I applied a coat of polyester resin to a plug. It was waxed and should have fully cured. Two days later it is still tacky, too soft to sand.The resin left in the pot gelled properly, I don’t know whether it fully hardened as I threw it away. I used resin from a container that had been open for approx 4 months but stored at a consistent 65 degrees. Application temp 72 degrees although the application shed is very tight so vapors persisted in the air for at least 36 hours. So, what do I do? The plug is 62 sq ft so it would be hard getting it all off.
Does wax settle out in stored resin, could I apply wax to surface.
Can I re-coat hoping the new top coat cures both.
Even though it’s tacky, would the presence of wax inhibit bonding.
Thanks
Okay, I’m guessing you coated the plug with polyester resin to create a surface you could sand out and polish. If that’s correct you are doing (or at least attempting) a whole lot of work that isn’t necessary. Resin is hard to sand. There are coatings specifically made for this part of the process. Duratec is one name brand.
If I was you, I’d 1) get some surfacing primer (like Duratec makes) and 2) coat the plug with that and then sand. Since you used what was supposed to be a waxed resin, conventional wisdom says don’t overcoat. However, the surface is sticky so you should bond without problems.
I applied this coat on top of wood strips and fairing compound with the intention sanding and then adding two layers of glass to ensure the plug retains its shape. I think I will go ahead with the glass. If it’s too tacky to sand I ought to get decent adhesion.