Most common issue of epoxy not curing is by not using the correct mix ratio. Epoxy Resin is a two part system that requires the correct amount of Part A and Part B to be measured at the correct mix ratio whether it’s 5:1, 3:1, 2:1 or 1:1. If measured and mixed correctly the epoxy will cure 100% of the time. If you have poured a surface and did not mix thoroughly, you may have some spots that cured and some spots that are still soft. If you have a very sticky and soft layer that is able to be moved around after it should be cured, this is due to incorrect mix ratio and most commonly seen by adding more resin than hardener or vice versa. Epoxy Resin should always be mixed thoroughly in a cup by combining Part A Resin and Part B Hardener. If you were to pour resin onto a surface and then hardener without it being mixed together prior to pouring, the epoxy will not set up properly.
Having a problem where the epoxy small volume pour is not curing and remains soft/sticky. This is the third time with the same result, I followed the instructions to the letter but the result is still the same. All pours were at 75 degrees for several days. Not Happy, need answers or have to have Rockler refund my money
What product are you using? Epoxy is volume and temperature sensitive. If you are using a casting resin like Deep Pour, in small volume the chemical reaction can stall out. You can try warming the piece up to kickstart the reaction and get it cure.
I poured a 2nd coat of deep pour which was less than 1/4″ thick at a shop temp of 68 degrees, 8 hours later it still hadn’t started to harden so I raised the shop temp to 78 and it took another 12 hours for the chemical reaction to set and harden to the touch. I didn’t see anything in the Deep Pour info sheet about pouring less than 1/2. I was lucky to jump start the chemical reaction.
I’m planning on applying the clear table top epoxy onto my melamine top work bench to protect the surface. I would appreciate advice on preparing the melamine surface to achieve a good bond. My pour thickness is 1/16” on a 4’ x 8’ surface.
Melamine is a pretty slick surface that a lot of people use as molds for epoxy because it doesn’t adhere well to it with a mold release agent applied. You can try scuffing the surface with sandpaper and then cleaning the entire bench with denatured alcohol or acetone.