Shell, is the company that has made a huge percentage of the resin for everyone over the years. We are talking resin, not the hardener. The resins that most companies sell may be Shell for all I know but a lot of it is, with their private label name on it of course. I will go out on a limb and say that who knows how long resin sits in some warehouse before it is shipped to a retailer. Also, it is a good idea to keep all resins and hardeners in a cool place until you need to use them. As stated here before if it crystallizes put the container of resin in a pan of water and slowly warm it up until it clears. I have done this before and it is fine. I am using resins that are ten years old for some things and I have total faith in it. The manufacturers, especially retailers have to state a shelf life for liability purposes and or to sell you more ! As most of you know, at one time it was said that epoxy gets stronger with time, I am talking about mixed with hardener already cured epoxy, it was said based on test samples that there had not been an end to the strengthening process in the test samples. I do not know what is being said about epoxy now but surely it can not have infinite strengthening capability ? I guess what I am saying is that a Long Eze should be structurally more strong now than when it was built 20 years ago if the experts are correct in their analysis. I have heard ever since I was a kid that some things get better with age. Maybe our composite planes are getting better with age and maybe our raw resin is like fine wine (getting better with age) yep, that was pushing the envelope !!!! Larry H.
I have some epoxy purchased in 2003 that has a stated shelf-life of 1 year on the bottles. I won't use it on any structural part of my KR project. However, I did use it this week on wooden canoe I am building, and it appears to be just fine. I guess I am willing to risk a cold swim to shore with a PFD, and dry gear, more than I am a tumble from 5000'... Tony
