Why isn't my epoxy finish curing? It's still tacky after several days.Updated 3 years ago

An epoxy finish that will not cure even after several days at normal room temperature is not likely going to cure, ever. The most common culprit behind a tacky finish is improper measuring or mixing of the resin and hardener.

It is critical to measure an exact 50/50 mixture. Being off by just a little, either by accident or on purpose (some people add more hardener in the mistaken belief that it will cause their finish to cure more quickly - it won't.) will usually result in a finish that remains tacky indefinitely. By properly measuring and mixing a new batch of finish and then applying a thin coating on top of what you have now, your finish should then cure in the proper fashion.

The syringes supplied or offered by the finish manufacturers are your best bet for getting an accurate mix. (Syringes bought from other sources are possibly contaminated with silicones or other non epoxy compatible substances and should not be used.) Mix a full 3cc's of each epoxy component, even if you do not plan to use it all. A larger mix allows for a greater margin of error an is not as adversely affected by tiny measuring error as a smaller total mix will be. Stir slowly for at least 3 minutes or until the mix turns completely clear. To extend pot life and help in releasing any bubbles introduced during mixing, pour your epoxy out onto a piece of aluminum foil and work from there.