Paint Mixed w/Hardener & Thinner

[chesbaycruiser 83]

At LONG last I've finally gotten back to work on my 312 project, and, having finally gotten a decent air compressor, I am using a spray gun to paint. (My first time, BTW....so far I'm really happy with the results!)

My question is this: If I have mixed up a batch of paint/thinner/hardener and have some left over after painting, and put it back in the original can and seal the top, what sort of shelf-life does it have? Hours? Days? Weeks???

If it matters, it's Valspar Resto IH Red.

Thanks for any input...

Chris

[zieg72 209]

24 hours at best...

[chris11 184]

If its like any epoxy paint it will cure in the can, once you put the hardner in it. when i paint things i mix up very little .

[rmaynard 15,716]

Instructions on the can should tell you what the pot life is. Most are no longer than a couple of hours. The acrylic urethane that I use is 2 hours. Valspar Restoration Series is 8 hours at 77 degrees.

I never mix more than I can use in 30 minutes.

[clintonnut 126]

Put it in the freezer and it will last about a month!

Charlie

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

Don't put it back in the original can either - unless it's empty. No point in "ruining" the rest of the paint.

[chesbaycruiser 83]

Thanks for all the input!

It's about what I figured...just didn't want to chuck what's left if I didn't have too. It's not very much really, maybe 1/2 pint left out of the quart can. I misjudged how much paint I would need (chalk it up to inexperience!). Only put the paint back in the can cause it was empty, and I figured it was probably destined for the paint barrel at the dump.

What about the can of hardener? Once it's been opened and closed, does it's shelf-life clock start ticking too?

Thanks again!