old varnish,use it or lose it?

Jul 13, 2010
1,097
Precision 23 Perry Hall,Baltimore County
In my shed I just found 3/4 can of Rustoleum marine spar varnish. Last time I varnished anything was on the first boat, probably 3 years ago. Use it or lose it?
 
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
if it is not gelled up it will be fine if gelled up just strain it through a course paint strainer of some cheese cloth...you can get a gallon of the spar varnish at lowes for about $40.00 so not a big loss if its no good
 
Feb 5, 2009
255
Gloucester 20 Kanawha River, Winfield, WV
In my shed I just found 3/4 can of Rustoleum marine spar varnish. Last time I varnished anything was on the first boat, probably 3 years ago. Use it or lose it?
I use the Rustoleum brand marine varnish myself, and I find that after a year or so in the can it begins to thicken, which causes it to dry more slowly and give you more bubbles and brush strokes than when it was new. You should be able to make it as good (or better) than new by mixing in some mineral spirits.
 
Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
In my shed I just found 3/4 can of Rustoleum marine spar varnish. Last time I varnished anything was on the first boat, probably 3 years ago. Use it or lose it?
In your shed?...
if the varnish ever got cold enough to freeze, I would not even try to use it... you could end up with a mess.

Freezing can change the properties between the carrier and the actual varnish solids that is left after the carrier evaporates from it...
it never changes for the better and if it doesnt cure out fully, or within a reasonable time, it is virtually an unusable product.
 
Jul 13, 2010
1,097
Precision 23 Perry Hall,Baltimore County
Multiple freezes last winter, it was brutal here...out it goes, small can anyway.. Thanks all.