Etch Primer life

Does anyone know how long Phoenix 2-part Etch Primer remains usable for brush application once mixed, if kept in a sealed container ? I tried emailing them with this question, but no response

Any 2 part paint is unlikely to keep for very long once mixed. Putting in the fridge will help. Some 2 part materials can be frozen once mixed to stop them curing. This is used for some ircraft sealants.

The Phoenix website says 3 hour pot life. Closing the lid will make no difference to this.

https://www.phoenix-paints.co.uk/products/60pq31

Robert G8RPI.

On Youtube you can find a video from "Trev's blog" where he shows how to carefully weigh out and mix small quantities of 2 pack paint - OK that is automotive small, not model engineering small, but may still be helpful.

One year if I remember correctly.

regards Martin

I thought that time-limit was just for spraying ? I know the 1-part primer is good for a month before it loses the ability to etch, and was wondering if the 2-part is just the components of the 1-part in a form which will last longer until mixed ?

Edited By Bob Unitt 1 on 08/12/2021 14:36:38

Only when unmixed.

regards

Bob,

Think of it as a car body filler, once you add the oxidizer hardener the result is only altered by temperature.

1-part is ordinary acrylic paint and dries mostly by solvent evaporation.

2-part requires the hardener to be added to effect 'drying' and based on isocyanates it's very nasty to breathe.

The etch action is an entirely separate to the drying process

I think here the general rule is, only mix what you need. There is no need to mix the whole tin. I use 2 part products a lot. Fibre glass resin. Primers, & clear coat. I try & work out how much i need & then just mix a little more.

Steve.