[RocktimusPryme]

When Ive done DIY paint in the past, I have always just followed the TDS of the product. Which for urethane products like I am using, will usually say 15ish minutes flash time in between coats of Single Stage or Clear.

Ive been lurking on the SPI (Southern Polyurethanes Inc) forums. Both the forum users and a tech guide on the page often recommend much longer flash times between coats. Including letting an epoxy seal coat sit at least 6 hours or even better overnight before applying the color. And the same with letting it sit for longer before applying the clear.

The talking point that I have seen is that the directions in the TDS are usually geared towards shops where time is money, so they are giving you the minimum time required for flash etc. But for the hobbyist where you arent losing overhead for every minute that passes there is a benefit to longer times between coats. They are especially adamant about letting the epoxy sealer sit for longer.

To me, the only big benefit for someone like myself painting outside of a real paint booth, is if I let it sit longer I can then tack rag between coats more safely to reduce dust contamination.

What say you guys?

Snips from the SPI "Perfect Paint Job Tech" https://www.southernpolyurethanes.co...ect-paint-job/

When all the primer blocking, and any necessary primer repairs are finished it is always best to use the epoxy as a sealer. Mix up enough epoxy to go around the car with one wet coat and adding a double shot glass of SPI 885 Urethane Reducer per quart. Let the epoxy sit for 30 minutes. Stir one more time and strain. Spray one full wet coat of epoxy over the entire car. The epoxy should sit for 6 hours before spraying basecoat, the best option is let it sit overnight.

It’s very important to use the slowest urethane reducer in your basecoat that you can get away with regardless of outside temperature. Even if you spray at 70- 75 degrees, use slow reducer in the base. Just allow enough extra time for the basecoat to flash off and dry. The difference between a slow grade and medium grade reducer will show up in the final gloss.

Spray the first coat and let it totally dry before spraying the second coat. It is best to wait 30-45 minutes between coats of base. Always wait 45 minutes between base colors that contain a lot of black pigment.

Random supplemental question.

How to I keep a wet edge in the middle of the station wagon roof? On the sides I can walk the side of the car, but with the middle of the roof where I have to use a stand then get down and move the step ladder how should I go about that?