have some West System epoxy from my boatbuilding days. Probably 20 years old. The hardener has yellowed a bit, but it works fine. They say if the uncatalyzed resin starts to get thicker, it can be warmed in warm water bath.

Me too. That stuff seems to last forever. Had to warm it up before using it last time - resin had thickened up a bit after sitting around in the shop for a couple of decades…

 

[Dean Center]

I'm with Jeff.

 

[John K Jordan]

Had to warm it up before using it last time - resin had thickened up a bit after sitting around in the shop for a couple of decades…

Same here - had turned in to thick gel. I called West support, said the same thing - put the plastic bottle into bowl of hot water until it's usable. Doesn't affect the strength.

JKJ

 

[Steve Tiedman]

Okay, good. Now, West is probably recognized as a/the premier epoxy manufacturer, but it's not on the shelf of the local hardware store. And I'd have to think JB Weld is is good stuff, too. I know nothing about epoxy chemisty, if, for the most part, most consumer and general light industrial grade epoxies may be pretty much the same recipies(?). I'll just go with what I bought, and if it goes to crap in the bottle after 3 years, it will have been an $18 lesson learned. Thanks.

 

[JeffSmith]

West System is a great company to deal with. Their products are top of the line, but, equally important, they provide the most (and arguably the best) information on how to use epoxies for best results in many woodworking applications. You can spend hours or months going through what they offer free on the web.

 

[Steve Tiedman]

Thanks Jeff, I'll peruse their info offerings.

 

[Neil S]

+1 for West System epoxy

I buy the epoxy in 1Ltr bottles (105) and the fast hardener (205) in 200ml bottles. I decant from those into 100ml syringes with mil markings on them from which I do the dispensing in 5:1 ratio. I take care to avoid cross contamination between my stock bottles, as that can start the epoxy setting, but am less fussy about the 100ml syringes. I have had some epoxy and harder bottles for a decade, but occasionally discard syringes that have become messy.

 

[Gregory Hickman]

+1 for West System epoxy

I buy the epoxy in 1Ltr bottles (105) and the fast hardener (205) in 200ml bottles. I decant from those into 100ml syringes with mil markings on them from which I do the dispensing in 5:1 ratio. I take care to avoid cross contamination between my stock bottles, as that can start the epoxy setting, but am less fussy about the 100ml syringes. I have had some epoxy and harder bottles for a decade, but occasionally discard syringes that have become messy.

Have you considered smaller syringes for the hardener (20ml)?

Gregory