I have had times when using smooth on I will get chunks, crystals, etc... hard glass like chips after mixing, but have yet to see it prior to mixing in part a or b separate from other. Is it shelf life or what. I use separate sticks to remove from can so im not mixing them. Anybody? Kenny, as a supplier and bowyer any thoughts, suggestions? thanks

I had an unopened unit of smooth-on that sit in my unheated shop for 3 years and I used it with no problems. How old is it and how long since it was opened. I have seen really old epoxy harden without being mixed (floorcovering grade)after being opened.

Ron, I was having a similar problem with smooth on. I was thinking it was me contaminating part A with part B or the other way around. I now mix it in a clear plastic cup and then use any piece of wood I can chuck in a drill to mix it for a few minutes. I it makes a very uniform yellow milky color and any defect or foreign material stands out like plain as day. Not sure why it happened but that is how I fixed future problems.

Hi Ron,

Not sure, haven't seen that.

Was the epoxy cold? Thinkin out loud...

I suppose if not sealed up well and old, it might dry the top of the stuff in the can?

the top I tap down tight so it should be sealed and I store in basement consistently around 65 degrees. The batch isnt more than a few months old. No crust on top when opened and no sign of it until mixed and spreading. chunks can be speck size up to over 1/4 inch almost like it kicked off as it is like hard chips.

Ron , do you know how old it is?

Kenny, I would say I got it sept or oct

Kenny, is there a best if used by sort of thing on it do you know?

Not sure Ron, I try to keep my stock about 4 months or less.

I'm writing myself a note to call Smooth-on tomorrow right now.

Be back with ya tomorrow nite.

I have seen it before as well when I was spreading out the mix on some lams I usually pick it out. I didn't know what it was.

I've seen it twice.  Just figured I contaminated it somehow.  Both times it was on previously opened cans.

Yes the times I saw it was on pre opened cans as well. I kind of figured that I messed it up some how

Me too.. it happens almost everytime.. but like everyone else, I just pick them out and move on.  Never had the smooth on fail because of it.

I have somr that is about six years old.  The white part is all grainy.  Don't plan to use it in a bow, but have done some wood repairs to furniture and it worked just fine.

Sounds like your problem is a bit different though.

Ron,
All I could get today was a computer  to talk to. Still trying....

It almost has to be contamination.  It doesn't take but a tiny bit to make a tiny cristal.

I dont think so because I use a brand new craft stick for each part, never mixing the two so it cant be

Also that doesnt explain why it is not in either part before mixing. the chunks dont appear until both parts mixed