Resuscitating resin

[zoidberg]

While rummaging around in the rear of my 'boat shed', I discovered a long-forgot tub of West 105 resin, which was about half-full..... about 25kg or so. Mice had scraped off much of the labelling, but I could make out that the 'Use By' date was on 2004.
This tub has a stackpipe running down to near the bottom and, on withdrawing this and reinserting it, resistance was felt...... like the resin had turned to jelly. I though the stuff was 'kaput'....useless.... although I emailed Wessex Resins for suggestions about what I ought to do with it.

This evening, on a whim, I extracted this stackpipe again and poked a thin rod down inside. The rod was coated, and the resin it picked up seems fluid enough to be mixed with hardener, and perhaps used. I'll try to decant what I can from the 45kg tub and explore whether a test sample will gel then harden. I may be able to use it for seal-coating of plywood or summat.

Does anyone have experience of reviving old epoxy resin.,..?

 

[C08]

I bought a 10kg tin of polyester resin about 1990. I had a non critical bit of laminating to do last year so I used it despite a ise before date mid 90's. It cured in the time expected and made a nice job.

 

[Boathook]

I was told by sp systems that old resin is ok for non structural work but may take longer to cure. I have found that the hardener has a shorter life and more likely to fail.

 

[penfold]

That's it basically; use it for non-critical structure and be prepared to bin it all and start from scratch if it doesn't go off. Chances are if it's runny enough to mix it will be fine, given the large quantity there's plenty to do a test piece with.

 

[zoidberg]

Thanks. That's encouraging - especially given the cost of replacing it!
I'll go tomorrow and get my hands dirty....

 

[Keith-i]

Pop it in the oven at 50C for 3 hours. Old resin crystalises over time due to temperature cycling. I’ve revived cans that have turned to a jelly like mass this way very successfully. This procedure is actually on the West System website.

 

[Graham376]

Can also add up to 10% acetone to thin it if necessary.

 

[zoidberg]

Thanks, all. I'll need to try to decant it into smaller containers, as the 45kg tub wouldn't fit....
... and if Milady would permit!