SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

What is longevity of enamel-based paints?

458 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: The Great Canadian West Coast
Posted by Rudi35 on Saturday, July 18, 2009 4:26 PM
Thanks for the response guys. I'll definitely stir well and try them on scrap plastic first. I get the warm and fuzzies when I see these little tins so I would prefer to use them if possible! They have character :)
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Peoples Socialist Democratic Republic of Illinois
Posted by Triarius on Saturday, July 18, 2009 11:04 AM

The old formulations of Humbrol paints had excellent long term stability, among other sterling qualities, unlike the newer formulations, which also have reported quality control issues.

Your old paints may well be fine. Open each and stir thoroughly. It may take quite a lot of stirring. If the paint is smooth, even if a bit thick, it is still good.  If it is stringy, or contains hard, undispersable lumps, it is history. I had at least one tin of the old Humbrol for over thirty years before it turned too rubbery goo.

Ross Martinek A little strangeness, now and then, is a good thing… Wink

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Saturday, July 18, 2009 11:03 AM
Stir them thoroughly and try them out on a scrap or old kit. I have some tins of close to the same age (certainly over 20 years) that still are good. You may have to thin the thickened paint seperately from the tin itself. But you will still get the nice coverage and finish. Some of their older colors are no longer available, so check before yu go the toss and replace route.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: The Great Canadian West Coast
What is longevity of enamel-based paints?
Posted by Rudi35 on Saturday, July 18, 2009 10:40 AM
I have a shoebox full of (tinned) Humbrol paints that are at least 25 years old. Most have been opened and although they were never stored in extreme conditions they havent been stored in a 'cool' place either. I shook them and they all had at least some solvent inside. Does anyone know what the longevity would be on these paints? Is there any way to tell if they've gone bad? My first instinct is to chuck them and start again, although it's a shame to waste if they are okay. Thanks.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.