Why Is My Epoxy Sticky or Tacky?

Nothing kills the joy of a resin pour faster than a sticky, tacky mess. Whether you're dealing with gooey puddles or a surface that feels like masking tape, don't panic. These issues are common - and totally fixable. 

This guide covers the most common causes of sticky epoxy, how to fix them, and how to avoid them next time. 

1. You Didn't Mix It Properly

Why It Happens:

If you don't mix your resin and hardener thoroughly - or don't mix them in the right ratio - you'll get uneven curing. That means soft spots, tacky areas, or even wet goo that never sets. 

Fix It: 

• Scrape off any uncured epoxy. 
• Wipe the area clean with isopropyl alcohol or acetone. 
• Mix a fresh batch (correctly!) and pour a new layer. 

Prevent It:

• Follow the mix ratio on the label - most are 1:1 by volume for surface coating epoxies. 
• Stir slowly for at least 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom.
• Don't scrape the cup when pouring - unmixed material often lingers at the edges. 

2. Your Measurements Were Off

Why It Happens: 

Eyeballing your mix? That's a no-go. Even a slight miscalculation in resin-to-hardener ratio can leave your project soft or tacky.

Fix It: 

If only the surface is tacky, let it cure longer or lightly sand and recoat. If it's still gooey after 72 hours, scrape, clean, and start fresh. 

Prevent It:

• Use measuring cups with markings or a digital scale.
• Always measure precisely - no guessing, no shortcuts. 
• Mix only what you can use within the product's working time. 

3. The Temperature Was Wrong

Why It Happens:

Epoxy likes it warm and dry. If your workspace is below 65F or too humid, your resin may cure slowly - or not at all.

Fix It:

• Move the piece to a warmer area (ideally 70F-75F).
• Use a space heater or warming mat to speed things up. 
• Still sticky after a day or two? Sand and recoat. 

Prevent It:

• Store and use epoxy in a room-temperature environment.
• Warm your bottles in a water bath before mixing. 
• Avoid working in high humidity. 

4. You Poured Too Thin or Used Too Much Color

Why It Happens:

• Thin layers don't generate enough heat to fully cure. Overloading your resin with pigment can also block the chemical reaction.

Fix It:

• Let it sit longer - thin pours may take extra time.
• If still tacky, sand and pour a fresh layer. 

Prevent It:

• Stick to the recommended pour depth.
• Limit colorants to no more than 6-10% of your total mix. 
• Build up thin layers instead of trying to coat it all at once. 

5. The Surface Was Dirty

Why It Happens:

Dust, oils, or moisture on your surface can prevent epoxy from bonding and curing properly. 

Fix It:

• Remove the sticky area.
• Clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
• Re-pour with fresh epoxy. 

Prevent It:

• Clean your surface before every pour.
• Avoid using silicone-based cleaners - they leave residue. 
• Cover your project while it cures to protect from airborne dust. 

6. What the Stickiness Means

• Wet/Gooey: Didn't mix correctly. Needs to be removed and redone. 
• Tacky (like tape): May cure with more time or a warm room. If not, sand and recoat. 
• Soft/Doughy in spots: Usually from unmixed epoxy at the end of the pour. 

7. How to Fix Sticky Epoxy

Here's a cheat sheet:

Bonus Tip: Don't toss your project right away - most sticky situations can be saved with sanding and a fresh coat. 

8. How to Avoid Sticky Epoxy Next Time

• Measure exactly.
• Mix thoroughly (5+ minutes).
• Work at 65F-75F.
• Don't scrape the cup when pouring.
• Keep colorant under 10%.
• Clean surfaces before pouring.
• Keep dust away while curing. 

Sticky epoxy happens. Whether it's under-mixing, off-ratio measuring, or working in the wrong environment - once you know what went wrong, it's usually and easy fix. 

At Promise Epoxy, we design our resins to be beginner friendly, forgiving, and crystal clear. Stick to the tips in this guide, and you'll be back to smooth, glassy finishes in no time. 

Got questions or a sticky project? Give us a shout at info@promiseepoxy.com - we're always here to help you make it right.