How Long Can I Keep Resolene 'cut'?

[humperdingle]

I had a small bottle of Resolene, of which i'd used about half (taking small amounts out for projects and cutting 50/50 with water)

So yesterday I was doing a slightly larger project, and just filled the bottle to the top with water, on top of the half Resolene.

I ended up only using half of the mixture... So will it keep in this 50/50 state for long?

[Phatdaddy]

I don't have the softest water at home, so I buy a 4L jug of distilled water from the pharmacy (may not be necessary) and use it for cutting resolene and thinning water stains, It seems to last indefinitely(?) if sealed well. I use glass baby food jars when I can find them.

I have noticed no diff after using diluted resolene or dye after as much as 4 mos.

Kevin

[TwinOaks]

Lots of things can influence it, so a specific time will be hard to say. Just from my own experience, you should use it all up before it goes 'bad'. It may settle a bit, but stirring or shaking will remix it.

[Dwight]

We (maybe I should say "I" ) eat a lot of peanut butter at my house. I keep every one of those MT peanut butter jars.

Two of them are in my leather finishing area, . . . both marked with lines on the outside by black permanent markers. The lines tell me how full or not full it is, . . . and when it I need to add more to it, . . . they help me make sure I don't significantly change the ratio.

One is for black projects being finished in Resolene, . . . the other is for tan or brown projects.

I found (the hard way) that black dye will leach off into the resolene as you use your applicator, . . . so I keep them separate.

I've used it that way for at least the last 5 years, . . . none has ever "gone bad" that I know of.

May God bless,

Dwight

[humperdingle]

Cool, thanks. I'll probably use it up in a couple of weeks. Good to know that I don't have to throw any away!

[particle]

I use a little 4oz old bottle that used to contain something else - not sure what it held, but probably Tandy Satin Sheen. I fill it half-way with resolene, then fill it the rest of the way with tap water, then gently shake it. It's 2-3 months usually before I go through the entire bottle and it's perfectly fine.

The next time you buy resolene, consider getting the 32oz bottle, then you'll always have your little bottle for 50/50 mixing. I've been using the same 32oz bottle of resolene for about 3 years, though I did briefly switch to Angelus 600 (when I ran out of Angelus, I switched back to resolene since it was still sitting on my shelf).

[humperdingle]

I use a little 4oz old bottle that used to contain something else - not sure what it held, but probably Tandy Satin Sheen. I fill it half-way with resolene, then fill it the rest of the way with tap water, then gently shake it. It's 2-3 months usually before I go through the entire bottle and it's perfectly fine.

The next time you buy resolene, consider getting the 32oz bottle, then you'll always have your little bottle for 50/50 mixing. I've been using the same 32oz bottle of resolene for about 3 years, though I did briefly switch to Angelus 600 (when I ran out of Angelus, I switched back to resolene since it was still sitting on my shelf).

That's exactly my plan I'll buy the bigger bottle soon.

I like the little bottles, as they allow a dauber to be put in.

Incidentally, what do you use to apply Resolene? I've heard spraying is best, but I don't have a sprayer.

I've used sponge, which seems to create a lot of foam. A lambswool dauber seems better, but they can lose tiny fibres, which end up on the surface!

[Cyberthrasher]

I've used sponge, which seems to create a lot of foam. A lambswool dauber seems better, but they can lose tiny fibres, which end up on the surface!

If you can't spray (or don't have any need to based on the project), then a sponge is really good once you get the hang of it. LIGHTLY moisten the sponge (no dripping water when squeezed) before splashing a little Resolene on it. Then apply light pressure on your project in one straight run, then go back over what you just did in tight little circles to rub it in and get rid of any bubbles. The more you push on the sponge, the more bubbles you'll get. Just practice and you'll see the difference in no time.

[particle]

For holsters, I use a 1" sponge paint brush. I dip it in water, squeeze it a bit to make sure the sponge is nice and wet, then squeeze out as much excess as possible and bang the handle against my bench to sling out a bit more water. Like Cyberthrasher said - you just want it lightly moistened. However, a little too much water won't hurt - it's already cut 50/50 with water... When I apply it to my holsters, I apply it very liberally to the interior first - let it soak in really well, being sure to get it in all the cracks and crevices, and I usually apply a little extra to the sweat shield area. Then, I hang it to dry for a few minutes till it's dry to the touch. After that, I move to the exterior - dip the brush, then liberally coat the exterior, brushing it on as quickly as possible. You'll probably get bubbles, but just keep brushing till the bubbles go away and make sure there are no pools anywhere - use less and less pressure as it gets closer to drying. Then, dip the brush again and move to the back of the holster and apply it the same way - quickly! Make sure you get the edges and belt slots. Rotate the holster all directions to make sure there are no drips or puddles anywhere, then hang to dry. Work very quickly - then make sure once it starts to dry, you leave it alone. I prefer this method for holsters because streaks usually aren't a problem and aren't noticeable because of the uneven, non-flat surfaces. For journal covers, I apply it lightly with an airbrush with several light passes a couple minutes apart.

Edited March 28, 2013 by particle