I have a shoebox full of (tinned) Humbrol paints that are at least 25 years old. Most have been opened and although they were never stored in extreme conditions they havent been stored in a ‘cool’ place either. I shook them and they all had at least some solvent inside. Does anyone know what the longevity would be on these paints? Is there any way to tell if they’ve gone bad? My first instinct is to chuck them and start again, although it’s a shame to waste if they are okay. Thanks.
Stir them thoroughly and try them out on a scrap or old kit. I have some tins of close to the same age (certainly over 20 years) that still are good. You may have to thin the thickened paint seperately from the tin itself. But you will still get the nice coverage and finish. Some of their older colors are no longer available, so check before yu go the toss and replace route.
The old formulations of Humbrol paints had excellent long term stability, among other sterling qualities, unlike the newer formulations, which also have reported quality control issues.
Your old paints may well be fine. Open each and stir thoroughly. It may take quite a lot of stirring. If the paint is smooth, even if a bit thick, it is still good. If it is stringy, or contains hard, undispersable lumps, it is history. I had at least one tin of the old Humbrol for over thirty years before it turned too rubbery goo.
Thanks for the response guys. I’ll definitely stir well and try them on scrap plastic first. I get the warm and fuzzies when I see these little tins so I would prefer to use them if possible! They have character 