Epoxy Shelf Life Questions

Bill Burruss

Bill Burruss

Well-known member
All,
Started a Devlin Cackler build in 2015 but stopped working on it right after flipping. Our U.S. Composites Epoxy has been sitting in a dark, unheated/uncooled detached garage in North Alabama, so it gets fairly warm. I was getting ready to sheath this Sunday and decided to check the U.S. Composites web site tonight, and they say the shelf life on their epoxy is 1 year from purchase. Anyone know if it is the hardener or resin that goes bad, or how to tell? I was doing some final "hole" patching/filling tonight before reading the warning and the epoxy/wood flour I mix seamed to have started curing, as expected. Anyone know how to tell if the hardener or resin is going bad? Sure would hate to get the thing sheathed and find out something went wrong. Think I'll go mix a test shot.....

Thanks,
Bill
 
I can say that I have used there 3:1 that is more than a year old.. I think it crystalizes when it exceeds the shelf life .... Or maybe that is just the the foam...
 
Have used west system for years. Hardner turned dark, spoke to tech rep and was told to warm it. turned lighter and bonded well. Don't think I would use it on anything high tech.
Do a test with scraps or call tech support.
 
Phil,
Thanks. Test last night started to set in about 20 min, was hard this morning when I got up- full speed ahead.

v/r
Bill
 
Thanks- my test batch (as well as the fairing I did on the hull) all cured fine, so I am moving ahead. Lot's of info on the internet about this- looks like most epoxy companies say shelf life of 2-3 years, but there is lots of anecdotal info on people using 10+ year old with no problem
 
I am using some MAS to redo the bottom of my Poleboat that I think is from 2000 and the only problem is there isn't enough to go around so I need to go shopping tomorrow. It set up fine.
 
Tom,
Thanks. Believe I remember you posting some pics of your poleboat on the old forum- boy, time sure does fly!
 
Yes it does. My fleet is down to one now so I can give er the full attention she deserves, subject to change at any time. heehee.
 
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