A successful epoxy project always involves several key phases: measuring, mixing, and applying. It's during these phases, along with any optional steps, that mishandling can occur, leading to potential problems such as stickiness or incomplete curing.

In this article, we'll discuss the reasons your table top epoxy might be sticky and provide tips on how to avoid common pitfalls that can result in a sticky or tacky surface, as well as other flaws.

Why Table Top Epoxy Can Sometimes Become Sticky

The epoxy process involves a straightforward series of steps that must be followed carefully. Although epoxy is generally easy to work with, even compared to other sealants, attention and care are still necessary to achieve excellent results, and without them, users may end up with a brittle, tacky, or sticky epoxy finish.

So, why does table top epoxy sometimes become sticky? Here are some common reasons:

• A low-quality epoxy was used for the project.
• The epoxy was measured incorrectly.
• The resin was not blended evenly in the mixing container.
• Excess moisture came into contact with the finish during curing.

Let’s delve into each of these reasons in more detail.

Reason #1: A Low-Quality Epoxy Was Used for the Project

Choosing a high-quality epoxy is is essential to a successful project, and it's always wise to get it from a reputable supplier.

Today, aspiring epoxy users have access to a wide range of epoxy resin brands. Unfortunately, this apparent diversity is misleading. Many low-cost budget epoxy products are sold under various untrustworthy brand names, especially on major third-party marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.

The State of Epoxy: A Market Flooded with Inferior Products

In these cases, two main issues arise. First, manufacturers often flood search results for terms like "epoxy resin" or "tabletop epoxy" with multiple listings for the same product, creating the illusion of choice when, in reality, it’s just the same producer presenting itself multiple times under different names.

Second, these epoxy products typically come at suspiciously low prices. The old saying "you get what you pay for" rings particularly true in the world of epoxy resin. Low-cost epoxy often suffers from formula flaws. Many of these products are manufactured overseas, where they may not adhere to the same regulatory standards as those in the U.S., allowing producers to cut corners on quality and safety. This results in substandard resin reaching unsuspecting users.

A Premium Epoxy Solution

To avoid the pitfalls of inferior resin with poor performance, look for high-quality epoxy from a trusted dealer.

At Primaloc, we offer only premium epoxy resins made in the USA. Our products meet not only U.S. quality and safety standards but also our own stringent criteria, ensuring you receive a reliable product that lasts for years.

In our store, you’ll find our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy. This resin cures crystal clear and provides our strongest finish, capable of resisting various forms of damage with an expected lifespan of over seven years.

Reason #2: The Epoxy Was Inaccurately Measured

Before mixing your resin batch, it's essential to accurately measure the components. Epoxy consists of two separate components that only harden when blended together.

Each type of epoxy has its own specific mixing ratio that must be followed for optimal results. For most tabletop epoxies, including our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy, the mixing ratio is 1:1 (resin to hardener).

However, other epoxy types may have different ratios. For example, our Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy has a mixing ratio of 2:1 (resin to hardener).

When measuring your epoxy batch, always measure by volume rather than weight, as the components may have different weights.

To learn more about how to measure epoxy correctly, check out our guide here!

Reason #3: The Resin Wasn't Evenly Blended in the Mixing Container

After measuring your epoxy components, the next step is to mix them together. The method you choose will depend on the size of your batch.

Use Stir Sticks for Small Batches

For small batches, the best approach is to mix manually using stir sticks. Avoid using a power drill, as its strong force can introduce air bubbles into the epoxy, which can be difficult to remove.

Use a Power Drill and a Stir Stick for Large Batches

For larger batches, a power drill is more efficient. Since these batches fill the container deeper, the mixing drill bit can be submerged enough to prevent air from being pulled in during mixing.

Using a power drill also reduces physical strain on your arm and wrist, making it easier to mix larger amounts of epoxy within the necessary timeframe.

Although optional, it’s a good practice to periodically use a stir stick to scrape the sides and bottom of the container during mixing. This helps dislodge any resin that may stick to the sides, ensuring a thorough blend of both components.

Once mixing is complete, remember that you’ll have a limited time to apply the epoxy to your project substrate. For tabletop epoxy, this window can be as short as five minutes, while deep pour epoxy typically allows up to 25 minutes for careful pouring.

For additional tips on mixing resin batches, check out our guide here!

Reason #4: Excess Moisture During the Epoxy's Curing Phase

The final reason on our list is moisture. While epoxy is waterproof once cured, it requires a low-humidity environment without moisture exposure to fully cure properly.

To ensure optimal curing conditions, keep the relative humidity levels in your workspace below 60%. It’s also essential to maintain a warm, but not hot, temperature—ideally around 75°F.

Create a Controlled Environment for Your Project

The best approach is to complete your epoxy project in a climate-controlled environment. If that’s not feasible, you can create a temporary enclosure using PVC piping, painter's plastic, and duct tape. Inside this makeshift space, you can use space heaters to maintain the appropriate temperature of 75°F.

Other Issues That Can Arise with Mishandled Epoxy

In addition to a sticky surface, there are several other problems that can arise with epoxy if not handled properly, including:

• Air Bubbles: While these can be removed with a heat gun, excessive bubbles can make it challenging to eliminate them all.
• Yellowing: This is a common issue caused by aging or prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Learn how to prevent this here.
• Murky or Cloudy Surfaces: This often happens when epoxy cures in an environment with excessive heat or humidity. For tips on ideal curing conditions, read here.
• Brittleness: Other than from low-quality epoxy, this problem can occur if the epoxy curing process is rushed, often due to excessive heating.

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

With our premium Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our Deep Pour Epoxy, Primaloc gets the job done. Our epoxy resins are premium-grade, with high performance in every category, including:

• Unmatched Strength: A Primaloc finish won't buckle, even under high pressure.
• Long-Lasting Resilience: Primaloc epoxy lasts for many years with minimal care, and can endure high-traffic environments with ease.
• A Crystal-Clear Coating: With its pristine, transparent appearance, looking at a cured Primaloc coating is like peering through a window.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.