Epoxy resin is an amazing adhesive that can be used in many different DIY projects, but it can sometimes be difficult to know which one is best for you.
Here’s a quick guide: Epoxy resins are used for casting objects and for coating wood, metal, and other materials. They’re popular because they have a low shrinkage rate, meaning they’re easy to use without warping the object. The chemical properties of epoxy resin mean that it cures quickly and will harden into a strong bond in minutes.
This article will explain how epoxy resin works on some common household objects like wood, metal, glass, and even stone!
How long will epoxy resin last?
If you store your resin in the manufacturer’s recommended conditions, it should last 2 to 3 years for most brands of resin.
Some cheaper brands will have significantly shorter pot lives even if stored correctly. In order to make sure that your epoxy lasts as long as possible, you want to make sure that it is always stored between 70-80 degrees F and away from direct sunlight.
You also want to be careful not to leave the lids off of epoxy bottles, especially if they are more than half empty. If a bottle is less than half full the remaining epoxy inside will be exposed to more oxygen which can shorten its life span substantially.
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Can you use expired epoxy resin?
As long as the resin is stored in its original packaging, in a cool and dark place, then it will last for years.
However just like any other material exposed to air you can be sure that it will start to cure. This process is called “oxidation” and is the same reason we have rust on metal or that apples go brown once the skin is broken.
When the epoxy resin starts to cure, it becomes more viscous (thicker) and harder to mix evenly with hardener (in resin) or catalyst (in casting resins).
This also reduces its pot life, meaning you will have less time before it cures in its container. At this point, it may still be useable as long as you are aware that your working time has been reduced by half or even more.
If your resin was stored properly (i.e.: unopened), then you can safely use it after the expiry date given on the label.
Does epoxy resin degrade over time?
Epoxy resin is not a natural substance and has been created by chemical engineers. Chemists refer to epoxy resin as a chemical product, while the polymer industry calls it an adhesive or binder.
Epoxy resins are made of molecules that have many identical building blocks (a polymer), which are connected together in long chains, known as macromolecules.
The molecular structure of an epoxy resin determines its properties and how it reacts with other materials, such as hardeners and fillers.
The molecular structure of epoxy resin is a thermoset polymer — meaning that when heated, it will not melt but instead decompose into other substances.
How do you know if epoxy is expired?
- Discoloration: If a resin has gone bad, it will most likely have a discolored appearance.
- Crystal formation: When you’re mixing the epoxy and removing it from the container, crystal formation could indicate that the resin is expired.
- Contamination: If the resin appears to have debris or any particles in it, then it should not be used.
- Stickiness: If your epoxy is still tacky or sticky after curing, that’s an indication of something gone wrong with the chemical reaction during curing.
The best thing to do for all these problems is to discard of your old epoxy and start fresh with new materials if you can.
What happens when resin expires?
So, if you buy a gallon of resin and it’s 10 years old when you get it, is that okay to use? Yes! It may have a shorter shelf life because the chemicals can break down over time. So make sure to check the expiration on your containers before you purchase them.
The expiration date is more about its effectiveness than keeping things safe. If the resin has turned yellow or amber, that means the chemical reaction has already begun.
Does epoxy melt in sun?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when working with epoxy resin, both standard and UV-activated, is that it can degrade over time if exposed to sunlight.
The sun’s rays can cause the resin to turn yellow or even become brittle and crack, so it’s always a good idea to keep your project away from direct sunlight as much as possible.
This means not leaving your finished projects near windows or in your vehicle for extended periods of time, especially on sunny days.
Keeping them out of cars is also important for another reason: sometimes people store liquids in their vehicles, which if they overflow or leak could damage your creations!
If you want to make sure that you don’t ruin all your hard work by exposing a piece to too much sunlight after curing it, then consider spraying a layer or two of polyurethane acrylic varnish on top as an extra protective measure.
How long does resin last once opened?
When the resin and hardener are combined, the chemical reaction starts and begins to cure. Once opened, you have a limited amount of time before the epoxy will cure. This is called pot life or work life.
The pot life is usually calculated at 77 °F/25 °C, but if you’re working in colder conditions, it will take longer for the epoxy to cure.
If you’re working in warmer temperatures, the epoxy should be set sooner than the amount of time listed on your product label.
Most products have a work life between 30 minutes and 4 hours depending on how much resin and hardener are mixed together (the more mixed, the faster it cures).
Does resin yellow over time?
The answer to this question is yes, it does. Resin is a polymer made up of chains of molecules that are sensitive to UV light. Those UV rays cause a chemical reaction in the resin that leads to its yellowing or discoloration.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help lessen or slow down the effects of the sun’s rays on your resin project:
- Use a UV resistant coating. You can lightly spray your piece with a thin layer of any one of these coatings after your resin has cured:
+ Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating Spray
+ Mod Podge Gloss – U.V. Resistant
+ Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish Water Based Polyurethane
These products will help protect and seal your piece against moisture and sunlight damage. Make sure you read the directions before applying one of these products so that it serves you best!
- Store your piece out of direct sunlight until ready for use. To keep your project looking fresher longer, store it in a cool, dark place until you are ready to display or use it!
Conclusion
Because epoxy resin is such a durable and versatile substance, it can last a long time if it is stored properly. So, how long does epoxy resin last?
If you follow the storage guidelines mentioned above, your epoxy will remain fresh for up to five years! That’s why it’s important to store your epoxy in a cool, dry place – to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
