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i have recently found out 1k lacquer has a interesting failure mode when very out of date....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

 

[Ross365]

I worked in the defence sector for quite a while; the MoD were fanatical that all such materials as paints and adhesives should be within their date limits. At home, I guess it's a question of what is it going to be used for?

 

[brightspark]

I worked in the defence sector for quite a while; the MoD were fanatical that all such materials as paints and adhesives should be within their date limits. At home, I guess it's a question of what is it going to be used for?

typical goverment run and waste money

 

[JOEPRO]

I worked in the defence sector for quite a while; the MoD were fanatical that all such materials as paints and adhesives should be within their date limits. At home, I guess it's a question of what is it going to be used for?

For car body work. For example I need to spray 2x new front wings soon. Not the final finish more of a couple year stop gap until the whole car is pro repainted

 

[Ross365]

typical goverment run and waste money

Well, it's easy enough to do tests and gain data on the effects of ageing, so there would be no need to make "best guesses". I suspect that our service people on the front line would think it a good idea.

 

[Roger440]

Just used some 8 year old max meyer clear. But with new hardner. All was good.