Yes, epoxy shrinks as it cures. If you can, put the forms back in the hull and tape your deck back in position right away. If you can, get it warm (like in the sun or under a tarp with a heater), something like 100 to 115 degrees.You might be able to soften it up enough to get the spread you need. This will rapidly cure it however, so you will only have one shot at it. I never store the hull or deck apart without using spreader sticks and strapping tape, or forms cut in half horizontally and taped in place. Humidity changes and curing resin will try to move things around and cause problems joining the deck to the hull.

BTW, a post cure like the above after all resin work is complete will help move things along for sanding and help reduce "print through".

Ted

: Does epoxy shrink when it dries?? I coated the underside of my deck
: yesterday. Put it on this morning and it has drawn up big time. It's going
: to take some serious force to pull it back into shape. I expected some
: movement but nothing like this!