How long to let color coat dry?

[PUSHER]

Couldnt find it on the can, how long should I let the color coat dry before I apply a clear coat? Thanks.

[2ManyZs]

EScanlon can probably give you a good estimate, but you'll have to supply a little more info, such as type of paint, type of reducer you used etc...

[gema]

EScanlon is AWESOME. Just thought I'd add that.

[EScanlon]

2MZ' is correct. The type of paint and how much paint you put on are all factors.

I prefer to let lacquer sit overnight and then give it a color-sand, before clearcoating. That way your clear highlights all your work best.

With Enamel, typically you are better off shooting one or two coats just like it were the next shot of color. You have to be careful though, most clear tends to super activate and flow out the base color when shot in this manner. This really helps the gloss, but it makes it tricky to avoid a run or a sag.

Depending on the manufacturer, you can usually wait up to 2-3 hours after a color coat and still have the clear coat stick properly and better yet, still flow out nicely and minimize your orange peel. The biggest problem you run into with this method is making sure that you can keep an eye for the "wet line" and not overshoot it or once again it will run / sag.

Now if you're shooting with spray cans...then just wait a normal amount of time between coats and go for it. Clear in a spray can tends to evaporate as fast as paint and rarely do you cause a problem unless you get too greedy in the amount of paint you lay down. Take it easy and allow it to flash before you shoot the next coat.

Hope this helps.

Enrique Scanlon

P.S. Thanks for the compliment Gema.