storing poly

[peacekeeper6]

How long can you effectively store polly resin? what are the ideal conditions? i have a lot of projects in the yard and i want to get to them all but of course time is a constraint. I am thinking of buying a 55 gallon drum which is over all cheaoer then buying 55 individuals of course. Thanx fellas.

 

[rheagler]

Re: storing poly

The label on the small can of poly resin I bought a couple weeks ago says it has an unopened shelf life of 1 year. I would think you could stretch it out a bit under ideal storage conditions but once it goes bad no amount of hardener added will cure it - at least in my limited experience.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: storing poly

For a drum of laminating resin the typical shelf life is 3 to 6 months, this means the gel time and viscosity should still be in spec for that period of time. For some time after that it should still be usable, but may drift to the point of not being usable at any time. Unless you have a plan to use it all up in less than 6 months it may not be a good idea to get a whole drum.
It should be stored in a cool area (the cooler the better) indoors away from any heat or flame and then should be mixed thoroughly before use.

It also depends on the type of resin you buy, some types are more stable over longer periods of time than others.