Soft filler

[SouthernMudSlinger]

I put a coat of Evercoat Z grip on yesterday, and came back and sanded it today, and noticed that the filler seemed a little softer than I remembered it being before. It started curing after about 5 minutes or so and cured out and everything, but it just doesn't seem to be as hard as some of the filler thats been on there for a month or 2. You can press your finger nail into it hard and it will leave a little place...maybe Z grip stays a little softer? It never gumed up on the sandpaper. I've used it alot before but I cant remember how it was then because Ive had the filler and hardner for maybe 6 months and only used about half of it. I was just wondering if filler hardner ever goes bad?

[Len]

After sitting overnight in a warm environment it should be as hard as the old material. It could be how it was mixed or the age of the hardener. Try a new tube next time.

[SouthernMudSlinger]

I assume what is already on will be fine?

[Len]

I assume what is already on will be fine?

It's hard to say. If you get some fresh hardener and it generates a different result I would probably recommend removing the soft stuff and replace it with new material.

[SouthernMudSlinger]

Its not that soft, its just not as rock hard as the old filler.

[old man]

get rid of the soft stuff. i had a spot that didn't harden and it developed a small crack. not worth the problems that could happen later

[Mooch]

Its not that soft, its just not as rock hard as the old filler.

If it is a large area I would give it a day to see what happens .

If it is just a matter of a few minute repair I would start over .
I don't use old filler or hardener that has been opened .

Mooch

[SouthernMudSlinger]

How long does the cream hardner normally last for filler? I know liquid hardner for clear is only good for for about 2 weeks but I've never heard anything about hardner for filler.

[old man]

i don't know what the difference is but i ran out of hardner so i bought a tube from lowes. worked ok. after it sat for a week in warm temp it turned to a liquid. tried it and the filler stayed soft. bought some of the blue hardner it works great even after sitting in heat.

[Len]

How long does the cream hardner normally last for filler? I know liquid hardner for clear is only good for for about 2 weeks but I've never heard anything about hardner for filler.

I've had cream hardener for several months and it still worked. As far as paint hardener is concerned it's usable life is greatly effected by how it is used and stored.

If you use a small amount of paint hardener from a can the remainder will last longer than if you use a large portion because the air in the can will have a greater effect on the remaining contents. If you use a significant portion of the hardener then put the remainder in a smaller container it will last longer because you will have less air reacting with the hardener. The best method of storing hardener is to inject a little inert gas (like Bloxygen) into the can before putting it in storage.

Bloxygen Link

[johnnyrock]

I have used Z grip before it is a good product,chances are you might have not put enough hardener in. the main proplem with that is it will be softer and and the finish may crack and seperate in time.If it were me i would just start over and try to be aware of how much hardener you put in it(the general rule is about an inch of hardener per golf ball size of filler)mix it well and clean your spredder off before you apply.good luck!