Shelf life of brake fluid (dot 3 )

[Verminator]

Does brake fluid have a fixed shelf life with regard to getting off paint, I I have had a batch for around 6 months, stripped about six models but it seems to be struggling lately to do its job. I'm not using any different paints than i would normally, any ideas?

[SteveK2003]

Yes, it does get weaker over time, especially as it is exposed to the air. I keep mine in an air-tight plastic container and it still worked acceptably well after about 3 years.

[jswillmon]

I periodically strain the muck out of mine and clean the bottom of the container b/c after a while i have a thick buildup of mush in the bottom. I seems to be less effective after it gets really dirty. I've had mine in a big tupperware bowl for over a year and is still running strong.

[ImolaEK]

Originally Posted by jswillmon

I periodically strain the muck out of mine and clean the bottom of the container b/c after a while i have a thick buildup of mush in the bottom. I seems to be less effective after it gets really dirty. I've had mine in a big tupperware bowl for over a year and is still running strong.

Yea, same here. After a few months and a few cars stripped my Brake Fluid lost its strength. I would keep it in an air tight container, like SteveK2003 said, for next time.

[freakray]

The other factor to consider is moisture, brake fluid tends to draw moisture so if it's not in a completely sealed container it will also make it weaker/less effective over time.

[Verminator]

Mine has been in an unsealed container so I can assume thats my problem, as brakefluid is a product of refining as is petrol etc then I can only think that the chemicals that do the stripping must evaporate off if left open to the air. Will put my next lot in a tub with a lid. Thanks for the info guys.