Wondering what the shelf life of un-used primer and/or paint is. Specifically I have a bunch of different stuff in my shop. Had for a while, some never cracked open, most of the converters, hardners and reducers still have the seals on them. Went out today and broke open the VariPrime 615S, well it's settled - pile of sludge at the bottom. Is it salvageable?

I haven't checked my paints (BC/CC & SS) or my ultra productive epoxies yet.

Let me know if I should be storing/caring for these differently and if I can salvage any by way of mechanical agitator at a paint shop.

Thanks

the paints and reducers will be ok to use but the hardeners have a very limited shelf life even when sealed and if you try using them if they're bad you spray it on and it never drys then you've got a major MESS

TTT

I bought a bunch of paint for a 55' Belair I got in High School. It is all Acrylic Laquer (7-8) pints of Candy Apple Brand Vermillion Red and a gallon of GM Corvette Silver for Base, also have 2-4 pints of Brand STAR PEARL white. All is sealed and in my fathers shop and it is 19 years old. Does is have any chance of being of use? Or is it just TOXIC WASTE? Thanks

If you shake up the can and still hear the paint sloshing around it's a good sign!! :) My dad has some automotive paint in a gallon from about 20 years ago that still "sounds" ok but i dare not open it till i "attempt" to use it. It's funny some paint over years of time is ok and others tend to turn gummy after a while. As long as it's not mixed with hardner yet there is a chance it could still be saved, or some of it saved.

Originally posted by cdowns
the paints and reducers will be ok to use but the hardeners have a very limited shelf life even when sealed and if you try using them if they're bad you spray it on and it never drys then you've got a major MESS

Learn how to read the batch code on your favorite brand of paint, I think you will be amazed at how old some of it when YOU first get it. :) I have seen stuff on shelves that are 10 years old!

If it is sealed, it't shelf life is almost forever! Hardeners, I agree are not nearly as long but MANY years is normal. If the hardener is opened, a few months.

If the hardener is opened, a few months.

it seems like every time i use the dupont Hypercure clears that the hardener, once opened, only lasts a week. i usually get harderer in half pint containers so i dont lost too much when it dries up.