I have always used flex coat and like the product. I’m a hobby builder just building for myself at times my plans to build x amount of blanks just doesn’t workout and life gets in the way. Problem is I open my flex coat use it but it’s self life has not been good once open. Is their a finish that has a better shelf life?

I keep Flex Coat after opening for a couple years or more, and no problem. What are you observing that indicates poor shelf life?

I can’t get it clear keeps a yellow tint and I also had bottles crystallize in the past

Crystallization is not not a problem just heat the resin and the crystals will dissolve. The Hardener will have a yellow or amber cast to it from the start and it will get darker with time. Neither of these problems will prevent the epoxy from setting up.
Norm

A microwave is your friend.
Just open the bottle of finish that has crystallized and set the microwave for a few seconds, but turn it off - in 5 second intervals to check. Often, it only needs 5 or 10 seconds to warm the finish enough to clear up the crystallized product.

Do not overheat the finish. I tiny bit of time a few seconds at a time is better than getting the finish too warm.

Take care

Alright I’ll keep using this info is good to know. I always put my bottles into hot water for a few minutes prior to mixing.

I like hot water to heat with , takes a little longer but don't have to baby sit it , also buy in smaller amounts is you don't build a lot ,

William Sidney
AK

All epoxy hardeners will tend to yellow or amber over time, both in the bottle and on the rod.

............

Jason

All of this is true. Don't by an amount of Flex Coat that you can't use in 1 year, though it will last longer. Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place. Melt the crystals before measuring if they form. Also, the yellow in the hardener bottle is indicative of all epoxy hardeners and is most visible when seen through the thickness of the bottle. Keep in mind that you will be diluting it by half with the resin and then applying it in a thin coat to your rod and wraps. Even when the hardener is very yellow, it is only visible on a white rod blank or light NCP thread.

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

I appreciate what John is saying about keeping the amount you can use within a year and no doubt has truth to it. However, I've had some Lite and High Build for almost 3 years and it's never had any issues. My shop stays a consistent 72-76 degrees and the finishes, glues, and color preservers are in a cupboard that stays closed, so that might be helping. You have to develop a "personal relationship" with a finish so it's characteristics become known to you. I've used a few, and the Flex Coat works best for me.

Dave Sytsma

Any time that I purchase a glue or a finish or similar material, I always put the purchase date on the containers.

As the previous post said - I have had some epoxies and glues for 10 years and found that it was still a viable material.

On that vein - I did have some epoxy paint and after a number of years, I found that I had to replace the hardener side of the mix.

However, I have also found that the storage life for moisture cured products tend to be much shorter. Of course, part of the problem may be that once opened, it is likely that when I reseal the containers, I can not do the same sealing job as the manufacturer does in their original packaging.

Take care