Question about the new water-based clear coats in humid weather

I keep seeing guys in our shop rush the flash-off time on these new water-based clears, especially when it's muggy. We had a job in Savannah last week where the humidity was 80% and a guy tacked it after 10 minutes, which led to solvent pop on a whole quarter panel. The tech sheet for that PPG line clearly says 15-20 minutes at 70% humidity, minimum. How do you guys handle the wait time when the schedule is tight?

3 comments

3 Comments

linda11412d ago

Ever think you could cheat the flash time a little? I used to, until I had to redo a hood for the same reason. Now I just set a timer and walk away, even if the boss is breathing down my neck.

spencer_coleman12d agoMost Upvoted

Ugh, learned that the hard way too. I just keep a cheap kitchen timer in my booth now. Boss can wait.

uma_williams12d ago

Yeah my buddy tried that once... rushed a clear coat and the whole thing orange peeled. He spent more time fixing it than if he'd just waited.