Does Resin Have a Shelf Life?

[Junkman]

I am planning to have a go at casting a few small items for an upcoming project. I have never done this before, but read up on the basics.

Now, the smallest batch of casting resin I can buy is half a litre. This is way more than I need now. The resin is not pre-mixed. Can the rest just be stored over a lengthy period of time, or does it become unuseable after a few weeks? And if it can be stored, what are the best storage conditions? Does it have to be kept in the Kelvinator?

Edited October 24, 2011 by Junkman

[Chuck Most]

It will go bad after a while- how long that is depends on conditions. Most of the stuff I've bought says it is best kept in a cool, dry place. I know humidity will kill it pretty fast- learned that the fun way.

[shucky]

I think most quote a shelf life of about a year in a cool dry place. At least remaining in a condition that's still perfectly usable.

[Casey]

Does it have to be kept in the Kelvinator?

You're showing your age with that one.

[Aaronw]

It may vary a bit by brand, and local conditions (heat, humidity etc) but I have had no problem with resin 6 months old. I did have some around a year old that started to go funny, first some little chunks I could strain out, then later it just wouldn't set up and I had to throw it out.

They do sell cans of an inert gas (I think it is nitrogen) that is claimed to extend the life. You just add a squirt to the bottle after use to displace the air. I've never used it, but it isn't really expensive if you want to give it a try.

[timc]

I am planning to have a go at casting a few small items for an upcoming project. I have never done this before, but read up on the basics.

Now, the smallest batch of casting resin I can buy is half a litre. This is way more than I need now. The resin is not pre-mixed. Can the rest just be stored over a lengthy period of time, or does it become unuseable after a few weeks? And if it can be stored, what are the best storage conditions? Does it have to be kept in the Kelvinator?

I remember the Crosley Shelvadoor,done a real nice job of keeping things fresh.bigtim

[monkeyclaw]

I keep my bulk resin sealed up in the fridge....when i need to use it; pull it out and let it rise to room temp for a couple days....works well for me with gallon jugs...once opened; even with a pump; it will go down hill quickly..........Matt

[Junkman]

I keep my bulk resin sealed up in the fridge....when i need to use it; pull it out and let it rise to room temp for a couple days....works well for me with gallon jugs...once opened; even with a pump; it will go down hill quickly..........Matt

What time periods are you talking?

[george 53]

Guy's Chris is from England, so maybe they still call them that there. Chris, Kelvinators have been gone from here for over FIFTY years, the name too, unless your talkin smack on AMC products! But don't worry, caz I STILL call 'em Iceboxes!!!

[Eshaver]

George , I know of places here in Richmond Va. that still even have Iceboxes . Yes , the ones where Ice is delivered from the outside on the back porch . The Icebox is accessible from the kitchen area just as it was in the late 1800's . And yes , I also know of some Dual electric / Gas sconces that still work in homes in the inner city too. Ed Shaver

[Junkman]

Guy's Chris is from England, so maybe they still call them that there. Chris, Kelvinators have been gone from here for over FIFTY years, the name too, unless your talkin smack on AMC products! But don't worry, caz I STILL call 'em Iceboxes!!!

No, it was meant in a humorous way. They are called fridge in England too, despite it took some doing until people here realized that one can use them for chilling beer. I have a knack for using ancient terms for stuff. Or deliberately wrong ones. Hence my white goods (which no longer come in white for a good 20 years) and Hoover are powered with electrickery and I call people with my telling bone. I am also a motorist, using my motor for motoring around.

[1320wayne]

A year is about the average I would think for most brands. I keep mine in the fridge and part of one of the batches I have now is over a year old and the "part A" is starting to break down. What happens is that it starts to build up a sediment in the mix. I can still use it as it will set up and dry but I have yet to get any smooth casts out of the old stuff.

[Chuck Most]

No, it was meant in a humorous way. They are called fridge in England too, despite it took some doing until people here realized that one can use them for chilling beer. I have a knack for using ancient terms for stuff. Or deliberately wrong ones. Hence my white goods (which no longer come in white for a good 20 years) and Hoover are powered with electrickery and I call people with my telling bone. I am also a motorist, using my motor for motoring around.

Crikey! Watch out for the rozzers! They can be bloody pillocks.

(Did that make any sense?)

[RyanSilva]

Part A is the side that goes bad the fastest, it will get milky when it sucks up moisture, harden on its own as well when it is exposed. a trick is to break it down into smaller bottles and seal them with the nitrogen charges, so it isnt reopened constantly you are fine, breaking it down into other bottles, will make sure you always got some resin to use and will be pretty fresh.

[Junkman]

Crikey! Watch out for the rozzers! They can be bloody pillocks.

(Did that make any sense?)

Aye-up! I say. Absobloodylutely, old pally, no toss and what not? Toodle!

[GeeBee]

Yes, about a year and you'll find the stuff will be shot, where are you getting your resin from ??

Have a look here, as they do a complete resin casting kit,

http://www.sylmasta.com/acatalog/Casting_Kits.html

It's not as hard as it sounds, just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong, also have a look on Youtube, there's a few good video's on the subject on there.

[Junkman]

Yes, about a year and you'll find the stuff will be shot, where are you getting your resin from ??

Have a look here, as they do a complete resin casting kit,

http://www.sylmasta....sting_Kits.html

It's not as hard as it sounds, just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong, also have a look on Youtube, there's a few good video's on the subject on there.

Good one, cheers!

I was going to buy a set off Ebay.

Thing is I only need the casting stuff. I got the moulds already.

Edited October 25, 2011 by Junkman

[GeeBee]

Then why not give the stuff I use a go, easy to mix 1:1 pours like water, and sets very quickly

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110723466918?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_933wt_905

[Junkman]

Then why not give the stuff I use a go, easy to mix 1:1 pours like water, and sets very quickly

http://www.ebay.co.u...49#ht_933wt_905

Do you use a lot of it? I'll probably need 1/4 Litre altogether, that's all.

Edited October 25, 2011 by Junkman

[Dr. Cranky]

My recommendation is to gather all the parts you want to cast, and spend all the casting material casting them, and then it's over. It won't spoil because you will have used it all up!

[dustym]

Also plan on making extra's or have enough because they don't always turn out on a first try.

[GeeBee]

My recommendation is to gather all the parts you want to cast, and spend all the casting material casting them, and then it's over. It won't spoil because you will have used it all up!

That's exactly what I do ! I usually set myself a day to do all the casting I need to get done, a lot less waste of resin that way ....