I built my first rod two years ago, and I have now just finished wrapping a new rod. When I pulled out my epoxy finish (U-40 LS Supreme), the Hardener had turned an amber color. I mixed a small sample, and it also turned out amber. Can anything be done to salvage this epoxy? I can purchase Flex Coat locally, and will do so later this afternoon, however, I want to know if the LS Supreme can be saved, or should it simply be discarded? Thanks for any help!
Tight lines,
Hunter

Indefinite life span- it will not go bad in your lifetime. The hardeners in all epoxies turn amber over time, Flex Coat will certainly do so as well. But the thickness that you will apply to a guide wrap is not very thick and any ambering is not going to be noticeable. On very, very light colored theads you may notice it somewhat, but other than that, you won't have a problem with it.

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According to the Aftcote directions, its shelf life is opproximately one year when stored away from direct sunlight ads UV lighting ! Ed

I really hate to even suggest this, but I think someone (Aftco) is trying to sell a little more finish. 100% solids epoxies have no appreciable shelf life. They will perform as well 100 years from now as they did the day they were made. Epoxy finish doesn't go bad. The resin may crystalize if kept in very cool or cold places, but they can be restored to like condition by heating in a pan of hot water until the resin returns to clear.


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I gotta go with Tom on this one; I've got some that's near 20 years old and still use it.

I don't think it can go bad; still works as well as the day I received it in the mail; it's very amber in color now, but still does a good job of finishing.

Putter
Williston, ND

Thanks for all the replies, folks. You live, you learn. Unfortunately, I put silver metalic tips against black guide wraps, and now I don't want to take a chance on any color change. I also know that the next few rods I build will not have a thread color which can be adversely affected by amber epoxy.:) Again, let me say what an incredibly wonderful resource this site has become for me. Thanks once more.
Tight lines,
Hunter

Hunter, I don't think you'll have any problems putting that old finish over the silver, either. I've done it with this 20 year old stuff. The thinner coats that are put on the rod don't show that amber color like the bottle does. Remember, you're looking through a lot of finish when you see that amber color in the bottle. It won't appear like that in a thin coat on the guide wraps. Try a test and see for yourself, Hunter!

Putter
Williston, ND

Someone here, I forget who, made a great analogy with a glass of beer. You look through a glass of beer and it's amber in color, but you pour some out on a countertop and it'll look clear. It has to do with how much thickness you're looking through.

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Again, thanks for all the sage advice. I decided to use the old U-40 epoxy, and it is working fine. No hint of discoloration. Thanks!
Tight lines,
Hunter