AboutTony Gallagher Expertise I can answer questions on all interior and exterior painted surfaces. Ranging from new plaster and woodwork to galvanised metal, rusty metal to exterior render stucco, All external timbers from solid oak to tannalised fencing. I have specialist knowledge on Flame Retardent products for Combustiable and Non Combustiable surfaces. Although some product knowledge of Car finishing I do not feel I have enough experience in that field to be able to offer knowledgable solutions.Colour queries are welcome but I have not got a design background and can only answer semi technical questions with regard to colour.
Experience Fourty years selling decorative products on behalf of major manufacturers such as Permoglaze,Crown,Macphersons,Johnstones, Leyland,Sikkens & Sadolin. More recently in a merchant capacity I have been involved with Dulux, Farrow & Ball and Fired Earth products. I have recently commenced training in enviromentally friendly product ranges, such as vegatable oil paints and varnish.
Organizations PDA (Assoiciate Member)
Education/Credentials H N C Business Management. Several In House achievement certificates for product training.
Past/Present Clients Ford Motor Company. Nissan, MOD, Home Office, The University of Sheffield, Local Goverment.
I am doing research for a painting contractor who is embroiled in an argument regarding exterior paint shelf life. He believes that paint, if stored properly, has a fairly length shelf life (this, of course, is not supported by information found on leading paint manufacturers' websites, who claim that the shelf life does not exceed two years). I am looking for scientific- or academic-based data, studies, or empirical information that discuss specifically whether paint that has been stored unopened for perhaps 5-10 years will perform as reliably as new paint after application (i.e., weather resistance, UV resistance, longevity, etc.). Do you know of any such studies conducted that will conclusively state findings either supporting or refuting the premise? I'm really in a bind...
Thanks very much!
Regards,
Michael L. Majlak
Answer Michael,
I can be of little help, my expertise is practical and not academic.
I can offer you an opinion backed by experience and leave you to find the scientific evidence.
I would be grateful to share that evidence when you uncover it.
I have been selling paint since 1965 I am using certain products such as primers undercoats and glosses that I have in my possession since before 1986.
My belief is that paint in general (there are some exceptions) does not have a shelf life. My experience is that they have an AIR life, therefore I decant all paint I am to use to another kettle and I keep the original tin exceptionally clean around the lid area. On completion I return all unused product replace the lid tightly and turn the can upside down for a few minutes.
I now own my own decorators merchant and would, and do sell with confidence, unopened products of 10 years and more.
The exceptions are flame retardant products which have additives and certain specialist products such as anti-condensation materials.
Sorry I can't be authoritative on the subject but hope this helps.
