Why Did My Coloured Epoxy Resin Cure Sticky? Troubleshooting Guide

Discovering your coloured epoxy resin project hasn’t set properly and remains tacky can be frustrating. Fortunately, a sticky finish is usually preventable by paying attention to a few key factors in the colouring and curing process.

Common Causes for Sticky Coloured Resin

When your coloured resin cures with a sticky or soft finish, it’s often down to one of the following mistakes:

Too much pigment: Overloading your resin with colourant can interfere with its ability to set. Stick within the manufacturer’s recommended pigment ratio, which for most concentrated colourants is only a few drops per 100g of resin mix.
Improper mixing: If resin and hardener aren’t fully blended, sections may not cure at all, resulting in soft or sticky patches. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of your mixing container and mix for the suggested amount of time.
Wrong mixing order: Adding pigment to the hardener before combining with resin, rather than to the fully mixed resin, can obstruct the chemical reaction needed for a complete cure.

How to Avoid Sticky Resin When Colouring

To ensure a proper cure every time, measure your colourant precisely and always mix it in after resin and hardener are fully combined. Opt for high-quality, highly concentrated colourants such as the Colourfun Set, which delivers vivid results with minimal additive, preserving your resin’s curing ability.

Never exceed 5% colourant to resin by weight unless specifically indicated by your product.
Mix resin and hardener thoroughly before introducing tints or pigments.
Follow the curing times and temperature guidelines for your specific resin system.

When This Matters Most

A perfect cure is particularly crucial for items subject to handling—such as jewellery, coasters, or art with exposed edges. Sticky surfaces can attract dust and prevent finishing steps like varnishing or sanding, so getting your process right is key to a professional result.

Related guides

How To Colour Epoxy Resin

By following careful pigment measurements and proper mixing, you can achieve reliably cured, vibrant epoxy projects. For more advice on getting the best results, explore our guide on how to colour epoxy resin.