LP paint shelf life
Steve
Polyurethane paint.
Somehow (a different story) I ended up with several gallons of LP paint of
various colors. This was back in the late '80s. At the time the shelf life
had expired, so there were probably several years old by then. But I never
really believed in shelf life dates.
Each time I would have a project that required quality paint, I would pass
up the opportunity to use them because they were either the wrong color or I
was afraid they would cure properly because of their age. As time went by
the cans got rustier and the labels faded and they were pushed farther back
into my paint locker.
Today I notice some of the cans were leaking and some had turned to solid.
But I did find a couple of full gallon of white and gray that appeared to
be ok so I stirred up the paint component and was satisfied that the pigment
was completely blended with the liquid.
I mixed a small batch w/catalyst to paint the top half of my rudder
(outboard rudder, stern mounted). It was about 4 sq ft and the paint went on
just like it should. I had plenty left over so I painted the lazarete hatch
and stern deck.
I was really amazed that the paint has cured just fine. I would have really
had a mess to clean off if it hadn't cured.
I guess the reason I saved those (kits) of paint was because I hate to
through anything away, but more so because I hate to throw money away on
paint when I have plenty in the paint locker. I have always been skeptical
about shelf life dates and figure it has something about manufacturer
liability and the opportunity to sell more paint.
Just thought someone out there might be interested it whether old LP paint
is worth using.
My experience for what it's worth (in this case, to me, about $200. Not to
mention the rest of the old paint still in the paint locker)
Steve
s/v Good Intentions
Deepmoss
that the solids were stuck to the bottom of the can. After several
minutes of mixing with a stiff wire in the electric drill I was
satisfied with the results. No problems upon drying.