This is one thats always stumped me, how can one tell apart from spraying out and doing a tape pull test that paint is good or bad, even then is this good enough test

Do we really have shelf lifes on opened and partially used 2k paint tins or more a best before.

I have heard of people using paint 5yrs later?

I have 3.5litres of acrylic satin black 2k, purchased january last year, used 500mls, now ready to spray out some more on this project

Steve

Fenders are prepped and ready to be painted

The oldest paint I've reused was over 25 years old! It was some red Centari (not know for lasting so long in a can, left over). Even used it on the car I originally bought the paint for, and it touched up pretty well. I guess because the car sat in the garage when stored, and not used as a daily driver, since reds fade easily.
Today's basecoat paints should last as long. They aren't nearly as prone to hardening, or jelling up in the can, as old enamels.

I have also used paint that was stored for 5 years or more with no issues. The key is to make sure it is well mixed.

chopolds wrote:The oldest paint I've reused was over 25 years old! It was some red Centari (not know for lasting so long in a can, left over). Even used it on the car I originally bought the paint for, and it touched up pretty well. I guess because the car sat in the garage when stored, and not used as a daily driver, since reds fade easily.
Today's basecoat paints should last as long. They aren't nearly as prone to hardening, or jelling up in the can, as old enamels.

Ha, ha! You brought make memories from the distant past. The first car I ever restored was a 1968 Mustang, candy apple red with a black interior. The paint was Centari.

I have used some pretty old stuff off my shelves as well.

If it requires an Activator I will round file the old Activator and buy fresh, Then mix a small amount and Test. If it works? it works!