Shelf life of 2k clear laquer?

[JOEPRO]

I have 3x 5L cans of clear 2k Laquer I bought for car projects over the years. Hardener cans too.

Some of these are now around 7 years old. Are they no good now or what is the realistic shelf life of 2k clear laquer please? Same Q for the hardener itself

 

[brightspark]

normaly the paints ok but the hardner chrystalises. just do a test piece

 

[northwest]

As above but if you brush paint the lacquer on it will go hard, I used to brush paint engine blocks and machinery with 2k paint without the hardener, used to dry like the very best engine enamel it just took a little while longer.

 

[qwakers]

i have recently found out 1k lacquer has a interesting failure mode when very out of date.... it turns into silly string when its sprayed out of the gun....... cleans up easily as its dry when it lands, but it looked like a giant spider on speed has been in the car

back on topic. ive never checked dates on 2k paint and ive never had a issue.

 

[Kram]

The clear might be ok but the hardener may have turned into a solid lump. If its normal automotive 2k acrylic, most brands of hardener are compatable.

They are usually listed as 12 month shelf life, but I've got paint thats 5 years old.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Don't know if it's the same but epoxy hardener absorbs moisture and that's what causes it to form crystals. What I read is warming the hardener can reverse the process....I haven't tried this myself.

 

[Maxakarudy]

The lacquer can turn yellow with age in the can, you have to pour into a clear paint cup to check, shake the hardener tin to see if it's set hard.
Test a 200ml of lacquer with correct amount of activator to see if sprays & cures ok