Preserving Permalyn Finish

[QuanLoi]

It seems that the amount of finish required cover a stock is about a quarter of a 4 oz. can (or less).  In the past, I've tried to preserve the remainder by decanting, sealing the lid with plastic wrap, etc.  But when it's time to use the finish, months later, the stock finish that remained in the can has hardened and is pretty much useless.  Any one have a solution to this?...  (I haven't tried storing the can upside down)

[dogcatcher]

I have started to using Bloxygen.  I found out about it on Sawmill Creek a woodworkers forum.  Last time I bought some I got it off of Amazon. 

[Martin S.]

If it is similar to Waterlox, the finish cures by exposure to air.

Bloxygen is one technique, another is to fill the remaining can with marbles until the fluid is as close as possible to the top.

Another option is to just accept that the leftover will cure and throw it away, but I don't know how much Permalyn costs.

Waterlox is expensive, so when I open a quart, I put it in one cup mason jars and just use one at a time.  I fill the jars as full as possible.

[snapper]

I have not tried it, but have heard of people using CO2 to displace the air. 

fleener

[QuanLoi]

Perfect!  I guess Bloxygen is the way to go...

Thanks

[sdilts]

Bloxygen definitely works.

[eddillon]

I put it in a squeezable plastic bottle.  Squeeze it until the Permalyn reaches the top of mouth of the bottle. Replace the cap.  Good to go for more finish jobs.

[Tracker0721]

Was just gonna ask about this! I have a bottle of sealer and filler.

[Martin S.]

Other options:

Another form of Bloxygen:

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=30268&cat=1,190,44133,30268

Storage bags:

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=72867&cat=1,190,44133

[Darkhorse]

I use Chambers original oil finish. When I finish a rifle the can is more than half full. I hand twist the cap on real tight then turn it over and stand it on the cap. It works. I had a partial can last used over 10 years ago. I have used some from this can several times over the last year and it's just as good as it was 10 years ago. The thing to watch for is eventually the cap will become almost impossible to get off but the oil inside is still good.
I don't see why this won't work on any finish.

[Brian Jordan]

I bought a quart of sealer then afterwards learned it goes bad before you can use it all . I bought small glass jars from McMaster Carr and filled them to the brim. and put them in a dark cabinet. Hopefully it works.

https://www.mcmaster.com/#3801t73/=1cofms8

[yulzari]

A traditional way to exclude the air is to drop clean pebbles into it until the level of the liquid rises to the original level and then reseal it. Add more as you use it up.

[t.caster]

I use Permalyn sealer and Finish. I put Teflon tape around the threads (so the cap doesn't glue itself on) and store it upside down in a ziplock bag. This method has served me well for the last 8-10 years.

[BOB HILL]

This pmaybe a sign that y’all need to build more guns. 😁 Don’t let that stuff dry out!
Bob

[P.W.Berkuta]

I use Bloxygen also . I have a quart can of Permalyn Sealer that I've had for 3 years now. It is about 1/3 full and I purge it with the Bloxygen after every use. I cut a new cap gasket out of thin (1/16") automotive gasket material and screw the cap on tight after the can has been purged. No problems so far with the sealer curing when applied to the stock and left to dry for 6 to 8 hours -- "knock on wood" .