A couple of years ago I did a repair job to a stripping guide wrap using Flexcoat Lite (2 oz. bottles). I stored the Flexcoat resin and hardener upright in my rod building Plano storage tackle box. Now I would like to finish the wraps on a light weight fly rod. When I went to use the Flexcoat this afternoon, I noticed the resin is still clear, but the harderner has yellowed and the plastic bottle of the hardener is tacky on the outside. Is it safe to still use this batch of Flexcoat? Will the mixed product remain and dry with some yellowing instead of the the clear finish you get with a newer batch? In future, what new expoy or other types of finish would anyone recommend to finish nylon wraps? Silk wraps? Up until this point I have only used Flexcoat and LS Supreme with good results.

You won't notice the yellowing since the thickness will be MUCH thinner on the wraps UNLESS they are white or extremely light. Either way, a finish is going to yellow over time. I don't worry about it.

Hi Peter,
All hardeners yellow with time, it's a fact of life. Never seen the hardener weep through the botttle and I've got some that I used to use that hasn't been touched in about five years and it's, yellow but otherewise ok. You can do a small test wrap to check it but it should be ok as there is no shelf life on two part finish.
Permagloss is an option but you need a few coats to get a build up. Do a search here for application and storage of the stuff. Threadmaster also has released a water based one part finish but haven't tried it to date.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

I have seen the hardner weep through the bottle numerous times. The can all do it, every manufacturer. Test it!! Mix it up and try it on a scrap blank and wrap. If not good, throw it out.

Flex Coat has done that for years. I dont know about the others as I go though it too quickly to find out. The 2 parts will still work just fine. The yellowing has been well covered already.

There is a difference in the plastics used for housing epoxies. Some of the companies selling epoxies use a type that will allow the epoxy to seep through the plastic over time. Others use a type will not. But either way, it doesn't indicate the epoxy is bad. All hardeners will yellow or amber in the bottle or on the rod, over time. Your epoxy is fine.

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I just got a shipment containing Flex Coat and the hardner bottle was sticky to the touch. Resin was OK but the hardner I'm going to have to wrap in some plastic wrap. It seems it doesn't matter if it is a fresh batch or an old batch. My supplier is a sponsor on this site and I'm sure they move enough product, it isn't old. I'm not blaming the supplier. It just seems to happen.

Jerry

I should have addressed that point earlier, but I glossed over it. As mentioned, it is typical for Flexcoat to seep through the plastic. Just wipe the exterior of the bottle with alcohol and you will be fine. I am pretty sure that the bottles are attempting to "cry" for those that haven't experienced the pleasure of using Flexcoat products. LOL.