KG Tenax Polyester "Mix Up"- Not Hardening

[alohaandy]

I had a royal mixup...any suggestions tricks from the pros?
I colored KG Tenax and  split it into three containers to stage the back splash installation over three phases. Mix up occurred after using the 1st container and adding hardener to the 2nd container, then grabbing the non mixed 3rd container accidentally in the rush and using it to smooth out the backsplash joints just completed with the 1st batch mixed. Then I heard the dreadful pop of the just mixed container going off and realizing I was using the colored resin container without hardener on top of the 1st batch.
Back at the "scene of the crime" the next day, and unfortunately there is sticky colored resin on top of the hardened polyester in the back splash joints.
I am thinking there is a chance if I mix small batches and work it quickly with the non mixed in the joints, it may act as a catalyst to harden it all off. How thoroughly does the hardener have to be mixed to make a batch go off.
On another note, the tropical heat turns the hardener into a stiff paste in a couple weeks after opening the tube, is there a solvent that could be added to soften the hardener?

[Mark D.]

First problem...if you have a glue mess from non hardened glue sitting in your seams get some acetone or denatured alcohol out and a rag and wipe it off. Then mix a new batch with color and hardener (color first, when color is right add hardener) and top coat the seams with glue. Let it dry, razor blade it flush, wipe it once with the rag that is damp from the acetone or denatured alcohol and that should fix the problem.
Second issue is the hardener... since the active ingredient in the hardener will break down with heat you should store the hardener in a cool dry place. If you store them in the heat after awhile they won't make the chemical reaction occur with the resin.

Glad to be of service,
Mark

[Ray]

On occasions, the manufacturer does make a bad batch. Give them a call.

[Mark D.]

By the way, the catalyst on these is made from Benzoyl Peroxide and it will break down over time, especially if it is left in the heat.
Maybe all you need is a new hardener.
You can get them here, if you have the quart can get the smaller one:
http://www.defusco.com/Tenax-Polyester-Hardener-Only180Ml-Tube
http://www.defusco.com/Polyester-Hardener-Only-45Ml-Tube

Glad to be of service,
Mark