RE: Epoxy cure problem
I suspect your proportions were off. For small batches I squirt two ribbons of approximately the same length and thickness measuring by eyeball and this always results in a successful cure. Make a test batch being careful to get equal amounts and mix it well to see if it cures properly. If not, throw all of it out.
Also, painting epoxy on a surface really doesn't add much reinforcement; it just adds weight.