2K clear changing quality over 6 months, or am I crazy?

I started using a new brand of 2K clear back in April and noticed the first few jobs laid down perfect, no runs and great gloss. Fast forward to last week, same mix ratio and same gun pressure, and the final coat is coming out with a slight orange peel and duller finish. I'm wondering if the hardener is going bad after sitting half open, or if the supplier swapped to a cheaper formula on the refill. Anyone else see a product line degrade that fast, or should I just toss the batch and try a different brand?

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1 Comment

smith.jordan27d ago

Is it just me or does every paint supplier secretly swap formulas the minute you get comfortable with their stuff? I swear I've got a graveyard of half-used hardener cans that turned into mystery goo after a few months, so your guess about the open container is probably not crazy. But honestly, my track record with diagnosing this stuff is so bad I once spent a week blaming clear coat when it was just a dirty gun tip. That said, orange peel getting worse with the same settings usually points to the hardener sucking up moisture or the base coat flashing different in the humidity. I'd say toss the batch and grab a fresh quart from a different supplier, because fighting a dull finish for six more jobs ain't worth the headache. If the new stuff still does it, then you know it's your gun or your prep, not the product.