TotalBoat Wet Edge topside paint is considered an 'air-dry' coating, which means it requires exposure to the ambient air to dry. However, under certain conditions, it may not dry completely during the recommended dry times.
For propery drying, it's important to prepare the surface properly because any contamination can delay drying or affect the finished surface. To help ensure the best foundation for Wet Edge boat paint, be sure to follow all surface preparation instructions carefully.
Environmental conditions are usually the reason Wet Edge topside paint doesn't dry properly. Rain, dew, fog or high humidity conditions can drastically delay drying of TotalBoat Wet Edge because they reduce the coating's exposure to the air. Also, any water, moisture, or dampness that settles on the paint can make it to look dull and flat.
It's important to note that Wet Edge WILL eventually dry - but under certain conditions, it may just longer than specified.
The ideal conditions for applying Wet Edge are temperatures between 50-90°F, and lower relative humidity. Keep in mind that cooler conditions slow the cure dramatically, and warmer conditions and direct sunlight can make the paint dry too quickly or inconsistently. Wait until after the dew has evaporated in the late morning, and avoid painting in direct sunlight and windy conditions. Also, don't paint in mid to late afternoon when dew can form and affect the cure time.
Other than proper surface prep and ideal environmental conditions, you'll also want to do the following:
- Apply Wet Edge @ 3 mils WFT (wet film thickness), per coat. If applied thicker than this, it can take a really long time to cure. It can also form a skin on the surface, trapping uncured paint underneath, which may leave it feeling gummy or soft for days - even weeks.
- Use only the solvents recommended for thinning Wet Edge, depending on application method, and don't use more brushing thinner or spraying thinner than recommended because it can delay curing under certain circumstances. Do not sand or recoat Wet Edge until the previous layer has cured sufficiently. Before sanding, always wait at least the minimum amount of dry time. If you start to sand and the surface feels sticky or gummy, or doesn't sand easily to a find powder, you'll need to wait longer for it to cure. Sanding or recoating too soon can extend the cure time for subsequent coats, or leave the surface soft and gummy.
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