How to Properly Store Epoxy's

How to Properly Store Epoxy's

By: April Greenlaw

If you're a DIYER then you may have wondered a time or two, where is best to store epoxy? Do I have to use it right away? Or will it last? In this blog we will be talking about the best places to store epoxy, how long it will last being unopened. And some tips on how to properly store your epoxy. 

First let's talk about the shelf life of epoxy. Different brands of epoxy have different shelf lives. Ekopel 2K has a two year shelf life. After two years it is no good. Other brands of epoxy have shorter and longer life spans. This is something to pay attention to when buying a product for your project, depending on when you plan to recast.

Regardless of the brand, all Epoxy's shelf life can depend on where and how it was stored. Epoxy can last many years when Part A and the Part B (the hardener) are properly stored in their original containers. And kept at room temperature and in closed containers to prevent contamination. With proper storage and good housekeeping you can always keep epoxy handy for whatever projects come along! If you have multiple projects that you want to do at different times I would recommend measuring the product out with a kitchen scale. For Ekopel 2K it's 100 grams of Part A and 17 Grams of Part B. There are a few steps you can take to keep Ekopel 2K and other epoxies good! Here are some steps to take to ensure the life of your epoxy:

1. Store epoxy upright in its original containers. Epoxy is sold in containers that are compatible with it's ingredients and should not cause any reactions to degrade the container. Ekopel 2K comes in a can that is good for storage and no need to transfer.
   
   
2. Do not store mixed epoxy's. Otherwise, you will have a hard block of resin when you go to use it.  Once you've mixed in the Part B  the harder it will start to harden the material.
   
   
3. Do not store in direct sunlight.  The UV light can speed up the degradation of your product, and cause yellowing.
   
   
4. Store where the epoxy will not be subject to temperature swings, like a garage, attic or freezer. 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature.
   
   
5. Mark somewhere on your epoxy containers when you received the epoxy.  This will help you remember the use by date.
   
   
6. Familiarize yourself with the shelf life of the products you are using.  While most epoxy's have a shelf life of a year, some epoxy, such as polyesters and polyurethanes, have a much shorter shelf life.  I recommend only purchasing the amount of epoxy you can comfortably use within half of the shelf life time. Remember Ekopel 2K has a shelf life of two years!
   
   
7. Containers should be stored in clean dry areas with adequate ventilation. Do not store near sources of heat.
   
   
8. All lids should be securely fastened to prevent foreign matter contamination and moisture entry.     
   
   

As long as you follow these simple steps to keep your epoxy safe for storage, you will have them for future use!