How Long Does EM6000 Last . . . ?

[Jeff Hamilton Jr.]

I ordered a gallon of EM6000 about 3 years ago, and then never opened it. It has been sitting in my garage ever since. The temperature ranges in Central California are anywhere from a low of about 30 to a high of 106.

Do I just throw the can out (environmentally correct, of course ), or is there a chance it is still good?

How will I know?

Thanks in advance to you experts!

[sheldon pettit]

I ordered a gallon of EM6000 about 3 years ago, and then never opened it. It has been sitting in my garage ever since. The temperature ranges in Central California are anywhere from a low of about 30 to a high of 106.

Do I just throw the can out (environmentally correct, of course ), or is there a chance it is still good?

How will I know?

Thanks in advance to you experts!

That all depends Jeff, if the 30 degree mark was the high for the period and the material had frozen then the chances are high that is no longer usable, you can open and see if it has become stringy or a mass of resin is present instead of a uniform material once stirred, then it is bad. final determinations would be using it and garnering the results as to what they normally would be.

[John Gregory]

This is from Jeff Weiss at Target coatings


As for post-12 month shelf life, unless the material has been subjected to extreme temperature swings, or if the lids have been left open, you will have good performance past 18 months. After 18 months there will be some defoamer tail off and a possible increase in viscosity.

JW"

[Scott Holmes]

I would make sure it is well mixed then test it and see what you get. It may be fine, it may not harden... If it doesn't look right after mixing lumpy, etc. I'd toss it.

[Jim Becker]

I agree with Scott...test it out. Mix it well, strain properly into your gun's container and spray away on a reasonable size panel. Do several coats just as you would with a project and see how it lays down and cures. If it works well, use it "soon". If not...chalk it up as being a bit long in the tooth and don't replace until you're ready to shoot.

[Jeff Hamilton Jr.]

Thank you all! I really appreciate the input. So much for irrational exuberance! Next time I will wait, Jim . . . no matter how good the "sale!"