Do polishes break down with age?

I have several different brands for my own use that are probably a couple of years old or more.
I don't do other cars, so product tends to last for a long time.
I store them indoors during winter months to avoid freezing them.

It seems to me that most of them have become more watery (less creamy) in viscosity.
Is it my imagination or do these compounds break down with age?

Are there any issues using older product?
I'm wondering if the abrasive might not be suspended as well and evenly distributed within the media.

 

Good question, I'd like to know as well.

 

Shelf-Life

Providing their contains have a tight seal, are not compromised by fractures or (air) leaks, and use at least a single stage fluorination of the plastic, so that it is resistant to petrochemical solvents; without this the sides will ‘collapse’, which is actually the solvents in the product escaping through the micro pores of the plastic.

All liquid products should be shaken well (not stirred 007) before use

a) Polymers have a shelf life of approx 3-5 years if kept in their original containers and stored at temperatures as above

b) Polish - technically 2 years, providing the bottle is kept closed, and the product has not separated or the solvents haven’t evaporated by leaching ( the bottle will become semi- collapsed) there should be no problem with use for three years after sale date

c) Waxes - will last almost indefinitely, provided that they are stored a sealed in their original containers and in the refrigerator or controlled environment once opened. The liquids should last 18 months if stored at normal room temperature.

d) Detailing Chemicals (Wheel cleaners, All purpose cleaners (APC) and etc) have an almost indefinite shelf life if kept in their original containers and stored at temperatures as above, see also Product separation

e) Product separation If product emulsion separates it could be indicative of age (but not necessarily past its useful life) shake vigorously for 5-10 minutes and see if the product re- mixes.

Product shelf -life may vary from one manufacturer to another, if in doubt check with product mfg or vendor.

 

Damn.. polish doesn't last that long at all... they're not cheap too.

 

Great question and great answer TOGWT

 

My dad has some meguiar product for over 8 years and he still using them. Just keep it from freezing and you will be fine. When i see him useing that product nothing shines better then meguiars. It is truely the best.

 

I found that using Mothers Metal polish the old jar wasn't getting the results I wanted and even switched to Adams with varied results. Bought a new jar of Mothers and I'm very happy with the great results...yes they need replacing after a couple years!
Gary