Tacky surface after 24 hrs

[troyt]

I jumped into my first project and already have a problem. Searched here but don't think it's the same as anything else posted. I'm using Boat Yard Polyester Resin(does not say laminating resin on the container) on glass mat(no strength needed, just to match the interior chop strand finish) with a little white coloring agent added into the resin. I'm mixing 2 oz. resin with 24 drops of supplied hardener (70 to 90 degrees), saturating mat and then spreading with a brush, and get a gel within 8-10 minutes. Gets hard quick, but the surface is still tacky after 24 hrs. This is in my garage in Central Fla., heat is not a problem. Will it harden up after a few days?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Tacky surface after 24 hrs

Polyester laminating resin will remain tackey untill it's sealed off from the atmosphere (air)... <br /><br />If you plan on gelcoating this surface, go ahead... The tack won't be a problem...<br /><br />If you want to leave the surface "as is", too get rid of the tackyness, get hold of some PVA (poly viynal alcohol) and brush, or spray, the PVA onto the surface.. The PVA will seal the surface off from the air.. After the PVA is applied, roll the boat out in the sun for a while to let the sun help cook everything real good, maybe a couple hours.... <br /><br />The PVA is water soluable.. It will wash right off, maybe a little scrubbing, then the surface should be tack free and easily sandable...

 

[BillP]

Re: Tacky surface after 24 hrs

It's probably laminating resin...24 drops in 2oz of resin is a HOT mix! I'm surprised you get 8 min in this Fla heat.

 

[amidaeus]

Re: Tacky surface after 24 hrs

I had the same happen to me. It was 96 degrees in the Dallas sun when I did it and it was tacky for 2 days. I did the rest in late evening when it was cooler and that part cured without being tacky. Whatever caused it, did not cause any problems for me. It sanded the same and looks the same. Mine did not say laminating resin on the can either.

 

[troyt]

Re: Tacky surface after 24 hrs

Two days now and it is a lot better, but still a little tacky. I think it will be done in another day or so. Don't think it is laminating resin, that would never finish, would it? Another question: Cam I just paint this while it is still tacky? I would have to sand the finished surface to give paint something to bite into anyway. This would save me time and sanding.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Tacky surface after 24 hrs

You can still paint it when it's still tacky. We would use latex barn paint to seal the final resin coat in some of the hulls we made...worked like a charm...just a thought

 

[outonbizniz2]

Re: Tacky surface after 24 hrs

I use that exact brand and have only had this happen when I did not shake up the resin before pouring to mix with the hardener.