Titebond Shelf Life

[Bugsysiegals]

I bought a gallon each and the smaller squeeze bottle each of Titebond Original and Titebond II back in 2015. It’s been stored in my basement with the lid closed. I just started using the Titebond II squeeze bottle on a shop cabinet which has structural joints.  I’ve read these glues are rated for a minimum of 2 years. I’m sure they last longer but not sure how much longer. Considering they’re stored in the cool 60 degree basement out of sunlight and kept closed, should I be concerned and throwing them out or am I good for a while longer?

FWIW - I noticed a slight darker colored ring forming on the top of the gallon jugs. I tilted one upside down and began shaking it about and just as I was going to tip it right side up the cap popped off and I got glue all over myself and the floor. I was pretty ticked at first but then laughed about it and wished I’d been filming. Anyways, the glue still looks like new glue but not sure if I should throw away all this glue if it’s likely to still be good and I’ve many projects I can begin using it up on.

 

[ChuckM]

How do they smell? Like regular fresh glue?

I have used yellow glue (bottles open before) older than four, five years with no negative consequences. I use the smell test to supplement the visual exam.

 

[GarryMartin]

Ooh, ooh, ooh, I can answer this one!  [wink]

I did some research on glues and clamps a little while ago. I bought some Titebond I, II and III some time ago, but mostly use III for any projects. As a consequence, I have Titebond glue past the 2 years "minimum shelf life".

I found two great references, both actually from Titebond but with information pertinent to other suppliers.
http://blog.titebond.com/page/how-to-store-your-wood-glue-for-longer-lifehttp://www.titebond.com/resources/use/glues/faqs

"Store a bottle of white or yellow wood glue (polyvinyl acetate, or PVA glue) in optimum conditions, and it can last 10 years or longer. This goes for our popular Titebond® Original, Titebond II and Titebond III PVA glues, too."

"In reality, as long as products like Titebond Original, Titebond II and Titebond III remain fluid, without a drastic change in appearance, they will continue to perform as intended."

"How will you know if your glue has gone bad? “If it pours, it’s probably good,” says Behnke. If the glue has thickened, shake it vigorously by firmly tapping the bottle on a hard surface until the product is restored to its original form. You also can add up to five percent water to water-based glues (such as PVA glues) to thin the product. If the glue comes out stringy or pasty or wants to stick to itself rather than to the wood, it’s probably past its prime. If Titebond II turns orange, it’s time for a new bottle."