Old Paint

[derekf]

No, not the horse.

I've got some paint that I've had for a few years - let's call it 5. It's been stored in a cabinet in the garage so I don't anticipate it ever saw temps below 40 or above 100.

It's DuPont Centauri acrylic enamel #99A, Pitch Black.

Does paint just go "bad" by sitting or should this be OK to shoot my firewall with?

On a related note, the paint shop I bought this from - which is now long gone - sold me the black paint, some reducer, and some Mar-Hyde hardener. The directions on the Centauri and the directions on the Mar-Hyde disagree on what proportions things should be mixed in; if the paint is still usable, how should it be mixed?

Also on a related note, I don't know where in that cabinet the reducer is. Assuming the paint can still be used, does it matter what brand reducer I use? There's an SW autopaint store not too far off from here that I could get some from if any brand works.

[minendrews68]

I have a friend that works at one of the local paint stores that sells Dupont I'll ask him. I would think that if it is still good you should try to the best of your ability, to use Dupont thinner and hardner. I just think using all the same product just makes for a better job. I would think you could also go to Dupont's web site and ask this same question as well.

[ProTouring442]

I would use DuPont reducer and hardener. It's probably OK, I've used paint that was older and exposed to harsher climate changes with no difficulties. I would mix a little and spray a test piece to make sure all is OK though. One thing to note, hardened Centari contains isocyanates, so be sure to wear a mask, and at least a long sleeve shirt when you spray it, though a painter's suit would be best.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

No, not the horse.

I've got some paint that I've had for a few years - let's call it 5. It's been stored in a cabinet in the garage so I don't anticipate it ever saw temps below 40 or above 100.

It's DuPont Centauri acrylic enamel #99A, Pitch Black.

Does paint just go "bad" by sitting or should this be OK to shoot my firewall with?

On a related note, the paint shop I bought this from - which is now long gone - sold me the black paint, some reducer, and some Mar-Hyde hardener. The directions on the Centauri and the directions on the Mar-Hyde disagree on what proportions things should be mixed in; if the paint is still usable, how should it be mixed?

Also on a related note, I don't know where in that cabinet the reducer is. Assuming the paint can still be used, does it matter what brand reducer I use? There's an SW autopaint store not too far off from here that I could get some from if any brand works.

[MonzaRacer]

As long as it hasnt skinned, you can get shop to shake it and find no lumps in bottom when straining from can to can(get second can) after straining if ok use second can for mixed material, and please be careful as its cyanide based like Imron, long sleeves, rubber gloves use brown jearseys over then if too slick/sticky. as for the hardner, mix paint/reducer to proper consistency, I use paint stick and keep it little thicker so it will leave smooth thin film on paint stick, keep the gun pressure down and only add hardner to amount that will be mixed. Follow recoating instructions as for time and try to do it outside if you must. I would have prefered acrylic enamel over that paint.
As for me I am not impressed by Dupont paint but thats me, and Centauri is already a hard paint, if I had my choice I would have use flex agent instead as I have had less issue with paint getting damaged when working around it, but again thats me.

[Happyfunballs]

House of Kolor said their paint shouldn't be used after a year. I imagine they tell you that for liability reasons. I used some 5 year old HOK chameleon paint last week that worked fine. Honestly, I think it's a crap shoot. If I were painting something for myself I wouldn't think twice, however, I might be nervous about using it on someone else's property.