Epoxy should still work?

[Aaron Coffee]

I have some leftover RAKA epoxy from 2009. I would like to use it on a current project. Basically it is 1x2 oak slats. The epoxy has been kept in the basement, left the pumps in the containers. I would guess temps in basement vary from 45 to 70, humid enough that paint cans left in the box with the epoxy have rusted around the rim. Should this still work? Is it a guessing game. I think I will mix up a small batch and see if it mixes, and sets. Or should I just bite the bullet and buy new?

Thanks
Aaron

[Pmullen503]

Check the resin bottle to see if it has polymerized. Sometimes warming the bottle in hot water and rotating you can get the clumps to dissolve. But definitely do a small test batch.

I don't like laminating resin alone as a finish or waterproofing of wood. Sealing end grain or with cloth, yes but solid wood continues to move with humidity causing the epoxy to crack and fail eventually.

[Aaron Coffee]

I had planned on the epoxy as a base layer, with spar varnish over it.
This is what I'm building
Thanks

[Pmullen503]

I'd just use spar varnish.

My experience comes from maintaining wooden boats. When epoxy fails and you have to refinish, it's hard to sand. Varnish sands easier and looks better afterwards. Varnish is more UV resistant than epoxy and lasts longer.

[Aaron Coffee]

Maybe, I will forgot the epoxy. What would your recommendation be spar varnish, spar urethane or spar polyurethane? I would like something locally (mostly big box stores near me), and not overly costly. My cart will be stored inside, taken out for car shows and parades.

[Pmullen503]

Helmsman spar varnish was always good for me. I'd avoid anything water based.

[tony.latham]

Or should I just bite the bullet and buy new?

Test it.

Tony