Long Term Test Results of Storing Anchorseal

I'm always testing things in my studio, and one of my long term tests has been on the shelf life of finishes and adhesives. Anchorseal was one of the products I added to the primary protocol.

I have tested both the winterized version and standard versions of Anchorseal. The testing has thus far spanned seven years for the Anchorseal products. All of the product variations have been stored in the original plastic bottles and measured for temperature, color, 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-Winterized 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 15 January 2002.

So, if properly stored the winterized 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 contact. Results of this testing have yet to be summarized.

The winterized version is available directly from the manufacturer, but you have to ask for it when you order. I have always purchased my Anchorseal direct, to get a lower price. If it does not say “Winterized” on the label, it's the standard version which will freeze if the temperature gets too low in storage.

Basically, they add a small amount of antifreeze to the standard Anchorseal to winterize it. These days, I always order the winterized version because I buy in bulk 55 gallon drums, or five gallon pails and I don't want to worry about using it up before winter—just in case I have to store it outside in an unheated storage building.

Here is a picture of the front of a five gallon container. When it's “Winterized,” the text is printed next to the “Clear” on the label.

Bottom line is that you should be able to get at least seven years out of any Anchorseal that you purchase, if it's stored in a controlled environment, with a tight fitting lid to prevent evaporation. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Take care and best wishes to you and yours!

Gil Jones adds: I never clean the brush. I buy five gallons (at our turning club for $25, from our 55-gallon drum) and pour a gallon into a one gallon plastic jug. In use, I pour some out of the gallon jug into a can or jar, paint it on the end grain as needed, then return any unused product to the jug. I had a problem with bad smell and lumpy wax if I kept small amounts in a jar, but none in the plastic jug. The brush soon becomes stiff with cured wax emulsion from the last use, but that softens up in less than 30 seconds, so I see no point in cleaning the brush. The product we use/sell at the turning club is called Sealtite 60 from ISK BIOCIDES, INC. (416 East Brooks Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38109, Ph: 901-344-5350 or 1-800-248-7961). I have used Anchorseal, and Sealtite 60 seems to be the same, or at least a comparable product.