I have a one gallon container of Imron clear. Although I do use a bit every blue Moon, there's only about 14 oz. left. What would be the best thing to store it in? A glass jar with a lid, a smaller can with a top, or ? It just seems that every time I open that big can, the left over air inside seems to thicken it up. PS The catalyst or hardener is fine because it's in a tall can and there's a lot more of that left.
Posted by Dale Feicke (Member # 767) on :
I don't see where there would be any problem storing it in glass, Alicia. I think the main concern would be get a container where the paint would fit into it with very little air space, and would seal well. If you go to a local paint store, they'll probably sell you a new pint can.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Home Depot has new paint cans in various sizes.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
or auto parts paint store will have can....the catylist need to be kept in a refridgerator....
Posted by Felix Marcano (Member # 1833) on :
Aye on the catalyst.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Are you kidding? The catalyst needs to be stored in the frig,,, next to the eggs and salami?
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
If its only 14ozs i would buy a pint can preferably with a screw top and store it in there. The air isnt thickening it,the can isnt sealing like it was when it was new and some of the mid level and tail end solvents are evaporating out over time. The useful life of the hardener can be extended over time by storing it in the refrigerator,but once its open and the nitrogen blanket at the top is diturbed you dont have an indefinite window in which the stuff stays good forever.....isocyanate can and does absorb its own weight in water from the atmosphere,even in a seemingly closed can,which can cause small reactions in the catalyst and form small hard seeds and/or make it look cloudy,and all contain diff solvents to control reactions etc that also evap out......cooling it off by storing it in the refrig stems it about,but after 90days its time for new catalyst...all those are enought o cause you a problem when you least need it,although someone will undoubtedly chime in now about how they do it all the time and keep it for years etc. Just two cents
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
Gavin! First you're the amazing paint info guy, now you're gettin' pretty good at predicting the future too. I mean, I'm what, the next reply in line, and SURE ENOUGH, I've been storing my hardener for years, right there in the 'fridge. Not only that, I'm not so uptight as to go and buy an all new container, not when a used one will do. My favorite is a Karo syrup bottle. But you must be right about the evaporation deal, mine seems to evaporate really fast. But hey, as long as the kids are smiling, I'm not sweating it.
Posted by Lee Kembel (Member # 7577) on :
I've had luck using year old paint too, saran wrap is my friend. Glass jars dry out fast for me, but when I saran wrap the top and put the lid on carefully they keep a long time. Even metal containers, like POR15 is supposed to be real touchy once opened but I've kept it a year with cling wrap and it didn't even skin! Some stuff, primers, etc I've found the pigments and fillers settle and it seems nothing short of a mill will disperse it again.
I've heard of people throwing away hundreds of $$$ in food because they didn't have a "shop fridge".
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Thank goodness, we nave any extra frig in the garage that's used for soda, beer, etc. I guess I'll follow the advise of you experts and put the catalyst in the frig.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Just don't store your catalyst in an Ozarka water bottle.
