Does epoxy go bad?

[beck3906]

I have some 5-min epoxy that is getting a few weeks old after opening. This is the type where the 2 parts are in separate 4 ounce bottles. I've been using it lately and the open time seems to have shrunk from 5 mins to abut 3 mins before getting extremely tacky.

Does epoxy get old and loose it's open time?

 

[DurocShark]

In my experience, it's the other way around. Old Epoxy has a slower set time.

But I doubt a few weeks is a problem unless the stuff had been setting on the shelf forever...

 

[Daniel]

I have some epoxy that is very old, like a few years. the clear part has gotten thick while the yellow part still looks the same as it ever did. I can still use it and do not notice a change in it's set time or bonding strength. just a little slower getting the clear half out of the bottle.

 

[mredburn]

I also have some 5min epoxy that is more than 8 months old with no problems.

 

[hilltopper46]

The epoxy I get from Mannie seems to crystallize and go cloudy after some time - it still works well however after it is thoroughly mixed.

 

[JimMc7]

My 5 minute epoxy got thick and cloudy in the colder weather but still worked ok. Now, I keep epoxy in the house until ready to use during the winter months.

 

[nava1uni]

I have some 5-min epoxy that is getting a few weeks old after opening. This is the type where the 2 parts are in separate 4 ounce bottles. I've been using it lately and the open time seems to have shrunk from 5 mins to abut 3 mins before getting extremely tacky.

Does epoxy get old and loose it's open time?

I think it has to do with temperature. When it is cold in my garage it seems to take longer to set, not quicker. You may just have the portions a little uneven, with more hardener then resin.