Good containers for long term storage of epoxy?

[softdown]

Epoxy could store well with the right containers for the two parts.

My old epoxy hardened up when I quit using them after Mr. Fiberglass was gunned down by a SWAT team outside of his home....with his hands raised I might add.
The containers were clearly not made with long term storage in mind.

Hoping that some handy person has found a way to keep epoxy viable for a long time.

[LeaseOnLife]

I stopped using West System's epoxy for their metal containers, I like System Three's stuff for plastic bottles and easier mixing ratios.

[softdown]

Originally Posted by LeaseOnLife

I stopped using West System's epoxy for their metal containers, I like System Three's stuff for plastic bottles and easier mixing ratios.

A buddy recommended System Three. Now I have 1.5 gallons and don't think I'll use 1/2 of it this year. Thus this thread was born.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by LeaseOnLife

I stopped using West System's epoxy for their metal containers, I like System Three's stuff for plastic bottles and easier mixing ratios.

Is West still using metal containers in the US? The West epoxy I've bought in New Zealand is all in plastic containers.
I also stopped using the West pumps. They might be good in a shop, but on a boat they are hard to store and messy. I use the shot glass sized graduated plastic cups to measure out resin and hardener.

[Flyingriki]

Had my West in metal for years - no problems. I weigh components, but the pumps, when clean, work accurately. Easy to wrap things in saran to avoid spillage. Their web site is good for tech advice.
By the way, if it "hardens" or crystalizes a slow warming will reconstitute it safely.

[Benz]

I wish West would use plastic containers that didn't let light through--I can't help but think that light might be bad for unmixed resin. But the metal containers have problems too, in that the hardener, with time, will darken. (I'm told this is due to rust forming on the inside and coloring the hardener).

[skipmac]

Have a gallon, metal container of West epoxy about five years old and it's just fine and the pump works pretty well. If I haven't used it in a few months I have to give about half a stroke to prime the pump but then meters out accurate ratios.

The only complain, the pumps are leaky so keep them in a bin to hold the mess. Wouldn't do so well on a boat in a locker.

[TeddyDiver]

The only metal container West epoxy in Europe is a barrel. All smaller containers are plastic. The darkening of the hardener is due contact with air, nothing to do with container material. Storing instructions are written on the container, suggest you read it..

BR Teddy

[Scaramanga F25]

Whether it is paint, or resins best way is to pour the remainder into a smaller but full container, no air. Keep it in a cool and dark place as best you can. Automotive paint shops can sell you different size cans.

[flyingfin]

zip lock bag in bottom of your fridge. if you wont use it in 9 months, give it away to a friend or any other boater in the yard, who will actually use it. All good epoxies have a short shelf life. I wont use anything below the waterline if it is more than 6 months old, not worth the risk

[Lake-Effect]

I had a gallon of EAST epoxy, in metal containers, with the pumps, and it lasted (in the basement) for about 5 or so years. I managed to use over 80% of it before i finally took it to our toxic drop-off.

The best thing (which I didn't figure out right away) is to find things to plug up the pump nozzles with, to stop anything thickening in the nozzles.

I am now just buying epoxy by the liter, in plastic bottles. I'm using the house brand from a local boatbuilding store, and it mixes at a 2:1 ratio, so I'm just using shot-glasses from the dollar store to measure.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by flyingfin

All good epoxies have a short shelf life. I wont use anything below the waterline if it is more than 6 months old, not worth the risk

The manufacturers don't seem to agree.

According to West Epoxies their epoxy and hardener is good for years. System Three guarantees their resin for three years but say it should be good for much longer. Mas Epoxy only gives one year but also says it should be good for many years.

My own experience, I have a gallon of West that's at least five years old and can detect no difference from new other than it's very slightly thicker.

[chouliha]

Originally Posted by skipmac

The manufacturers don't seem to agree.

According to West Epoxies their epoxy and hardener is good for years. System Three guarantees their resin for three years but say it should be good for much longer. Mas Epoxy only gives one year but also says it should be good for many years.

My own experience, I have a gallon of West that's at least five years old and can detect no difference from new other than it's very slightly thicker.

Interesting post SkipMac!

We have been out cruising now almost 13 years. Purchased a gallon of System 3 about 8 years ago for some deck repair. Only used about a 3rd of it. Found that the plastic containers over a period of time in the heat of the tropics & with the boat movement underway developed tiny pin hole leaks. So we decanted all the epoxy and hardner into a colored glass screw top wine bottle. I know glass! But its in a secured closed (dark)box we use for paint, oil and varnish storage.

So far no issues and I just used some of it and it worked fine

[softdown]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga F25

Whether it is paint, or resins best way is to pour the remainder into a smaller but full container, no air. Keep it in a cool and dark place as best you can. Automotive paint shops can sell you different size cans.

So........paint cans. That makes sense though I have seen paint cans that did not achieve a good enough seal to last for years. After painting the house, I bought another gallon for touch-up etc....

[belizesailor]

The problem with metal containers aboard boats in salt water is of course corrosion. My "toxic locker" now has a fresh coat of bottom paint and uncured epoxy as a result...a clean up job Im not looking forward to.

Rusted out in about 2 years.