You’ve poured your artwork, waited 24 hours, and… it’s still sticky!
Don’t worry — this is one of the most common issues every resin artist faces. The good news? It’s fixable.
Let’s break down why resin stays sticky, how to fix it, and how to prevent it next time especially if you’re using Magnifico One Resin or 12H Ultra Clear Casting Resin.
Common Causes of Sticky Resin
- Wrong Mixing Ratio - Most epoxy systems, including One Resin, require 3 parts A (resin) to 1 part B (hardener) by volume. Even a small error in ratio leads to under-curing or tackiness.
Pro Tip: Always use marked measuring cups — never guess by eye -
Under-Mixing - If you stop mixing too early, unmixed resin remains on the sides or bottom, causing sticky patches. You must mix slowly for 3–5 minutes, scraping every edge.
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Low Room Temperature - Epoxy cures best between 22°C–28°C.If the temperature is too low, curing slows dramatically — leaving your piece tacky even after a day.Place your work in a warm, dust-free area or use a small heater nearby.
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Too Much Pigment - Pigments look gorgeous — but using more than 5% by weight can interfere with resin chemistry. Stick to Magnifico Pigments, which are ultra-concentrated and resin-compatible.
- Moisture or Contamination - Humidity, damp molds, or oils on your mixing surface can stop curing. Always work on clean, dry, and dust-free surfaces.
How to Fix Sticky Resin
Option 1: If It’s Soft or Sticky on Top
- Scrape off as much tacky resin as possible with a spatula.
- Wipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove residue.
- Lightly sand the surface with 320–600 grit paper.
- Mix a new batch of resin correctly and pour a thin flood coat on top.
- Allow full cure for 16–24 hours.
Option 2 : If its Sticky Throughout
- Place the project in a warm room (25–28°C) for 24 more hours.
- Sometimes, low temperature delays the chemical reaction — a bit of warmth completes it.
- If still sticky after 24 hours, repour a fresh batch over a sanded surface.
Option 3 : If Only the Surface Feels Tacky
- Dust, oil, or CO₂ exposure can cause a tacky film.
- Simply wipe with isopropyl alcohol and apply a thin resin topcoat.
Option 4 : If you Mixed Pigment Heavily
- Sand off the top sticky layer and recoat with clear One Resin to seal it.
- Avoid using acrylic paint or water-based tints directly in future pours.
Bonus Tip: Resin Revival Hack
If your resin surface is sticky but the bottom is cured — Warm the artwork with a heat gun for 2–3 minutes at a safe distance. This often helps complete the curing of thin top layers