DiamondFinish Clear can easily be stored for at least six months after opening if you follow a few simple best practices. The key is keeping the original can sealed, preventing paint from lodging in the groove, and never mixing old and new material. This guide walks you through the steps.
Best Practice Storage Method
Follow these steps to store opened DiamondFinish Clear properly:
- Dispense a working amount. Pour only what you need for the day or project into a separate container (steel or glass is best for extended storage). Do not paint directly from the original can.
- Use a tool to dispense. Use a KBS Paint Spout or similar tool to prevent paint from getting into the can groove during dispensing.
- Clean the groove. Before sealing, wipe the groove around the can rim completely clean of paint. Any residue can prevent proper resealing.
- Seal immediately. Seal the original can as soon as you finish dispensing. Do not leave it open.
- Use a plastic liner. Place a plastic zip lock type bag between the lid and the top of the can. This stops metal-to-metal contact and prevents the lid from sticking or sealing permanently to the can.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the sealed can in a temperature-stable location, away from direct sunlight or extreme heat or cold.
Preventing Permanent Lid Seal
DiamondFinish Clear can permanently bond to metal if left in direct contact with the can lid or groove. This is why the plastic bag liner is essential. The bag acts as a barrier, preventing the urethane from bonding the metal lid to the can rim.
If you do find that the lid is difficult to open on a previously sealed can, do not force it. A stuck lid can damage the can or the lid. Instead, soak the sealed edge with a solvent like Xylene for a few minutes, then try gently prying with a rubber mallet or wooden block.
Never Mix Old and New Cans
This is a best practice worth emphasizing: never mix DiamondFinish Clear from a previously opened can with a fresh, new can. Why? The older can may have absorbed moisture from the air during storage. When you pour that moisture-laden material into fresh coating, it can significantly reduce the pot life (working time) of the new material, creating application problems and potentially ruining the batch.
Instead, use one can until you finish your project. If you need more material, open a new can. If you have leftover from the first can, store it separately and use it for a future project, but never combine it with new stock.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing DiamondFinish Clear
How long can I store DiamondFinish Clear after opening?
DiamondFinish Clear can easily be stored for at least six months after opening if you follow proper storage procedures: dispense a working amount into a separate container, seal the original can immediately, and keep the can groove free of paint.
Should I paint out of the original can?
No. Do not paint out of the original can and do not shake the can. Dispense a working amount into a separate container (steel or glass is best) and seal the original can immediately.
How do I keep paint out of the can groove?
Use a scoop or KBS Paint Spout to dispense DiamondFinish Clear. Keep the groove around the can rim free of paint by wiping it clean before sealing. Paint in the groove can prevent proper resealing.
What should I put between the lid and can?
Use a plastic zip lock type bag between the lid and the top of the can to stop metal-to-metal contact. DiamondFinish Clear can permanently seal the lid if left in direct contact with the can rim.
Conclusion
Proper storage of opened DiamondFinish Clear is simple and saves money: dispense into a separate container, seal the original can with a plastic bag liner, keep the groove clean, and never mix old and new cans. With these practices in place, you will have usable material for months. For complete product details, see the application directions.
