So i know this has been tackled before but...my high build has stayed tacky on the last couple builds. I feel like my mix is good but they are not curing. They have been done in the basement, coldest room of the house, and outside is fairly humid, 65%+ or so in South Dakota.

Any thoughts...and next steps to remedy?

Thanks everyone!

Knock on wood, I have never had finish not cure. It can basically be only 1 of 3 things. Either you did not measure exact proportions, or you did not mix enough, or you mixed 2 portions of the same part of the epoxy. The stuff will cure every time when you thoroughly mix equal portions of the resin and hardener. It's chemical destiny.

So:
How are you measuring?

How are you mixing?

Anything else we should know about how you do things?

I'll bet there is a simple solution for your future mixes.

Drew

Hi Andy,
The cold will effect the viscosity and possibly the levelling as well as the curing time. It won't stop the stuff from curing as Drew said 'It's chemical destiny" if even parts are mixed thoroughly. The marks on syringes aren't exact and the plungers can get out of level a bit. Take a good look at the syringe on your first part and make the second one as near as possible. Try mixing a larger batch as this will lessen the chance of 1:1 being out. Check the syringes for bubbles as these can upset the amounts. If your using a mixer check the speed, it should be around 18 rpm for best results. Look at you mixer and make shore it fits into the corners of your mixing cup which should not have little strengthing lugs in the bottom if it's plastic, glass is best. If your mixing by hand use a mixer that gets into the corners and mix thoroughly for at least four minutes.
It happens to everyone eventually and there is always a definite reason.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

My best guess would be not mixed well enough? just a guess......

Andy,
Measure by volume so that you have an exact 50:50 mix.
Then, mix slowly to not form bubbles for at least 120 seconds or 2 minutes, as measured by the clock.

As others have suggested, I would guess that you are not mixing well enough.

If in doubt, mix for 240 seconds and then coat.

Good luck
REW

Thanks for the feedback guys. When/if I need to overcoat, do I need to scuff or clean the surface at all or can I go right over?

Cover it if you can to keep any dust off ( the tacky surface ) Then just recoat it Maybe just blow it off for any dust

When I mix my finish I - tilt - the cup and turn it as I mix Works for me No pouring onto aluminum foil I thin my finish and Do Not Get Bubbles

Bill - willierods.com

I'm getting in on this late, been busy, but I think I know what the problem is. I used to have the same problem from time to time and it always seemed to happen when I need the rod ready in a hurry. I measured my finish with syringes and was sure that I mixed it really well by hand. I mixed it so long by hand that I got tired of doing it so I made a mixer. Since I have been using the mixer I have not had the tacky finish problem. Ever! I would have bet anything that I was mixing as well as it could be mixed but the only thing that changed was going to the mixer. I always let it run for a minimum of four minutes and have let it run for more like eight to ten minutes when something distracted me from watching the time. I never have a problem with bubbles with the mixer and a ball bearing. I would suggest that you make or buy a mixer, you will kick yourself for not getting one sooner.

Hi there it's my first post hello to all you guys ,
I would also be thinking it's a mixing problem . When it's cold I use a plastic breakfast bowl to mix with .when I've put exact equal parts in the bowl I have a small saucepan full of hot water which I warm up the epoxy by immersing the bottom of the breakfast bowl in ( becareful not to get water in the mix ) when the epoxy is warm it is much easier to mix and you will be able to get a more consistent mixture with little chance of the mix not mixed properly. Be warming the epoxy it flows around the wraps really nicely aswell. Just remember that in warmer weather if you use this method it accelerates the curing of the epoxy .

Hope this helps