Posted on by Katherine Swift
Oh gosh. You’re cleaning out your closet and found an epoxy resin kit. You forgot you had this and want to put it to good use. But now you’re wondering does resin expire?
Can resin go bad?
Sort of.It depends on what resin you’re using.
Epoxy resins can last for a year, unopened, and properly stored. You should keep them in a dark, cool place that’s climate-controlled. A closet is a perfect place for this. Unless, of course, you’re like me and forget you’ve got it there. (Note to self…set reminder in phone…)
💡 Pro tip: Keep the kit in a plastic container in case something leaks. You don’t want to clean up a huge mess later.
⭐️ BONUS: Learn more resin storage tips
But here’s what else you need to know about resin and if it does expire.
All resin kits turn yellow eventually.
Even if you never open them. If having clear resin is important to you, buy it when you need it. Resin isn’t one of those items you should stockpile.
Once the bottles are open, you need to use them.
The chemicals in the kit oxidize once the bottle seals are broken. The hardener will turn yellow faster than it will in an unopened bottle. This will happen before the one-year expiration date.
⭐️ BONUS: Learn more about why resin turns yellow.
If your resin does expire, what should you do with it?
The good news is that if you’ve stored it appropriately, you can use it without worrying about any resin curing problems. But it will cure with a yellow tint, so you might want to save it for your projects where the resin color isn’t crucial.
Or you can color it to cover up the yellow. You can see how I used resin colors with yellowing resin.
And if you don’t want to use it?
If you’re ready to let your resin go, don’t throw it away. Meaning—don’t throw it away in your household trash. Instead, take it to a center that collects paints, old electronics, car batteries, and the like. They will dispose of resin for you.
Do other resin types expire at the same time?
Actually, they expire quicker. You should use polyester resins within six months. Same for UV resin.
Polyurethane resins are a bit trickier. Some formulas can expire as soon as 3 months from purchase.
Have more questions besides does resin expire?
Get all your resin questions answered in my beginner ebook Resin Fundamentals. For less than the cost of the resin kit, you can buy the book and read it this afternoon. Go from confused to confident with resin in only a couple of hours.
Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © 2023 Resin Obsession, LLC
I'm no stranger to resin artistry, and I can practically smell the distinct mix of chemicals and creativity in this article. It's a relief to know that the author emphasizes the importance of proper resin storage, and let me tell you, they hit the nail on the head.
The information on epoxy resin shelf life is spot-on. Unopened epoxy resins, if stored correctly in a cool, dark place, can indeed last for a year. It's a delicate dance of chemistry that requires climate control, and a closet is the perfect stage for this performance. I'd add that extreme temperatures should be avoided, as they can accelerate the aging process.
Now, the pro tip about keeping the kit in a plastic container is a lifesaver. Anyone who has dealt with resin spills knows the struggle is real. It's not just about preserving the resin; it's about preserving your sanity during cleanup.
The revelation about resin kits turning yellow over time, even when unopened, is a nugget of truth. It's the nature of the beast. And yes, the clock starts ticking faster once those bottles are cracked open. The oxidation process kicks in, and if you're aiming for crystal clear projects, it's a race against time.
The advice on using expired resin with a yellow tint for less critical projects or coloring it to mask the discoloration is a practical gem. Waste not, want not. And the eco-conscious touch, guiding readers on proper disposal rather than contributing to household trash, is a responsible move.
The extension to other resin types is a nice touch. Polyester and UV resins have a shorter shelf life, emphasizing the need for timely use. Polyurethane resins being a bit tricky is an excellent heads-up. The recommendation to seek answers to additional resin questions in the beginner ebook is a clever way to provide more in-depth knowledge.
All in all, Katherine Swift knows her resin game, and this article is a testament to her expertise. For those diving into the world of resin, her insights are golden—saving both your artistic endeavors and your closet from becoming a forgotten resin graveyard.
