Sticky fingers

[ferret]

I Envirotexed a batch of plugs 2 1/2 days a go and they are still sticky to the touch. Done more than 20 batches and this is the first time it's taken so long. Maybe I didnt add enough hardener, maybe the humidity is killing the cure, anyone else this problem and what did you do about it? Another problem isthat this was the second coat and I dun wanna add any more weight from another coat.

[UserRemoved1]

Bet it wasn't mixed enough, that seems to be the biggest drawback/cause most problems with that stuff.

[PNG]

How sticky? Just tacky?

[ferret]

Tacky not sticky, I think Salty is correct. Been lazy and using a drill to mix the epoxy, worked fine the first few times, but probably not htis last time. Gonna wait another month or so,if they still feel tacky I gonna re-finish em.

[UserRemoved1]

If the mix was bad the first time then chances are it will not harden and will remain sticky. You're better off to wipe them down and re-coat again now....This was one of the reasons why I don't use this stuff. I was never happy with how finicky it was to mix etc.

[PNG]

put one outside in the sun for awhile....

[Sudsy]

Here's a no fail way to get the mix right:

Get some of the clear 35mm film canisters from your local photo shop. Using a ruler, make 2 equally spaced marks - a fine point sharpie pen works best. Pour the resin and hardener to the marks and mix. I make sure to grab a handfull of chopsticks every time we go to the chinese restaurant. They're perfect for this.

The one time I didn't do it this way, the stuff didn't set up. I had to wash the plug down with alchohol and redo it.

If I know I'm going to be a while coating multiple plugs, I pour the well mixed epoxy into a plastic coffe can top. Spreading it out slows down the cure rate.

For a thin even coat, try the small foam brushes. As a bonus, they fit perfectly into the film canisters.

[MAC]

I went to a local "Party " store (don't know the actual name, they sell party goods) and bought some 1 oz clear plastic cups for around $3.00 per 100. I them took a cap from a water bottle (cap is around 1/2 " high and use a sharpie to mark each cup. Fill to the line and perfect mix every time. I bought some sticks for making chocolate lollypops and cut them in half and use these for mixing. This gives you enough mix to do around 7 plugs.

[NJTackle]

If you invest in a small gram/grain digital scale , the kind used for reloading ammo (I own a PACT) you will never have another mixing ratio problem again.
You will find other uses for it too like weighing hooks or whatever. They really are a worthwile investment, plus the peace of mind that you will never mix another bad batch & ruin another plug.
Part B is typically 15%lighter than part A(weight vs volume) . Once you write the correct ratios down you can easily get the accuracy to within a drop. I start with part A (dont forget to set the tare weight for the cup) write this down, then pour part B over it to get to desired total weight. Simple, and very accurate.
just my .02

[Christian]

i second the scale idea. ive been using the little cups from wendy's and kelly's roast beef.