Paint / Clearcoat cure times

sc2_ct · 04-18-2004, 12:21 AM

Unfortunately I forgot to get the instructions with some paint and clearcoat that I picked up (Sherwin Williams Automotive), and just finished spraying my bumper (it was all beat to hell from eating asphault). This was done with a spray gun and air compressor (not spray can). I was just wondering how long people would recommend letting the peice set before I break out the compounds, polishes and wax?

The paint went on well enough, but I'd hate to have to redo it all just because I got itchy to get down to the finish preparation.

Also, the Sherwin Williams paint went on awesome -- markedly better than the PPG that I used last time.

Revolver · 04-18-2004, 01:01 AM

Depends a lot on heat. What kind of temperature is the bumper seeing. If it is 80+ degrees...at least 8 hours. If it is colder...add an hour or two per 10 degrees. What you need to realize is the "color" portion of paint never really dries. The chemicals do, but the dye doesn't. That is why when you clean a wall in your house you get a little bit of color even if it was painted years ago.

sc2_ct · 04-18-2004, 01:32 AM

Yeah, I'm just concerned with the clearcoat being dried. It's about 70-F in the garage right now, and I wasn't planning on getting into the polishing portion until early afternoon tomorrow, which would be about 24 hours. I'll just check to be sure on a hidden spot (I did a small spot on the inside of the bumper just to check this sort of thing). Thanks for the info

KAdams4458 · 04-18-2004, 03:39 PM

Well, what type of paint did you shoot on this thing? I'm guessing a urethane enamel since those are most common.

If that's the case, I wouldn't attempt rubbing it out until it's cured for nearly a week, and wouldn't even think of waxing it for at least a month.

lysis · 04-19-2004, 08:28 PM

so how long would you wait until it's drivable then keith?

KAdams4458 · 04-20-2004, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lysis

so how long would you wait until it's drivable then keith?

Smart ass. LOL.

I'd drive it as soon as 24 - 48 hours after spraying, but I'd prefer it to fully harden before doing any buffing or polishing. I learned what I know from one of the best damn body and paint guys on the planet, and if you saw his work, you'd listen to everything he says, too.

sc2_ct · 04-20-2004, 11:05 PM

The shop gave me the wrong clearcoat activator by mistake, so I've got it chemically stripped and am just about to re-spray the primer

. I'll definately give it a week or so before polishing it, and then just use a teflon spray-wax when I have to go to the show.

RB26DETT · 04-21-2004, 03:00 AM

do not wax the paint for a couple of weeks, the gases from the paint/clear are still escaping the paint, it you wax it, it will trap them in and it can cause chipping or bubbles.

sc2_ct · 04-21-2004, 03:13 AM

I'll risk having to repaint. I've got to shine it up for the show, but I can use some naptha to remove the wax after the show and cross my fingers.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.