Oil
based enamels do not dry through evaporation. Instead, curing occurs as the
paint reacts with oxygen, resulting in polymerization. This reaction with
oxygen can actually continue for years during which the physical properties of
paint can change. Reactions between different coats of primer and paint can
also complicate drying.
based enamels do not dry through evaporation. Instead, curing occurs as the
paint reacts with oxygen, resulting in polymerization. This reaction with
oxygen can actually continue for years during which the physical properties of
paint can change. Reactions between different coats of primer and paint can
also complicate drying.
Sign
enamels are usually dry to the touch after 6 hours and ready to handle after a
day. If your paint is drying too slowly, here are a few possible causes:
enamels are usually dry to the touch after 6 hours and ready to handle after a
day. If your paint is drying too slowly, here are a few possible causes:
1. The
chemistry of today’s paints is complex. In the past, you could get away with
using any number of different solvents to thin paint. Modern paint formulations
are not so forgiving. Always use the reducers recommended by the manufacturer.
chemistry of today’s paints is complex. In the past, you could get away with
using any number of different solvents to thin paint. Modern paint formulations
are not so forgiving. Always use the reducers recommended by the manufacturer.
2. The
environment plays a big role in drying time. Oil paints, by their very nature,
take longer to dry than water based paints. Drying can take longer when ambient
temperatures are lower or when humidity is higher. If you are painting with
1-Shot lettering enamel, use their #6001 Low Temp Reducer, when the temperature
is below 65° F.
environment plays a big role in drying time. Oil paints, by their very nature,
take longer to dry than water based paints. Drying can take longer when ambient
temperatures are lower or when humidity is higher. If you are painting with
1-Shot lettering enamel, use their #6001 Low Temp Reducer, when the temperature
is below 65° F.
3. Application
also affects drying. Make sure that the paint is thoroughly mixed before
application. Prior to paint, prep the surface to remove any contaminants, such
as wax or grease. Prime the surface with a primer recommended by the
manufacturer to ensure compatibility of materials.
also affects drying. Make sure that the paint is thoroughly mixed before
application. Prior to paint, prep the surface to remove any contaminants, such
as wax or grease. Prime the surface with a primer recommended by the
manufacturer to ensure compatibility of materials.
4. Do
not thin the paint any more than is required to achieve the desired viscosity
for brushing. Apply thin coating of paint.
not thin the paint any more than is required to achieve the desired viscosity
for brushing. Apply thin coating of paint.
5. Allow
sufficient drying time between coats of paint. When shop conditions are optimal,
you still should allow at least 12 to 16 hours between coats of paint. Sometimes
more drying time between coats is needed, especially when the ambient
temperature is between 50° F and 65° F. At temperatures below 50° F the paint
may not dry completely.
sufficient drying time between coats of paint. When shop conditions are optimal,
you still should allow at least 12 to 16 hours between coats of paint. Sometimes
more drying time between coats is needed, especially when the ambient
temperature is between 50° F and 65° F. At temperatures below 50° F the paint
may not dry completely.
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About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 450 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.