I suspect the most common reason epoxy putties go bad is cross-contamination of the “A” and “B” parts during storage. I’ve read about storing the unused putty in a freezer or sealed container, but I’ve kept mine fresh without any special storage ideas. My putty of choice is Aves Apoxie Sculpt. I keep it at my workbench, and I’ve had 3 pounds of it for as many years. Here’s what I do: I never dip straight from the tubs by hand, which prevents “B” residue on my hands from getting into the “A” container and vice-versa. I have two cheap, plastic-handled butter knives – one labeled A, the other B – and I use each knife only in its corresponding tub. I grab the putty from the tip of each knife for mixing in my hands. This way, the knives never come into contact with one another. The putty residue on each knife is still moist after all this time. Having never been cleaned, they are testimonial evidence in my cross-contamination argument. I have similarly marked sets of knives for the other epoxy putties I use every now and then, and, like the Aves, they’re still moist and ready to go – and they’re even older. Give this method a shot and you’ll find the life of your putties will be dramatically extended.

Tip submitted by:
Kenny HaverlyBardstown, Kentucky