Shelf Life DAP Weldwood Resorcinol Glue

[JohnPlatou]

Have several new old stock Dap Weldwood Resorcinol Glue pint cans unopened. What is the shelf life, Dap says minmum one year.

How can I tell or can I, if it's ok to use?

It's probably about 6 years old.

Stored in garage in Houston, max temp 95 degrees, most likely never froze, high humitity, never opened.

Thanks

[Thorne]

My understanding is that THEY SAY WHAT THEY MEAN about that glue -- and that includes shelf life, temps for curing, and clamping pressure.

[Thad Van Gilder]

I have used a fair amount of the purple stuff over the years, and even when I have gone 2 or 3 years without use, I have never had a problem with it working.


That said, test it before using it on your boat.

-Thad

[Jay Greer]

Few things are worse than cleaning up and starting over again on a glue job gone bad! Using new glue that is less than 18 months old is the least expensive way to go.
Jay

[David G]

For the most part, I agree that this is an adhesive that is less forgiving than many when it comes to the stated conditions of use - which includes shelf life.

That said, I HAVE successfully used resorcinol that was years old. I would never do that on a clients project, but I have on my own project. I've also used what I took to be ancient resorcinol (dented rusty can gifted from an old neighbor) and had it fail. It may have been the fact that I measured by eye, but I'm guessing it was the age. You have to decide for yourself whether saving $20 or so is worth the mess if it does fail. As Jay says, it can be hugely disheartening and time-consuming.

One thing I got when I called DAP, years ago, was that it depended partly on the stored materials exposure to heat and moisture cycling.

I'll also offer my usual advice. Call the tech folks and inquire for yourself. Explain yourself fully. Don't stop asking questions till you're satisfied. Cheerfully refuse to be put off with the normal, quick, CYA boilerplate that you might encounter.

G'luck