Troubleshooting Guides of PickResin

Why does my resin look cloudy?

PickResin's ideal working temperature is between 75-85°F (24-30°C). Resin colder than this becomes thick, difficult to work with, and may appear milky due to microbubbles that cannot be torched out.

To resolve this, let the resin reach room temperature or warm the tightly capped bottles in a warm water bath for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that warming reduces your working time by about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the bottles are thoroughly dried before opening them.

Why is my resin bendy?

In most cases, bendy resin just needs more time to cure. PickResin reaches 95% solidity after 24 hours. Attempting to move or bend the resin before this 24-hour mark will cause it to bend. For a full cure, wait at least 72 hours. Bendy resin can result from several factors:

• Under-mixing

• An inaccurate mixing ratio

• Adding too much colorant

• A thin pour without a substrate

To fix bendy resin, allow more curing time. If it remains bendy, try pouring a thin top coat of properly measured and mixed PickResin over it to add some strength.

Why is my resin still sticky?

If your resin hasn’t cured properly, it usually means that the chemical reaction did not occur correctly. This is most often due to inaccurate measuring, under-mixing, or curing in cold temperatures. If you suspect temperature was the issue, try moving your piece to a warmer environment for 24 hours to see if it cures.

If it remains sticky, scrape away any liquid or uncured material, sand down the dried areas, and pour another coat over the entire surface. Resin that stays sticky for days will remain so indefinitely until corrected.

How can I fix resin that has an imperfection in it?

If your resin has cured with surface imperfections like dust, hair, dimples, or waves, sand down the entire surface while wearing a dust mask. After sanding, thoroughly wipe away all traces of dust. Then, pour another coat of properly measured and mixed PickResin over it.

We don't recommend spot fixing, as it's almost impossible to achieve a seamless finish by patching a small area on top of the original resin coat.

Will sanding marks show through when I apply a fresh coat of resin?

The scratchy, scuffed appearance from sanding the cured resin surface will vanish once you apply a fresh coat of resin.

 How do I fix bare spots?

For bare spots, clean the surface with propyl alcohol or warm water and dish soap. Allow it to dry. Then, wearing a dust mask, sand the entire surface with 80-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the sanding dust and pour a well-measured, well-mixed coat of PickResin epoxy resin over it.

Will PickResin shrink?

No, PickResin epoxy resin does not shrink. 

Why does my cured resin feel greasy?

When resin cures in humid conditions, a greasy film called amine blush can form on the surface due to the amines in the hardener.

To remove amine blush, wipe the surface with a damp cloth using warm, soapy water, followed by a rinse with plain water. Since amines are water-soluble, they should wash away easily without the need for solvents.

If any residue remains, use a more abrasive method like a scouring pad, though this may scuff the resin surface. If scuffing occurs, let the area dry completely. Then, wearing a dust mask, sand the surface, wipe it clean, and apply a fresh coat of resin to restore the gloss.

 Is it possible to over torch epoxy resin?

While torching is the best way to eliminate bubbles from the resin surface, be careful not to over torch. Move your Studio Torch smoothly and continuously across the surface, without stopping, much like ironing clothes.

Why does my PickResin mixture feel hot?

When you combine the resin and the hardener, a chemical reaction begins, producing heat. This is normal, and the heat is greater with larger quantities of the resin mixture.

However, if the resin is poured as a very thick layer, such as into a mold, or sits in a large quantity in the mixing cup for too long, especially after a warm water bath, it can heat up very quickly and cure prematurely or flash cure. To prevent this, pour in thin layers or sections, pour the mixture immediately after mixing, or divide the resin into smaller portions.