Resin not hardening

[kmooresd85]

I’m trying to cast lure with resin. I’ve always used a mix of 1oz micro balloons, .5 oz A and .5 oz B and was working ok. I recently got new resin but In gallon bottles instead of the smaller bottles I usually get, but the same brand (specialty resin). When I use this mix, it doesn’t harden up and the cast falls a part and is soft when I take out of the mold. I tried shaking and mixing both bottles but am still running into the same problem. Any suggestions?

[Hughesy]

I would cut back on the micro balloons .5 and pour one to see if that's the problem. If it works, you can gradually increase the balloons until you get a fail.

[kmooresd85]

I tried at .5 microballoons, and it seemed to have hardened. I can increase as you said, but I’m also curious to know why this batch is doing this when the last one had no issue. Another weird thing is I ordered through Amazon as repeat orders and one order came with smaller bottles (expected) but my second order came with bigger bottles. I’m wondering if someone sent me out an old batch or something.

[Anglinarcher]

No amount of microballons will stop the mix fromhardening, but incomplete or improper mixing of part A and B will.  Try mixing Part A and Part B first, then quickly add the microballons.  That should do it if .......

First, resin can and will separate.  Shaking may not be adequate on large and old supplies of resin.  Making a mixer out of bent wire, like a metal coat hanger (do they still exist?  LOL) and using it on a drill will ensure a good mix first.  Then next step do the process above.

[Hillbilly voodoo]

My opinion would be no different then Anglinacher’s 

You can mix micro balloons to resin till it’s really thick to the point pouring becomes an issue and it still hardens. Personally I add together A and B then add micro balloons and stir it all together 

I have had issues with old resin not hardening proper but it was old. The hardner was partially crystallized. I still got it to work after mashing the crystals up and trying again. It leaves yellow spots in the blank where there was a crystal chunk though 

Only other times I have had issues is if I did not mix equally. A little too much hardner you are ok but not enough you get a sticky soft blank

[kmooresd85]

Thanks guys! Mixing A and B first actually seemed to do the trick. I didn’t even have to use a drill, but just stirring it up seemed to do it. I was concerned because I ordered the 16oz bottles but was sent the 32 by mistake so I thought maybe I got an old batch or something. If it’s working, then lucky me I guess

Edited June 11, 2020 by kmooresd85