Carbatec Perfect-Gloss hardener discolouration

[Lyle]

I have a litre set of the Carbatec Perfect-Gloss clear decorative timber coating.
Two part mix and sets "crystal clear" (apparently).

The product is over 12 months old but unopened until this weekend, but going by the instructions that is OK. Problem is the hardener has discoloured, it is now a honey brown, but still clear. The other container is clear like water.

I have tried a test piece and am dissappointed in the tinge of brown. The gloss is good and has set hard.

Has anyone else had this problem. Is there a way to diminish the tint? Possibly mix ratio of resin to hardener, even if the cure time is lengthened.

I had bought it on the sales pitch, long shelf life, clear hard gloss finish etc.

I have contacted Carbatec, who said take it up with the distributor, who said take it up with Carbatec.

The problem (other than the discolouration) is that I bought it in Brisbane and have subsequently moved to Newcastle. So trying to liaise with interstate retailer and local-ish distributor is painful at best.
Any suggestions appreciated.
I'll let you know how my 'liaising' goes.

Lyle.

[Master Splinter]

Put it to one side to be used as an adhesive or waterproofing coat, and buy some new.

Epoxy hardeners do go brown over time, and I've heard it's because of water/CO2/light/a visit from the epoxy fairy. I suspect any process to de-brown it would be substantially more complicated and costly than driving down the shops for a new batch.

I've got some old Techniglue hardener that's gone from light amber to dark walnut (must be 15 years old by now) but it still works just fine.

[Lyle]

My experimental piece has gone off and set OK. I turned it in the lathe OK.
I'll polish it up tomorrow arvo to see how the clarity turns out.
I am disappointed to have a product with a shelf life of over 12 months discolour. Especially as I hadn't opened the containers and it was stored in cool dark dry place.

[Lyle]

Did the test piece as you can see in the photo. wasn't happy with the result so contacted the manufacturer. Explained the problem and we agreed it was the age that had probably caused it.
Was very pleasently surprised when I got home yesterday and found a new bottle of hardener on my doorstep.
Tried out a small batch straight away and it is much much clearer. Haven't done photos of the new result yet.
Thanks to Mac Dalton from ATL Composites. Good customer service.