Why Didn't My Resin Cure?

Why Didn't My Resin Cure?

Mar 01, 2024Jasmine Luck
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Why didn't my resin cure? Read to find our more.

Inaccurate Measuring - It is very important to make sure you measure accurately the Part A to Part B ratio. Check if the resin should be measured by volume or weight and use the correct measuring instrument (measuring cups for volume or scales for weight). This is crucial because often 1L does not equal 1kg of resin. If the measurements are incorrect, Part A and Part B won’t react properly, leaving you with uncured or tacky resin. Do NOT add extra Part B (hardener). This will not make your resin cure faster. You will likely end up with uncured resin. It can also cause a weak bond which will lead to your cured resin sagging or bending.

Not Mixing Thoroughly - Epoxy resin requires Part A and Part B to be thoroughly mixed to initiate the chemical reaction. It is important to scrape all sides and bottom of the container to ensure the mixture is completely combined. If you do not do this, the resin will not cure and harden completely.

Resin Contamination - Other products or substances that come into contact with the resin may inhibit the resin from curing properly. For this reason, we recommend customers use pigments and dyes that are formulated specifically for use in epoxy. If you are unsure how a product or substance will react with the resin, it’s best to do a sample test first, prior to tackling your project. Resin can also easily attract dust, dirt and bugs due to the sticky texture, so make sure your working area is clean and tidy.

Added Moisture - Any added moisture can cause issues with the resin curing. Prevent moisture contamination by storing your resin indoors with lids tightly closed. Ensure all mixing cups, equipment and silicone moulds are completely dry. Avoid working in high humidity environments. Humidity in the air can create amine blushing, which looks like a greasy, cloudy film on the top of the resin. We recommend that you avoid pouring on days where the humidity level in the air is high to avoid possible disappointment.

Cure Time - Allow your project to undergo the recommended curing duration according to the mixing instructions before you demould. It is important to note that whilst you can demould early, all epoxy resin takes a full 7 days to reach 100% cure. The larger the pour volume, the shorter the cure time. Small volume pours take longer to cure and extra time should be allowed before attempting to demould. Allowing the resin to cure a little longer will harden up your piece and prevent the resin from bending as you demould, particularly for thin castings such as jewellery and bookmarks.

Share this post if you found it useful or email hello@flowresins.com.au if you have any questions or concerns about your project.

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