Does 700-NC release expire?

General Composites Discussions Products Talk
#1

A friend of mine is changing career paths (slightly) and while cleaning out his work space he came across a partially used re-sealed gallon of Frekote 700-NC release and gave it to me…

He said that be bought it late 2008 or early 2009 for a job he did. He bought the Gallon, but only used about 8-10oz. out of it.

I know I can just “test” it on some scrap, but production is moving pretty well right now and thought I’d ask the forum Pros for their thoughts rather than set up a whole test if the forum already knows one way or the other.

Thank you for your knowledge in advance!
-Corban

#2

Long story short yes it expires; in a “professional” shop (which is a relative term) it would be trash. But if it was kept air tight it “could still be good.” But don’t take the word from me and wreck a tool, do a couple tests to be sure.

#3

Rotorage,

Thank you for your honest response! What you’ve said is almost exactly what I was thinking. I understand that “technically” it has a one year shelf life… but a real world test may yield acceptable results.

I didn’t want to set up testing (time and money) if I was the only one thinking it “may still be good”. I’m hooked on 770-NC for my production work… but I also have those “projects” around the shop that something like this would be great for.

I think I’m with you on this one and I’ll go ahead and set up a test over the next week or so.

Please, anyone else is welcome to share their thoughts/opinions on the matter!

-Corban

#4

As an Fyi I have used expired Frekote before, 2-3 years old and it worked.

#5

IMO… If your tool is expensive and in good shape just buy new release. the cost and time to repair a busted tool is much more than just buying new release. No matter what that release has degraded from its original release properties. I have seen too many parts and moulds stick because of old release, or release that was not properly stored.

#6

Yes Ive used 2-3 year old 700 NC and it has been fine, the surface can dull a little more with out of date stuff but thats the only minor drawback. But yeah, if its a good tool, get new release!

#7

Thank you all for the above insights! As I mentioned, this stuff wouldn’t touch any of my production molds, I’m hooked on 770-NC for that, but a free gallon of 700 could be beneficial for some of those “projects” just laying around the shop.

I just didn’t want to set up the testing (time and money) for a product that people have first hand experience of failing completely right around manufactures recommended expiration. From the sound of it, it may be worth setting up some tests!

Thank you all! I’ll do the tests in my free moments over the next couple weeks and post my findings.

-Corban

#8

I just tried this stuff the other lay up. The spray. It almost works to great. Nothing sticks to it, not even spray glue.

How are you guys dealing with complex curves and fabric staying in place if not using a tack gel coat and spray?

I guess I could resort into doing a thin layer of epoxy in those places and then infusing after tack and initial stack layup but was wondering what else.

On this mould I used also carnauba wax and not my typical dolphin wax. I have always used dolphin and pva and the spray glue always holds things nicely in place.

#9

sduffass,

I use 770-NC Aerosol on all of my production molds, it is the best mold release I’ve ever used (thanks to this forum). I can do multiple parts out of the mold without re-treating for quite a while.

When I do infusion (my main layup technique), I use Airtac 2 spray adhesive, spraying a light mist onto the mold face (masking off the flanges) and then smoothly layout my composites. Once the kit is complete and bagged, I infuse and reap a flawless un-distorted composite panel after oven cure and cooling.

-Corban

#10

Yeah. Do you use epoxy or poly or vinyl. I do the same thing but this release agent is so strong spray really doesn’t stick to it.

Unless the airtac is different then the 3m 77 stuff or the wax under coating is effecting it.