Soft Gel Color Problem

I use Chefmaster liqua-gel colors and have never experienced this sort of trouble. Can't speak to Americolor, as I never use it.

I use Americolor all the time and have never had that problem. Some of mine are older too. I do shake the heck out of them before each use. Sorry that happened to you, how frustrating.

Thanks Joanie and Julia.

I don't think I ever knew you were supposed to shake those little bottles.

Perhaps that is what the problem is!

I also ordered a small set of Chefmaster colors so I can see if there is much difference.

So glad this site and forum is available.

I rarely shake my colors; in fact, almost never, as they don't seem to separate or change consistency in the container.

I have Americolor and Wilton colors.  I shake them before using.  As is with all things, those that sit the contents are condensed (not sure I am wording this correctly).  Even though I shake, I have had a problem getting the contents out of the little bottles.  Very irritating.  Yesterday, I put a few drops of water in the bottle.  This helped but there was still a load at the bottom.  Shaking the bottles makes for a mess around the caps (Americolor) and Wilton's icing colors seems to ooze out.  For me, and to me, it is a dirty mess that irritates me.  

I never paid attention to shelf-life, I should have.  But I thought I would be a trailblazer - didn't happen.  I do not have my colors under lighting or natural light.  They are stored in the cabinet.