Epoxy & CA Shelf Life
 

1. What is the best way to tell when epoxy is going bad. I have two sets of 30 min epoxy one was bought 6 months ago but only opened about 1 month ago, the hardener looks good but the epoxy looks bad like it has moisture in it, but it works and sets up like its suppose to. I glued two pieces of plywood together and the wood will break before the joint gives. on the other hand the other set of 30 min epoxy is a year old and looks great but takes a day or two to set up, so I tossed it, but know I'm worried about the newer stuff.
2. I have a large older bottle of Thin CA that still cures but just not as instant as it use to, I can use kicker to make it instant. I don't use it anymore but how can you make them last longer. They are to expensive to only get half a bottle used before it goes bad & the larger bottles are cheaper than buying it by the smaller bottles.
3. How long should epoxy or CA last after its been opened but kept sealed? How long if its new and not opened?
4. Whats the best way to store epoxy & CA to make them last longer? I have heard of people keeping CA in a refrigerator will this help?

Sorry for so many questions, just trying to figure this out I'm tired of throwing away glue.
fossil

RE: Epoxy & CA Shelf Life
 

I'm not sure of the "shelf life" of CA, but I keep my extra bottles in the refrigerator until I need it. It seems to keep it "fresh".

Mike

RE: Epoxy & CA Shelf Life
 

Yea I found some info on how to help extend the life of CA, some say refrigerate but only new unopened bottles & some say its okay to refrigerate opened but sealed bottles by putting them in airtight containers. I also found out you can heat the epoxy resin to remove the crystallization. I also found out that epoxy should last for a real long time as long as it is stored proper and CA life depends on how it was manufactured and can be anywhere from a month to two years. I guess I answered my own questions huh. Thanks for the help UkerDuker
fossil