Best before date on plaster mortar?

[fredand44]

Hello
To my delight, I found an unopened bag of plaster from Byggmax in the garage, exactly what I need!
But the bag feels rock hard.
Could it be that it's already set and just needs to be discarded?
Regards,
Fredrik

 

[ArneTW]

I have used old cement that has hardened in the bag... I softened the bag by dropping it on a hard surface a few times and mixed it for a longer time. It seems to have worked, but how much worse it is compared to new is hard to say.

What is the worst that can happen?

/ATW

 

[fredand44]

Hello
Thank you for the response!
Yes, it seems possible to soften it again actually!
Maybe it will work!
Best regards
Fredrik

 

[piglet]

Try with a smaller amount before starting your project. If the cement in the mortar sets, then it is okay to use.

Usually, it takes a little longer for old mortar to set than if it's new.
So the worst that can happen is simply that the mortar doesn't set.