Question for you painters

Is there a shelf life for DP 401LF; I have a pint that's been in my storage cabinet for over a year & am wondering if it's useable? Paint salesman says if the can has been opened ( mine has been) shouldn't use it after two months.

 

Save yourself some headaches and buy a new pint.

 

Two months sounds ridiculous, I would take it to a hardware store and get it shaken real good, open it up and make sure its not chunky, take a real small amount (like the amount that might be left on a stir stick) and mix it with the catalyst and see if it flashes properly. as long as it hasn't frozen or been subjected to extreme heat I dont think there would be a problem. Something to keep in mind is airbrushes usually use base coat paint and it is opened and closed multiple times and usually old left overs. Ive used lots of old primers and base coats never a problem just strain it.

 

Shelf life ,,, I had a gallon can (1/2 full) of Sherwin-Williams Cadillac Coppertone enamel.It had been on the shelf in my posession since my first car was painted,over 10 years earlier.I painted a bicycle with. It turned out great. Bill aka Tnomoldw Simulated Picture of my Dung Beetle 41 Ford

 

Sound to me like your paint salesman is trying to make more sales, as long as it is kept from freezing shelf life should be measured in years not months

 

There's not a shelf life really I had a gallon of dp 90 of used about a pint and let the rest sit for about 9 months to a year . Used it just fine after shaking very well. I'm also in California where the temp is pretty much always the Same.

 

I'm talking about the catalyst not the primer, sealer or color.

 

Paint a trash can, mailbox, or refer that should tell you.

 

If it is still clear (in color) and not yellowed you got a chance.

 

For what it's worth I always store my paint upside down. The solvents etc. will rise to the top but that's the bottom and it's sealed. The bottom which is actually the top is sealed by the paint.
Don't start with the poor little upside down cake..... your top is on your bottom thingie........... Just sayin'

 

Catalyst is moisture sensitive. I have used DP catalyst that was more than 9 months old with no issues; as long as it wasn't exposed to moisture for a long period of time.
My P.P.G. rep. told me that if you can mix reducer with the catalyst and it doesn't seperate, it should still be good.

VR&C.

 

Live here in the desert but will still check for color & separation. Thanks everyone for responding.