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Building Tips and technical articles. => Paint and finishing => Topic started by: frank mccune on February 27, 2024, 02:44:31 PM

Title: Should I decant dope into smaller lots for storage?
Post by: frank mccune on February 27, 2024, 02:44:31 PM

     Hello:

      Would it be a wise choice to take four gallons of dope and store it in smaller containers to promote storage life.  Right now, it is being stored in a five gallon metal tin.  Perhaps, four one gallon tins would be better.

       Thoughts,

        Tia,

         Frank

Title: Re: Should I decant dope into smaller lots for storage?
Post by: 944_Jim on February 27, 2024, 04:50:00 PM

Yes, get rid of the air-gapped big can, but break down to whole gallons plus smaller pieces . Consume each gallon upon demand...in other words, open/decant and use one gallon at a time. First one breaks down to 3 quarts and then smalls (4 or 8 oz...12-16 oz if you build big and use a lot). Do the next one once you've used and broken down the first bunch.

Title: Re: Should I decant dope into smaller lots for storage?
Post by: frank mccune on February 27, 2024, 10:10:57 PM

      Hi Jim:

       Thanks for the prompt reply. 

        I will do that asap.  Yes, I really like to do silk and dope finishes.

        Frank

Title: Re: Should I decant dope into smaller lots for storage?
Post by: Dave Hull on February 28, 2024, 07:47:02 PM

I would do so with caution. I bought a gallon of Randolph clear butyrate a few years back with a friend. We split it 50:50. He found some paint cans at a store and decanted some into those. Whatever was on the inside of those cans discolored the dope. The original Randolph can is still clear. Maybe a really good paint shop could advise on suitable cans for lacquer. I wouldn't trust a big box store's cans...but you can always give it a try.

Dave

Title: Re: Should I decant dope into smaller lots for storage?
Post by: Miotch on February 29, 2024, 08:54:39 AM

Aha !! you have four gallons in a five-gallon can.  I would either decant it into smaller cans and store them upside down, or flood the can you have with Argon and make sure it is sealed very well.  And my Argon idea is probably stupid and easier said than done, since I've never had Argon and never attempted to replace atmospheric air with Argon and store it.  I can think of ways to attempt it, but I'd probably be wrong.