anchorseal shelf life ?

I would say years, provided it is not allowed to freeze.

Agree. Bought a gallon over five years ago, and the last quart has not precipitated. Don't know whether it was winter or summer formula, but it does smell of alcohol, so I presume it has some antifreeze in it.

Hello MinnJim,

As many of the group here know, I'm always testing things in my studio. It's a character flaw of mine I guess... One of my long term tests has been on the shelf like of finishes and adhesives. In addition, I threw in a few other things at the last minute... Anchorseal was one of the products I added to the primary protocol.

I have tested both the winterized version and the standard version's of Anchorseal. The testing has thus far spanned 7 years for the Anchorseal products. All of the product variations have been stored in the original plastic bottles and measured for temperature, colour, consistency, viscosity and specific gravity every six months.

In addition, drying time is recorded on sample wood with temperature and humidity recorded. A supplemental test is also performed with heat assisted drying, with the same factors recorded.

Brief summary results thus far...

Winterized Product: No difference in viscosity or specific gravity. No lumps or thickened masses. Drying time in normal range vs. fresh product.

Non-Winterized Product: Test 1A.) Stored inside studio - heated and air conditioned space year round. No difference in measured characteristics. Drying time in normal range.

Non-Winterised Product: Test 1B.) Stored outside, exposed to elements, temperature variations etc. (Stored in original plastic bottle). Product has become very lumpy, with thick masses floating in watery thin liquid. We do not get a lot of freezing temps here, but it happens on occasion. Product experienced a cascading failure of all measured factors and was removed from testing on 1-15-2002.

So to answer your question, if properly stored the winterised product will last at least seven years. It does need to be stored with a tightly closed lid for best results. Sub-testing was performed on both versions of Anchorseal stored in a temperature controlled environment, with an inert gas layer added in test tubes to establish a boundary layer against normal air. Results of this testing have yet to be summarized. I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

P.S. I have an excellent article on using wax emulsions like Anchorseal on my website. If you would like to learn how to use these products effectively, point your browser to the following:

http://www.woodturn> Posted back awhile on end grain sealing. I've decided to use anchorseal on a

I have had the winterized stuff in the shop for up to three years with no problems except running out.

After reading this and other posts on Anchorseal I've decided to try it. Who has the best price? Thanks.

I get mine from Packard Woodworks. It is their brand of end sealer and works well. I used a jug from Klingspor (their brand) and it was cheaper, but more watery and drippy.

Has its downside as well. Putting it on a light-colored blank which is still wet to the look and touch can prolong the damp long enough for mildew to take hold and discolor to some depth. If I were doing it again, and I find it unnecessary with a modicum of attention to relative humidity, I'd definitely only cover the outside endgrain, which is under stress from contraction, allowing the inside, under compression, to get rid of moisture as rapidly as possible.

The best pricing I've found is direct from the manufacturer U. C. Coatings. You can order on-line at:

Got to agree with Jack. The best price is directly from the manufacturer.

Their manufacturing plant is about 8 miles from my house. When I bought my last 5 gallon pail I picked it up. The plant manager waited on me. He brought out the owners to introduce them to me and they then gave me a tour of their operation. All for a $57.00 sale.

You're right, they are a bunch of nice guys!

Hi All Over here in our wood turning club we have a member that gets a 40 or

Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

Got to agree with the above!

Tom